Play for Mitch

Last night was one of those amazing nights where our friends have rallied around us, and help us remember that we weren't the only people who had fun with Mitchell, aren't the only people who love Mitchell, and aren't the only people who miss him, terribly. Last night was the Play for Mitch event that many of our hockey friends worked on together to organize: Lisa Cloud, Kevin Doherty, Tim Houston, Mark Horton, Tammy Ribeiro, and countless other people. Storme Warren, DJ for Sirius Radio MC'd, and the bands Sixwire and Emerson Drive played music. Three of the Nashville Predators came out to be there, as did on-air personalities Paul McCann and Stu Grimson and Brent Peterson, and some of the front office staff. Thanks to the generosity of Blue Chair Bay, great cocktails were available (including the newly-famous Jon Anthony, served by bartenders named -- you guessed it -- Jon and Anthony). Just as important as those folks are our friends who joined us, and the many many people who worked together to provide items for the auctions.

And what items there were! A trip to a Kenny Chesney concert (including airfare, hotel, and tickets); a meet and greet with Luke Bryan; Demi Levato concert tickets; tickets to theater and symphony events; two Predators jerseys signed by the whole team; a skating opportunity with Mike Ribeiro and "other Predators to be named later"; other sports memorabilia, including a football signed by Drew Brees; several gift baskets, including wine, pasta, skin care, make-up, spa packages; lovely artwork and jewelry; and more!

It was so wonderful to see all our friends there, but for me, I really enjoyed seeing Mitchell's friends who were there. And I so appreciate every single one of those boys who came over to me to give me a hug. Every one of you makes me smile to think about some funny story I know about each of you and Mitchell! He will always be a part of each of you, and I hope all of you will stay in touch with us.

There were so many good things about last night, but one of the best things is something that can be shared. The video that was put together was just right. It made me cry, of course, but it also made me laugh, and it made me smile to hear how many times his friends would say the things that they would miss most were his smile, or the way he could make them laugh, because that is how I want to remember him, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkuUzuxfVrs