I'll be your man

On Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16, my favorite guy and I were at the Zac Brown Band's Southern Ground Food and Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. Being huge lovers of food and music, we had been planning and eagerly awaiting this trip for months!

While we joined in the Woodstock-like barrage of fans all day and night Saturday, we splurged and enjoyed "the good life" on Sunday with stage box/front porch seats. 

I could go on and on about our trip to Charleston, the food and drink we shared, the sights we saw and the two-day festival but I'll save that for another time.  While my man has seen his favorite band numerous times, I have only seen the ZBB a total of four times. However, in each instance, I am continually impressed and become more of a fan. I have my favorite songs, of course, and I must say I was beyond ecstatic when the band performed "Free" and walked down our catwalk. To my surprise and delight, the fiddle player, Jimmy, stopped right in front of me and played my entire favorite song!

There were a multitude of magical moments that night - from being served a gourmet meal by famous chefs, enjoying an open bar, having seats on the stage to being able to grab Zac's hand as he walked past me to the cheering crowd below to having my man's arms around me and seeing that smile of sheer joy on his face that melts me every time.

But there is one moment that tore at my heartstrings and is a memory I will never forget.  While I have heard this song plenty of times and even experienced it live last year while in the pit at Nats Park, it never hit me like it did this Sunday night in South Carolina.

Along with Clay (a member of Zack's band), Eric Church (another favorite musician of mine) and two others, Zack wrote "I'll be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)".

As I stood there, singing along with every word, tears started to instantly roll down my face.

Was it because the friends we were hanging out with were a father/daughter pair?

Was it because I longed to have my dad with us?

Was it because the music itself is so beautiful and the words even more heartfelt?

Was it because I yearn for the day that the man I love would express those same words to our daughter?

Was it because it reminded me of my incredibly loving childhood and how my dad was not only the first man to love me but the one who continues to unconditionally love me?

Was it because, through all the heartbreak in my life, my dad is always there to hold me tight and make it all better?

Was it because, no matter what happens in this life, I know my dad will always be there for me cheering me on?

Was it because I could connect to the sheer simple love and devotion resonating from every word?

Was it because I instantly heard my own dad singing these words to me?

Yes, it was.

I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6fhlw_VnM

You’re gonna make
The finest mama some day
Some man will take you away
But until then

Chase down your dreams
Laugh all the time and believe
That love’s gonna conquer all things
So until then, I’ll be your man

There was a time when
I thought I knew love
Until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying
But you’re always
Gonna be my baby girl

So as you walk
Through this life you will see
The world’s what you want it to be
But until then

Go on and dance
Dance like there’s no one around
Never stop singing out loud
And until then, I’ll be your man

There was a time when
I thought I knew love
Until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying
But you’re always
Gonna be my baby girl

Go have a ball
Take every chance that you may
You know I’ll be one call away
I’ll always be, I’ll always be your man

Hold on child
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold on child
Hold on tight to your old man

I’m gonna hold you tight
Under my wing long as I can
Hold you tight
Under my wing long as I can

(Sweet child of mine)
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold on child
(Hold on tight)
Hold on tight to your old man

Hold you tight
(I’m gonna hold you tight)
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold you tight
(Hold on tight)
Under my wing long as I can

 

I later found out, that while I was sobbing my face off, my new friend asked my favorite guy if I had lost my dad. He explained that dad was fighting his fifth recurrence with prostate cancer and it was the worst yet.  She then turned to her dad who was standing next to her and thanked him "for everything".  When the song ended, she simply came over to me and hugged me with no words spoken and I clung on to her as if she'd disappear when I let go. She was obviously sent to me for a reason. The stranger I had met earlier that day who was sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with me was an oncology nurse in New Orleans! Divine intervention, no doubt.

I have always believed that people are brought into your life for a reason. Since my ladybug passed three years ago, I know for a fact that she has had a hand in delivering many important people to me and I am forever grateful.  The dedicated, supportive and encouraging people in my ZERO family are included in that group. Not only have they served as a way for me to fuel my passion but are truly genuine, passionate human beings.
 
I can't even begin to express the "extent of fantastic" that I experienced those four days with the love of my life in South Carolina. I was able to escape life for a while and "just be" without any effort at all. But the one moment that was truly a magical gift of the heart was standing outside in the warm South Carolina air, with the man who holds my heart by my side, listening to Zack Brown singing my dad's lullaby to his precious baby girl.


