 Danny Gokey was mad at God.
His 27-year-old wife Sophia had just died unexpectedly during an operation to correct a congenital heart problem. It was July 9, 2008, and Gokey, a Wisconsin truck driver and music minister, was crushed with depression and groping for answers.
About 600 miles away in Nashville, hit songwriter Kent Blazy was mentally preparing himself to say goodbye to his wife of 28 years. Sharon Blazy had spent six years suffering from recurring brain tumors. Until that point, she had always had them removed.
“She said, ‘I’m not going to do this again. I’m going to let it be what it will be,’ ” Blazy said through tears. “So we rode it out for two years.”
Sharon died Jan. 19, 2009.
For both men, what came next is an intertwining story of finding hope. Photo by: Mandy Lunn/Tennessean
Danny Gokey’s journey started five days before Sharon Blazy died. He made his televised debut on American Idol on Jan. 14, 2009. He finished third. Continue Reading at The Tennessean
Reach Cindy Watts at 615–664-2227 or ciwatts@tennessean.com.
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 Rascal Flatts guitarist and vocalist Joe Don Rooney and his wife Tiffany Fallon, Playmate of The Year 2005, announced today they are anticipating the birth of their second child in September of 2010.
“We are so excited to bring another child into our lives,” says Rooney. “Our son Jagger has been the biggest blessing!”
Joe Don and Tiffany were married on April 23, 2006 and are the proud parents of Jagger Donovan Rooney, born May 31, 2008.
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Featuring keynote speaker General Tommy Franks 
Special musical performances by Charlie Daniels, Amy Grant, Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson and Larry Gatlin
Tickets are on sale now for Lipscomb University’s Operation Yellow Ribbon event March 23 featuring keynote speaker General Tommy Franks (Ret.) and special acoustic performances by Charlie Daniels, Amy Grant, Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson and Larry Gatlin among others.
The Operation Yellow Ribbon event is “An Inspiring Evening of Stories and Songs" to raise awareness and funds for Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program. The program begins at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena.
A limited number of tickets for the evening event are on sale for $10 at the Lipscomb University box office and through Ticketmaster. Members of the military and their families will be invited as guests of the events corporate sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program and organizations that serve veterans and their families. Event sponsors include Military Systems Group.
Prior to the evening event, a daylong symposium will focus on discussions about solutions for the transition from battlefield to home front for returning military. Breakout sessions will address a variety of topics including returning injured military and adapting to life after those injuries. The symposium is sponsored by Lipscomb University and Challenge America. Admission to the symposium is by invitation only.
“Our goal is to provide a day of significant conversations and networking opportunities for leaders from the private and public sectors resulting in productive and lasting solutions,” said L. Randolph Lowry, Lipscomb University president.
Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program offers eligible military veterans and their family members an undergraduate degree tuition-free or a graduate degree at a greatly reduced tuition rate.
The mission of Challenge America is to work with communities across the United States in linking new and existing services and supporting the development of recreational and occupational programs to better serve returning injured military and their families. |
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 It's a boy for Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook! Weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 oz., and measuring nearly 20 inches, Elijah Dylan Westbrook was born in Nashville on Friday night (March 5).
Elijah is the first child for Jimi and Karen, who were secretly married in May 2006, and then revealed their marriage to fans a couple of months later.
"We've been waiting for this for a long time, and can't tell you how thrilled and blessed we both feel," Karen tells PEOPLE.
"Karen is going to be an incredible mom," Jimi boasts about his wife, who holds a degree in early childhood education. "She has always been so good with children. Besides," he jokes, "she's done a great job raising me to become a responsible adult!"
Baby Elijah joins a couple of toddlers who have already been on the road with Little Big Town for a couple of years now -- two-and-a-half year old Daisy Pearl, who is the daughter of Kimberly Roads Schlapman, and two-year old Penelopi Jane, the daughter of Phillip Sweet.
"Our hearts are bursting with joy for Karen and Jimi," Kimberly sighs. "We have dreamed of this moment with them for a long time. We can't wait to welcome another little angel onto our bus!"
Little Big Town will be releasing their first single, 'Little White Church,' off their upcoming album to radio next week. They hit the road in May with Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson and Jack Ingram on the 'Country Throwdown Tour.'
Source: AOL's The Boot |
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