I just had the honor of meeting one of my heroes! A man who has been an inspiration and blessing in my life--especially during these last two very trying months. This morning, I was embraced (and even kissed on the cheek) by Gail Halvorsen, "The Berlin Candy Bomber." What an incredible experience!!
I was handed his story six months ago and asked to direct a small play about him to present to the student body at my daughter's school for Veteran's Day. At that time, I had no idea what lie ahead. The following months were spent planning, writing, and working with a talented composer to create the first "Berlin Candy Bomber Musical." As we went, more talented and supporting women came forward.
We planned for two casts and six performances. Then came auditions and the task of finding a meaningful place for 165 students to take part. In the midst of it, Jeremy and I put our house on the market, bought a new home, and my father went into the CCU. Two weeks later, we moved and my father passed away. My children had to start at a new school. My mother moved in with us. So many changes took place all at once. My heart was broken over the sudden loss of my dad and the amount of change felt suffocating, but I had committed to this incredible story and was determined to see it through.
Over the following two months, I felt myself literally carried at times. Just when I started to feel hopeless about the tasks before me, an email, a good rehearsal, or a kind word from a friend would lift me back up. The night "Meet the Mormons" was released, I sat in the theater and watched this man who had impacted my life on the big screen and cried with pride for him and the connection I felt.
It got harder at the end. The stress of actually pulling it off was overwhelming. My mother helped me to care for family life while rehearsals and the play pulled at my attention. However, I saw the Lord's hand so real in my life. He gave me strength.
Performances have come and gone and they were miracles in and of themselves. The whole thing pulled together, the kids stepped up to challenge, and we created something truly incredible with a message of hope, love, and gratitude. At some performances, I stood backstage watching those children perform with their whole heart and souls and my heart swelled for them. I am so, so proud of those kids! They are an inspiration on their own. I just feel so blessed to have been a part of it!
Debbie, who had been the inspired cheerleader through it all, orchestrated a parachute drop to the students on Veteran's Day after the play had been presented to all of them. They were so sweet and my eyes swelled with tears again as I watched their delighted faces shine up at the falling parachutes. Their voices sing out "Drop it Here" from the play.
The cherry on top, though, was when the Candy Bomber himself heard of our production's success (his daughter had come to watch one of our performances) and decided to come meet all of us. This morning was incredible! This man's true calling in life is to inspire and lift and that is what he did for me. I feel so blessed. So, so blessed.
Mr. Halvorsen came and spoke to the whole school. He spoke of the kids in Berlin and how they never demanded or begged. They were just grateful for what they had... Freedom. He encouraged the children at the school to stay positive, be polite, and perform acts of kindness, no matter how small. His message: "Attitude, Gratitude, and the Little Decisions are what make a Difference."
Miracles Happen. And the experiences I have had over the last six months have been a life shaping miracle for me.