Don't worry, Dad. I'll always be your baby girl.
I'll always hold on tight to my old man. It's the least I can do.

Raffle and Silent Auction Items List!

A week from tomorrow is "fundraiser day" and I couldn't be more excited (and maybe a tad bit anxious)! I am ecstatic to say that 55 people have signed up and paid for their entry in advance!! I cannot thank you all enough! While the deadline to purchase tickets early has ended, do not fret, because you'll be able to pay at the door the night of the fundraiser. I would suggest you come early because I have a lot of items and fun things in store! You won't want to miss a minute!

Keeping in mind how many raffle and silent auction items I have received, here is your chance to make the most of your time at the fundraiser because you have a head's up on what will be offered! (Yes, I'm one who loves to plan ahead!)

Remember, I can only accept cash and checks for the $31 admission fee and for raffle tickets and silent auction bid winners.  There is an ATM machine across the street from Winestyles for your convenience. However, keep in mind bottles of wine and additional glasses of wine/beer may be purchased with a credit card, if you prefer.






RAFFLE AND SILENT AUCTION TEMS 

• Ornery Beer Company and Public House gift cards               
• Glory Days Grill gift cards              
• Confections Cupcakery gift certificate                                               
• Bittersweet Catering Café and Bakery gift card                                    
• Tour and Tasting Certificates at Murlarkey Distillery in Bristow
• Wine glasses and tastings at Vint Hill Craft Winery
• Gift Certificate for Pet Communication Session       
• Handmade wine bottle wind chimes
• Handmade Harry Potter gift box
• Set of five handmade thank-you cards
• Party Lite Hanging Votive Candle Holder
• Party Lite Nautical Jar Candle and Holder
• Tasting Certificates at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane
• Mason Dixon Café gift card
• Three-Class Pass at Soaring Spirit Yoga Studio
• BBQ Sandwich gift cards from Dixie Bones
• Authentic Autographed Photo of Washington Wizards Forward Kelly Oubre #12
• Crocheted baby blanket by local artist
• Various pieces and sets of handmade wheel thrown stoneware pottery by local artist
• One-of-a-kind handmade earrings by local silversmith
• Chiropractic office visit, consult and exam gift certificates
• 30-Minute Massage gift certificate
• Authentic Autographed hockey puck by Washington Capitals Mike Weber (NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WON BY AN ONLINE BIDDER 4/26)
• Thirty-One Gifts tote bags
• Premier tasting and tour for 4 at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford
• Gift card and beer from Adroit Theory Brewing Company in Purcellville
• Private wine cellar tasting for 4 at Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint Winery in Markham
• 45 minute mediumship/life guidance session with Barb Mallon, psychic medium
• Gift Basket from Adventure Brewing Company in Stafford including a t-shirt, glasses, growler and brewery credit
• Autographed Bottle of Roundstone Rye Whisky 92 Proof
• Handmade jelly roll quilt
• Two-night stay at a 1960s renovated bungalow in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
• Certificate for a custom hand-painted pet portrait from Woof's Meow Art Studio
• Gift card from Bistro L'hermitage in Occoquan
• Tasting Certificate and Cheese Platter from Blue Valley Vineyard in Delplane
• Certificate for two free guitar lessons
• Private Collection box of SJ9 cigars
• Washington Nationals baseball tickets
• DC United soccer tickets
• Pole Party certificate for up to 10 people
• "Girls Night In" basket
• Private tour and wine and cheese reception at Ingleside Vineyards in Oak Grove
• Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival gift certificate
• Monks BBQ gift card
• Jon David Salon gift card
• Nandos Peri Peri Restaurant gift basket
• Occoquan Inn and Tavern gift certificate for brunch
• Private tasting and tour for 8 at Old Bust Head Brewery in Warrenton
• Private tasting and tour for 12 at Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, including a growler, growler fill and glasses
• Gift basket from Otium Cellars in Purcellville including a wine bag, glasses and tasting certificate for four
• Gift certificate for a photography session
• Gift certificate for a Reiki session
• Southern Threads for Heads handmade beanies
• Tin Cannon Brewing Company gift basket including a gift card, mini growler and glasses
• Beachbody Fitness package
• Washington Redskins 2015 Laser Engraved Team Autographed football
• Certificate for Greens fees at Old Hickory Golf Club
• Gift basket from Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run including a bottle of wine, glasses and tasting certificates
• Taste of Oklahoma gift basket

OTHER ITEMS 

• All guests will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the evening!
• A local baker, Melissa Landon, is donating delicious "Cupcakes for the Cause" which will be displayed and sold for $1 each with all proceeds going to the Denny's Shotgun Riders team.

