Dreams do come true.

For the past 18 months, we have been doing everything we can to give Nick all of the experiences that will bring him joy.  The doctors have told us that his epilepsy is progressing and it is obvious to all that know him that his capabilities have diminished over this time.  I know that sounds awful, and we don’t like to focus on that.   So let me tell you about the miracle that happened.

Over a year ago, Nick told us that he wanted to meet Phil Coulter.  Mr. Coulter is an internationally renowned musician, producer, and songwriter.  He is originally from Derry City, Northern Ireland, but he travels the world.  Nick knows and loves his music, especially two of his famous songs, “The Town I Love So Well,” and “Scorn Not His Simplicity.”

Arden and I began talking to everyone that we knew in Derry City to see if anyone could help us make this happen.  Even though many people knew Phil, he isn’t living in Derry now and has been touring in the US.  Every few months, Nick would ask us again if he could meet Phil Coulter.  I would tell him that we were trying to make that happen.

Nick kept focusing on Phil Coulter and his music.  This past February we recorded Nick singing Scorn Not His Simplicity and he wanted it on YouTube.  Click here if you want to see it.

After we got to Ireland at the beginning of June, Arden was listening to the local radio station one morning.  They announced that Phil Coulter was holding a benefit concert in Lissadell Church, County Sligo.  We knew where Sligo was, we had to look up where Lissadell was.  It was only 2 hours away from our place.

Arden contacted the organizer for tickets.  She told him that the event was sold out, but when she heard about our Nick, she said that she could make it happen for the three of us.  We were thrilled.

We arrived at the church this past Wednesday evening about an hour before the doors opened.  Nick was so excited.  The church held about 300 people.  We were led to the front of the church to sit in the reserved section.  The concert was a memorable, never to be forgotten experience.  The man is the consummate musician and entertainer.

After the concert was over, we waited in line, as Phil greeted all who were there.  Signing CD’s and books as well as having photographs taken.  Then it was our turn.  The look on Nick’s face in the picture tells the whole story.  He absolutely loved it.

Since that night, Nick is telling everyone that he saw Phil Coulter sing.  We are grateful for the miracle of the experience.  Before two weeks ago, I couldn’t imagine how it would come to be and then it happened so naturally with everything falling into place.  Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

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