This little kid has guts!
Perhaps one of the most recent nicer things to happen was when my little girl sang on stage at Boston Symphony Hall with perhaps one of the most popular performers in the world. Here is a story which still brings tears to my eyes. It was posted on the NanciList (Nanci@world.std.com) just after the event. Thanks Nanci for giving her your friendship and a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Dad
April 14, 1995
(Since the time at Boston above, Kirsten has been given the opportunity to visit Nanci in the recording studio in Nashville while she and the band were doing demos. She also sang with Nanci again at the Cape Cod Melody Tent this summer, singing It's a Hard Life and staying on to sing This Heart. It's hard to describe what I felt seeing the two of them running off stage down the isle at the end of the performance, hands around each others back. There are so many nice moments surrounding these events. I am very grateful that Kirsty has been given them. )
Hi Nanci folks:
I've been a quiet observer and I'm sure will remain so, but I wanted to respond to Marks posting and share with you all a perspective.
Thanks Mark for your kind comments regarding Kirsten. Again, it was nice to meet you as a person as opposed to just a name managing a list. I agree! This was FUN! But..you were wrong about who was most nervous. Sharing a little bit about this may be interesting, maybe even helpful to those who appreciate and enjoy Nanci's music.
When Kirsten realized (perhaps by seeing all the people) what she was about to do, she got very nervous to the point of feeling sick. This kept building and she kept feeling more sick. When the time came to leave the hall and go backstage, she was a wreck and said she didn't want to do it. While backstage, I talked quietly with her about how scared her father was when he first learned to fly, and other things I thought would help. Nothing seemed to help. Nineyear called "30 seconds Miss Kirsten" and off to the entrance we walked. Kirsten holding back and saying, "I can't Dad. I can't". I responded, "Kirsty, you don't have to and Nanci will understand, but why not try to just forget all your fear and think of your friendship with Nanci and that you are singing with your friend". She stopped walking, paused a second, gathered herself, and said. "I can do it Dad" "I'm ready!" I questioned, as the final seconds ticked by "are you absolutely sure?, you don't want to embarrass Nanci". Very assuredly she came back "I'm sure Dad...I'm O.K." The rest...well you've already reported...except that when I went back to get her, she said to me "That was great Dad! That was exciting! I would do that again!"
My little girl crossed a line the other night that will have a positive effect upon her and decisions she makes, for the remainder of her life. She crossed a line of fear using the power of friendship. I should have realized this earlier! If she never meets Nanci again, it has been the warmth and kindness of her friendship,... their friendship, that gave and then allowed this experience to Kirsten.
I'm sure all of you have enjoyed and appreciate how wonderful Nanci's music and singing are. I had an opportunity this friday to see how wonderful a person she is. It is said that the actions of people within an organization are a reflection of the person in charge. I don't know if this holds true in the music industry. It must. But.. I can surely say the people I met this past friday were some of the nicest I have met. And Nanci..???.... a warm and kind person. I had a chance this friday to see this part of her and those around her and I appreciate so much the opportunity to do so.
I'm not sure if Kirsty will take the opportunity to share anything on the list. Their friendship is very special to her and she guards it carefully and treasures it dearly. We'll see how she feels about doing so, as time goes on.
There's been thanks to all involved.....except a thanks to the fans in Boston who accepted her onstage and.... sang along!
Kindest Regards,
Miss Kirsten's Dad
