I remember hearing this phrase, life goes on, after my brother died in 1989. I thought it was a callous thing to say to a young girl who had just lost her brother. As I've gotten older though I've realized the brutal honesty of the meaning behind it. Life happens, it doesn't stop for pain, or hurricanes or terror attacks. The sun rises the next day and the world continues to hum along. As much as we'd like to curl up in a ball and lie sheltered away from the pain and suffering, we mostly can't. There comes a time when pushing forward is the only option. Over the weekend I nervously watched as a hurricane barreled into the home cities of multiple family members. This non stop weather watching was only interrupted by a scheduled photography shoot. This year I once again joined a generous group of Lansing area elites who arrived Sunday afternoon at the homestead of sports anchor Tim Staudt and his wife Cathy. This was their 15th year hosting this event at their home, where the MSU marching band, MSU Coaches, Sparty and various other local celebrities collaborate year after year for a fundraiser; Spartan Marching Band Concert for Kids Concert. This fundraiser event specifically helps the marching band as well as the Sparrow Foundation's Children Center. It's a festive event with everything decked out in red white and blue; and green.
As the attendees fine dined on catered food, snacks and drinks they settled in for a couple of hours of patriotic songs, celebrating all branches of the military as well as MSU Marching Band half time songs and of course multiple versions of the MSU Fight Song.
Despite the perfect pre-fall day here in mid Michigan there was a lot on everyone's minds. We were all quite aware of the weather happening in Florida. In fact the guests at the table my husband and I shared were from Stuart, Florida where my grandparents were residents and at that moment suffering 90 mile per hour gusts and torrential rains.
It was also difficult, on the eve of 9/11, to not feel emotional during a touching rendition of Amazing Grace and God Bless America. Throughout the event Tim brought to attention those attending that fought for our country, offering a chance to be seen and recognized. It was a humbling and touching moment to an already emotional day.
The excitement level increased dramatically when Sparty arrived, egging on the audience during the MSU Fight song and a few half time songs. He also diligently went through the crowd, with me in tow, as he posed with children in attendance, including Claire Stephens, Sparrow Foundation's 2017 Miracle Child.
When Coach Dantonio arrived he signed autographs and took photos with a few kids before being ushered to the front. There he gave a rousing speech about perseverance and gratitude. He even entertained the new band director, David Thornton, with an amusing attempt to be taught how to kick step. Before starting he looked straight at me and said to put my camera away until he noticed just about all 900 attendees all had their phone cameras pointed straight at him. He gave in and took the lesson with grace and gentility.
The event was solemn enough to keep in mind the suffering and destruction happening in other parts of the country but celebratory enough to be thankful for what we all still had.
It was a great reminder to keep on keeping on, especially with grace, gratitude and generosity.
I was greatly honored to be a part of this special event.
NOTE: All of my Florida family members are okay. There are power outages and trees down but everyone is safe.
