Our trip to Atlanta was eventful and wonderful. Stefan awoke with a headache on the morning of the Blues Fest but after a nap he was up and walking for the first time, alone, in many weeks. We made it to Rexx's just in time to meet up with Larry Griffith for the performance. Larry is a dear friend and one of the most incredible people one could ever know. He sings and plays by night and shares the Blues through the school systems in metro-Atlanta by day for free with the Atlanta Blues Society's Blues in the Schools program (http://atlantablues.org). One couldn't ask for a better friend or co performer - and he was all smiles as he carried Stefan down to the stage area. Stefan was so excited and got a bit nervous when he saw so many people there - there were hundreds! Larry's voice rang out melodically and as smooth as smooth can be as he sang a song for Rexx and Lesa and then Stefan walked to the stage with the tiniest bit of assistance. He had to sit to sing but sang his little heart out with Larry - an awesome reminder of the past. There was much applause afterwards as Stefan came back down to his hammock for a rest. Our friends, and awesome Blues DJs on WRFG (www.wrfg.org) , Bill and Pat said some very nice things to and about Stefan and Larry the following Monday Morning. Stefan was tickled to hear them say Hey on the radio. Blackjack did the same on Tuesday morning saying Hey to all the kids. They haven't heard friends on the radio since we moved to Virginia so it was such a treat to wake up to awesome Good Morning Blues and good friends each morning we were there. The trip was 14 1/2 hours each way. Melyssa Mae cut her 7th tooth on the way down. While we were in Atlanta we visited our many loved ones at Norton Park E.S. That was certainly what the doctor ordered! Every 2 feet of space Stefan made down the halls 4 or 5 more teachers came out to hug and love on him. Several people put the word out and friends/teachers all responded so positively that Stefan was smiling the whole time we were there. I really wish everyone could have this kind of school experience. The staff and faculty at Norton Park are so dedicated that they almost never go home. They always, without fail, remember every child they ever taught, thought about teaching, almost taught, and all their siblings and relatives names and ages and grades. And, to top it all off, they stay in touch with the aforementioned for the rest of our lives! Seriously, though -  wonderful, wonderful people with awesome hearts and spirits who have made it a point to let Stefan know how important he is and how much he matters. Julie, Tracy and some of the teachers sent Stefan a gift card and he has purchased his very own ash, blessed with the tail of a unicorn, Harry Potter wand. Now he stalks the mailman wating for it to arrive. He also received cd's and a T-shirt from his very own 2nd grade teacher - Brian McClenning - and his band and he is an official honorary member of the Norton Park Chorus courtesy of Mrs. Voland - a truely exceptional music teacher. Mrs. Voland had heard how distraught Stefan was on not making the chorus up here in Virginia. He was really sick when he tried out and couldn't retry. While he was in the hospital he was declined. I have never seen a little boy so sad in my life. Singing has always been Stefan's life and one of his passions. He has been singing quite a bit lately and it is wonderful to hear it in the house again. We also visited our friends at MUST ministries in Smyrna, and our friends who hang out at the Publix. We missed a few but hopefully, God willing, we will be able to spend some additional time back home during the summer. We will post the pictures from our trip as soon as I can figure out how to get them off the camera or can shanghy Jessica to do it for me. Oh! On the way back, while passing through the Shenendoah Valley, we were blessed by a beautiful vibrant rainbow with 2 ends visible. As we looked closer we saw it shadowed by a larger, less vibrant, double rainbow. What a site! We followed it for a while and tried to find the end but, alas, had to keep moving homeward. We so love our friends and extended family in Smyrna/Marietta/Atlanta and want them to know what a huge, positive impact they all have had and continue to have on Stefan and his spirit and his strength through this time. (We love our friends up here also!!!)