"As many of you know, a bunch of people on the Keaggy List chipped in a few bucks (and some of you it was more than a few bucks) and bought Steph a Taylor 312ce guitar. Steph - of course - did NOT know this. Phil did though (he even chipped in a few bucks....). Last night we gave the guitar to Steph. Since I promised Mark F. - here is a rundown of the evening. Pardon me that I do not have Rev. Fay or Mr. Bacus' gift of expression.

We got to the church where the concert was being held about 5:00 PM. I had the guitar with me but had already mentioned to Steph that I was bringing one with me to get Phil to sign it for a friend, and that this had been cleared by Robin [Phil's publicist], Brian [Phil's road manager] and Phil. I also told her that the friend of mine that we met at the door at 5 was there to video the signing, and that had ALSO been cleared through Robin and Phil. All of which, of course - was true!!

Brian came and dragged us in and then went about his business of setting up the merchandising booth with the volunteers. Phil, however, was not there. He was at Starbucks running late (imagine that Robin!). We waited around till about 5:50 when Phil finally showed up. He did a very brief sound check and then we were off to the Kindergarten class room (sorry - Phil's dressing room...). This was when Brian had already told me was the time to do the presentation. Phil changed strings and chatted and sent me off on a couple of errands for him (how did he know I'm a very good go-fer??). I waited till he was done changing the strings and then Phil announced that he had a presentation to make. I grabbed the guitar and handed it to Phil. There were a bunch of people in the room including Dave Beegle (local guitar player and friend of Phil's - Steph likes his playing too....) and the concert promoter (Robbie...). Phil made a short little speech and announced that the guitar was for Steph. I handed the guitar to Phil and then read the little certificate that Andy Luddy (thanks Andy) had made. Steph had absolutely no clue that the guitar was for her. She was quite stunned. Phil played the guitar for a minute and commented that it was an nice guitar (for a Taylor......ok....I added that part....) and that he liked the feel of the neck. He then handed the guitar to Steph and we all clapped. Steph refused to play a Bach sonata on the guitar ;-) and sat there with the guitar looking overwhelmed. We do have lots of pictures - and even a video of the presentation. So all of you will have a chance to see part of the evening.

I would like to personally take a moment and thank everyone for pitching in for Steph on this. My personal gratitude is yours. This was a very great thing you have done. I really wish that you could have been there in person. I feel honored to be even a small part of this. Even more so than seeing Phil and getting to meet him, this really made my weekend special. A huge 'atta boy' goes out to Mark Fisher for being the mad genius behind this scheme. Stephanie asked me to extend her thanks to you also."

Thanks to all who had a part!!!! The guitar plays and sounds great! Hopefully, one day I will as well!!!! ;) But, Dave, "County Down"? You've got to be kidding me ....

Yours in Christ,

-- Stephanie Bargenquast

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The guitar...