Benefit Concert

Sorry for taking so long in posting, our lives are starting to get a little crazy. Abby's benefit concert went really well. I was really touched at how many people not only showed up but donated some pretty extravagant things. We had everything from handmade quilts, TONS of gift baskets, a lot of local companies donated gift cards and season passes. Including a gift certificate for wedding cakes of up to $500. The eye institute donated a Lasik procedure of up to $8000. Lifetime donated a 2 person kayak. But I think the biggest ticket item of the night was the last minute surprise donation of a 5 night Hawaiian vacation for up to 8 people! The whole night was a success. T-minus 5 was Hilarious and so much fun to watch. They're energy filled the auditorium and got everyone up on their feet and dancing. Through all this I had my camera...but did I take a single picture? Of course not that would have been the smart thing to do. :p If I get my hands on any though I will post them. All in all it was a great night everything was sold and Nikki and Justin got quite a chunk of change to help out with their ridiculously high medical bills. But the best part of the whole evening? Through the wonderful invention that is technology. Abby got to be there through almost the whole thing via Skype. James had her Ipad the whole night. He walked it around showing her all the donation that people gave. Then he held it during the whole concert so she could be apart of all the fun. The first half of the show T-minus 5 didn't know this but I guess someone told them cause after the intermission when they started the second half of the concert they had James sit right up front holding the Ipad and they included Abby in the show. Talking to her, singing to her, etc. It was so cute. hey even did a special little tribute to her. To block out excess noise James had the ear phones plugged in and had one in his ear. He said that during the video tribute Abby started to cry. James said it was hard to listen to her and not be able to give her a big hug. All in all the whole night was a huge success. Everyone, including Abby had a great time. Lots of people got to go home with some great auction items. I am so glad we were able to make the journey north to be apart of Abby on her big night. We got to go see her Sunday as we headed out of town we spent about 4 hours with her and her mom just talking and playing games. She got to go home the week after that. She is doing well. She has 2-3 doctor visits a week, 34 pills she has to take daily at the exact same time not a minute to soon or late. When she is inside she has to stay kinda confined to her room. She cant be around pets or any kind. When she goes out she has to wear a mask. There are just so many restrictions for the first few months after a heart transplant. Little cold bugs and viruses that would not bother us or put us in bed for a day or two could kill her. Normal allergens that we are use to..like the ones our pets carry could cause heart rejection. It's just crazy all the things she has to watch for. Her and her mom joke that maybe she should be put in a plastic bubble for awhile. :p She is doing well though. She is very glad to be home and close to family and friends.