Hello, my friends and welcome to the Live Inspired podcast Monday Morning Moments with John O'Leary.

You know, none of it really makes any sense.

At the last Thursday, a black SUV picked up the O'Leary family

transported us to the gorgeous Powell Hall in St. Louis, Missouri.

As the car doors opened,

flashbulbs blinded our eyes and cheers filled our ears. My wife, Beth and I,

we hopped out, followed by our three boys and then our daughter, Grace. We stood together by the car,

waved confidently as if we'd done all this before, then made our way onto the red carpet

and into the world premiere of Soul on Fire.

Moments before we arrived, my mom and siblings and their families had made that very same walk.

And moments later, the actors said the director would follow.

Somehow, because of a tragic fire, a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, profound struggles as a family,

a lifetime of emotional heartache, the undeniable presence of grace and the revelation of unconditional

love, evidence of miracles, was about to be seen in the movie made about the journey. Before the lights

faded and before the film played, I had the honor of speaking to the 2300 gathered to witness

the first official screening of Soul on Fire. But what should I say to reporters and critics

gathered that night to review our film?

What words should be spoken to the dozens of mercy caregivers in the room who had supported me decades earlier, or to the Buck family, who played such an instrumental role in my recovery?

What would I say to my family, who fought for me decades ago and still

cheer for me today? And how should I greet the actors and the producers and the cast and the

investors who brought this story to life? Well, unable to think of the right words and with the

stage completely darkened, I made my way to a grand piano.

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