Brad Paisley / Jewel Concert
We went to another concert recently. Ashleigh has been a big Jewel fan forever and Jewel was in concert in Cincinnati with Brad Paisley.
We had a really good time made a lot better when my wife was able to get Ashleigh into the Meet and Greet sessions with both Jewel and with Brad Paisley. Trying to find the right people to get permission to be in the Meet and Greet is very difficult. I asked my wife if she was sure it was worth it. She said that when she saw Ashleigh’s big smile when she met Jewel and Brad that it was definitely worth it. There is so little Ashleigh can do for entertainment that anything that brings her joy is well worth any trouble on our end. I just wish we could do more.
When we got to meet Brad Paisley after his show we had even a bigger surprise. My wife told Brad that we were disappointed that we did not catch the hat Brad threw into the audience. She said Ashleigh would be happy to take his shirt instead. (I think she was joking but she and Ash both think Brad is very handsome) Brad said he didn’t know about a shirt but that he thought he could come up with something. He said he would get a hat from the bus and give to her. He sent the hat back autographed to Ashleigh.
Ashleigh picked the hat off of her lap and I thought she was going to try and look at it. No way, she tried to put the hat on her head. I helped her a little and she wore that hat all the way home, smiling all the way. Ashleigh’s brother keeps trying to trade her something for the hat but she keeps signing no deal to all of his offers.
The other acts at the concert were Julianne Hough and Chuck Wicks both of whom were very good. However, when I suggested my wife arrange a Meet and Greet with Julianne Hough I got punched in the arm for asking.
We knew from meeting Jewel before how sweet she is and she was just as gracious this time. Ashleigh gave Jewel a copy of a picture we took with Ashleigh and Jewel from one of her concerts a few years ago. Ashleigh gave her cousin Celeste’s husband, Chris, one of the pictures Jewel gave us and he is very happy.
Brad Paisley is also very, very nice. He was so kind to Ashleigh and wanted to make sure she had enjoyed the show and had a good time. He went out of his way to give her the cowboy hat and we are very appreciative. My wife said it felt like we had known him for a long time even after spending just a few minutes with him.
Thanks again so much to Jewel and Brad and all of the people that helped us get Ashleigh back to meet them including the people at Hersheys who made some calls.
I would like to comment on your website. It is very nicely done. It has been a help to me to read through all of the things you have gone through.
We recently have been going through the same thing. My son Alex fell in Mexico while sleepwalking.He fell two stories and landed on his head. He recieved a TBI and was given a 10 percent chance of living. This was in January of 2008. He is home now after 6 months of 4 hospitals and 1 rehab cneter in Chicago. He is talking, walking with assistance, and helping us get in and out of bed. We went through basically everything you went through. Sickness,seizures,agitation,not sleeping,and left side paraylsis. It is improving, but as you know takes time. His physical therapy is going well. His brain injury has effected his thought process. He was a 4.0 grade college deans list student. Now, he is unable to attend college at the moment. His short term memory is very bad. Last night they had a party for two of his friends going away to college. He keeps asking me (When am i going back to college?)That is one thing he is getting depressed about. His friends and fraternity brothers have been unbelievable to him. They come to visit 2-3 time a week. He has visitors almost every night. His old school is having a benefit for him on September 12th. he is going to deliver the ball. He wants to walk to the middle of the field on his own power. That is his goal in therapy. I hope he achieves it.
I have read all of your blogs, and have seen most of the same problems, going through insurance carriers, dealing with stupid doctors and health care professionls. My poor wife has filled out more paperwork then i have ever seen in my life. She is and insurance agent, so she knows the ins and outs of the game you have to play. We finnaly got Alex’s first Social Security check.
I thank you again for the blogs and advise you have posted. I have used a lot of the information when my son first got hurt. Thanks again.
I have spent past few hours reading your website and it has helped me tremendously. My friend was in a motorcycle accident 11 days ago and I’m having a hard time dealing w/ the possibility of my close friend not recovering fully. I am trying my best to offer help to his family with little stuff like mowing their lawn, and letting their dogs out to go to the bathroom, but I wish there was more I could do for them.
I visited him a few times in the ICU and I swear he stares at me when I’m just blabbing away, and I don’t care what anyone says… I think he raised his hand up for me to hold when I was standing at his bedside. I didn’t know what to do because his hand was all bandaged up and I didn’t want to hurt him.
Like you said, I’m going to do my best to stay active and vigilent in his long road to some kind of recovery.
Thanks for all of the info and blogs you put up for scared people like me!
you go cowgirl….keep up the good work..you have come along way in the last year that i have been reading your blog. i dont respond to many of your entrys but you are under my favorite list on the computer and i check every so often to be inspired by your hard work. you are amazing, as are your parents also. you continue to be in my prayers…kathy
Pretty interesting blog you've got here. Thanks the author for it. I like such topics and anything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.