Music Man Ends

Yesterday afternoon was the 5th and final performance of "The Music Man". (PIC: Shayla, peach dress, on right)

While Shayla thoroughly enjoyed everything about being in it, we found we really missed spending time with her every night because she was at rehearsals instead. Thankfully (for us) that's over! We like being with her too; she's really fun.

Having fun, performing with new and old friends, and getting to wear make-up! She loved sharing this dressing room with three "older" girls. (In fact, two of them I knew as Christi's former dance/gymnastic classmates - made it kind of hard for me actually, but Shayla loved being with the "big" girls.)

I'm thankful many of our friends and family were able to come to town to watch her as it also allowed us to visit with them. Friends and family = tremendous blessings!


As I was getting ready to leave Shayla for practice one night early in their practices, a retired teacher from another town came up to me and said she just learned that Christi died. She retired the same year Christi was diagnosed and didn't know what happened to her, but she said she never expected to hear that. As we stood together both trying to blink away tears another sweet woman in the cast stepped forward and said, "Is this Shayla Thomas, Christi's sister?"

She introduced herself by saying, "I never put two and two together! I sent cookies to Christi in Philadelphia. I'm so sorry she didn't make it." I thanked her for the gift and told her how hungry Christi was for cookies at the end of her life. I'm so glad she said something and that I could meet her in person. Before yesterday's final show, I snuck a gift in her dressing room before she arrived, and a bookmark designed by Christi. (Pic: September 2006, at CHOP, trying to enjoy TV with daddy, but in a lot of pain)

Out of all of the musical pictures from the past two weekends, this is the only photo where an "orb" appeared. This is Shayla with her grandparents. Although she's done at the Ritz (until next weekend, cough) Shayla is anxious for school to get out and for Ritz Theatre Camp to begin. They will be performing "Pinocchio" this year. She can't wait!


In mourning over the loss of John I came across another picture I like because it shows him happy and surrounded by his family. Shayla is the little one in the picture. She just received a Christmas gift from Uncle John and Jenny, 2001. Rest in peace, Uncle John. We miss you!