Don't forget to refer back to previous blog posts for information on the logistics of the fundraiser and also on specific businesses/items that will be available.

http://dennysshotgunriders.blogspot.com/2015/04/things-you-need-to-know-about-fundraiser.html

Thanks for your interest!  We can't wait to see you on April 28!

 

Important things to know about the fundraiser!

1.   If you have purchased a "ticket" in advance, you will receive a letter the week of April 18 with instructions. Please make sure to wear your wristband and bring your free drink ticket with you the night of the event. Extras will not be provided. Wearing your wristband will enable you to gain entry without having to stand in line. Please be patient with my friends who have graciously agreed to volunteer as my "money collectors" and "greeters".  
2.   For those of you who will be paying at the door on the night of the event, it will help move things along quicker if you have $31 in exact cash or if you have a check written out payable to "Valerie Moore".  You will need to sign in, provide payment and then receive you wristband and free drink ticket.  We appreciate your patience should there be a line when you arrive. Please note: The extra $5 from the advance ticket price will go directly to the cause.
3.  Regardless of how or when you pay, you MUST wear your wristband at all times during the event. This is an indication - to me and to the wonderful Winestyles staff that you have paid and are eligible for all of the event's perks.
4.  Make sure to walk up to the bar/register area to redeem your "free drink" ticket for one glass of wine or beer. Winestyles staff will collect your ticket for accountability purposes. For wine drinkers, there will be a pre-selected assortment of wines for you to choose from for your one free glass. For beer drinkers, since there is a smaller selection, you are able to choose from any of the three on tap or any of the non-oversized bottles provided in the case near the French doors.
5.  Heavy hors'douvres will be provided for all guests right inside of the French doors on your left as you enter the wine bar. To save space, our food will be set up on the Giorgios restaurant side. Please keep in mind that Giorgios is still open for business and be courteous to those customers and wait staff.
6.  Tax and tip is included in your entry fee but if you feel my friends at Winestyles have done a wonderful job of serving you at the event, please don't hesitate to give them a little extra. There is a tip jar at the wine counter by the register.
7.  If you haven't been to Winestyles, keep in mind that it's not a large place. Because it is in a strip mall, it also does not have an overabundance of parking.  Just make sure that you don't park illegally! We aren't responsible if you're towed or ticketed.
8.  Please dress comfortably. While there will be some seats, this is not a seated event. This also is not a pretentious "fancy-pants" event.  Come as you are and come ready to have fun, support my parents and raise some money for an incredible non-profit organization by way of the Denny's Shotgun Riders team!

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates and a listing of raffle and silent auction items. We will also have interactive door prizes where everyone will have a chance to win!

Thank you for being part of this second annual event! We can't wait to see you on the 28th!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. The main goal is to raise money. I am raising money for the non profit in which I feel very strongly. ZERO's mission is to end prostate cancer! I share that same mission and while the money I raise may not be able to directly help my dad at this stage, it will help other men and enable us to realize Generation Zero sooner rather than later. My dad has battled this disease for 20 years with the last two years being the worst struggle yet. I don't want any other man to have to endure this battle.

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. I have approximately 50 raffle items and silent auction items. I am excited about the incredible items that have been donated from such a wide array of individuals and businesses for this cause. My goal is obviously to reach the value of each of these items and in some cases surpass the value. While I want each of you to enjoy these items and hopefully some of you will even get a "good deal", the point is to raise money first and if you get a good bang for your buck good for you! So bring lots of cash and open up those checkbooks! More importantly, open up your hearts!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. You have also bought a ticket to a night full of fun, laughs, good food and drink, family and friendship. You have bought a ticket to spend a couple of hours showing an incredible man the overwhelming support he has surrounding him as he fights the battle of his life. While I may lead the official Denny's Shotgun Riders team, each one of you who bought a ticket has also become a part of that team in a special way. Thank you for riding shotgun with us and showing my dad he never has to fight alone!

Stay tuned to this blog in the next week or so for details on what happens next and what you can expect! Many thanks to all of you!