CONCERT: Lynnette's thoughts and the Deseret News article

My angel of a wife Lynnette posted her thoughts about the Living for Eden Benefit for our family on her private blog. I asked her if I could share with you what she posted. Here is what she had to say.

"Where on earth do I start? There are not adequate words to describe this experience for us nor are there words to express our gratitude to all of those who participated, donated, helped and attended this event in our behalf. It was one of those "once in a lifetime experiences" that we have been so fortunate to have.

Oh how we wish everyone could have felt what we felt that night. It was an outpouring of love that was so incredibly overwhelming and it lifted us beyond our imaginations. The concert was amazing and so much fun.

We truly respect all of the artists who participated. They live up to the utmost definition of goodness. I wish we could thank each and every person individually who helped make this event a success last April 6.

We know so many of you made a lot of effort in advertising, getting donations, etc. The funds raised will ease the financial burden we are facing with Paul unable to work and the medical expenses that will continue to come, but truthfully, I feel like the most amazing gift from this experience is the love we felt from all of you. And that is worth more than anything money could buy! We are so humbled.

The true highlight of the evening was seeing the faces of so many beloved friends who were in attendance. We felt of your spirits and we will draw from this experience for many months to come, especially in those challenging times. Since the concert there has been many tears of gratitude in the quiet moments of our home as donations continue to silently come and as we replay this event in our minds. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Eden was such a ham....and was so happy. I am glad she felt the magic too!

We were really touched that people waited and waited to get in to the concert. We were so shocked that it sold out.

This is me and Paul's darling mom. She has been heaven sent and I am so very grateful for her incredible support. She watches Eden without complaint when I have to work and Eden adores her. Her emotional support keeps me grounded and I feel so lucky to have her, especially while we deal with Paul's failing health. She sure raised an incredible son too! She is one of a kind.

This is me and Paul's beautiful sister Becky.

All of Paul's siblings are wonderful and I admire them all. They were so great as they rallied around to pull this event off. His sister Carol Burgoyne was responsible for the silent auction and her organization skills are amazing. Several of my siblings and other family members helped out too.

Everyone that participated made this event an overwhelming success. Family is life's greatest blessing!"

- Lynnette Cardall

Pianist's competitors rally for fellow artist

By Carrie A. Moore

Deseret News

Published: Saturday, April 11, 2009 10:06 p.m. MDT

Third in an occasional series

When earnestness trumps envy and competition gives way to cooperation, great things can happen among friends, though adults — especially those in the public eye — seem often to act otherwise.

So when Russ Dixon, leader of a local band called "Colors," called a fellow musician last month to perform free of charge at a benefit concert for pianist Paul Cardall — whom some fellow LDS musicians may consider to be "the competition" — the answer "left me with goose bumps," Dixon said.

"I'd pay money myself to come and do that show," came the reply.

When at least two dozen local musicians, producers, sound and lighting technicians and cameramen came together this week at Cottonwood High School, they added their silent "amens" to the reply Dixon heard. Each left without a dime in their pockets, though the concert was a sellout.

"Living for Eden," as the show was dubbed, was a full-blown community effort to raise money for their friend and fellow musician, whose damaged heart won't beat much longer. Cardall and his family — including his 3-year-old daughter, Eden — are waiting for a phone call that says a donor heart is waiting to be transplanted into his chest. It's his last shot at being able to see his daughter grow up. After living for more than three decades with congenital heart disease, he's undergone 28 operations and seven open-heart surgeries.

While Cardall's spirit is strong, his heart grows weaker by the day.

(2 Right Photos: Courtesy of Jeffery Allred / Deseret News ©2009)

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