I overheard someone mention the name of the woman playing guitar: Toni Rypkema. How could I forget a name like that? Without hesitation, I stepped across the courtyard and introduced myself. We laughed and were excited to finally meet. Little did I know, our brief encounter would be the first of many as she would become a dear friend.

“I believe our car is overheating,” my husband exclaimed as he carefully drove our trusty station wagon down the Asheville mountains. We had attended a family reunion and were on our way home. Tired and thirsty children added to the tense moment. “Oh, please, not car issues now, “ I mumbled. We were still three long hours away from home.