Jewel / Rob Thomas Concert

We surprised Ashleigh with a trip to see her favorite singer Jewel in Columbus. We did not tell her about the concert until the morning of the show because she doesn't sleep very well if she gets excited and anxious about things.

We had another huge surprise that did not come together until minutes before we left for the concert. My wife had been trying for weeks and weeks to contact someone with Jewel's staff to see if there was a way to meet Jewel. We got a call confirming things right before we walked out of the door. We did not tell Ashleigh in case it did not work out.

When we got to Columbus there was a line all the way down the street of people waiting to get in. One of the security staff then came and got us and escorted us to the front of the line. We were asked to wait by a gate and told they would come and get us.

No one came and the warm up band started and we were beginning to get worried. Even though we were told that Jewel upon hearing about Ashleigh said she wanted to meet her, we were worried that maybe the timing was not going to work out. Just then, someone came and got us and took us back among the buses. Jewel came out and talked with Ashleigh and Ash was in heaven. We then got the above picture with Jewel. It was almost bittersweet for her Mom and I as I remember her playing Jewel's CD's in her bedroom and singing right along. Now we just wish she could speak again to at least tell us when something is wrong.

We stayed for Jewel's concert and figured Ashleigh would be tired but she said she wanted to stay so we stayed for Rob Thomas' concert as well. Jewel even came back out and joined him for a few songs. I know Ashleigh was exhausted by the time we got home but she said it was worth it. We really thank Jewel and her staff for being so kind and taking time out to make Ashleigh's day.