Dreams Really Do Come True

ON APRIL 23, 2011,
I.MET.RICK.SPRINGFIELD!

When I was a little girl I dreamed of this day. Literally. Not even joking. I dreamt I would meet RICK SPRINGFIELD.

So, it wasn't *exactly* as I had imagined it. When I was little, I had sort of pictured him coming to my home, his tour bus was lost, he asked my dad for directions and then he would meet me and we would become fast friends. I'd go to all his concerts and meet his family. Just so we are clear, this did NOT happen on April 23.

Some of you may know that my mom is a "regular" at the local casino where she lives. Well, not that she *lives* at the casino...well, not technically. It's not like she has her nightgown and slippers hanging on the back of one of the bathroom stalls or anything like that. Let's just say they know her there.

Anywhoo, thanks to this relationship she has with the casino she can get some KICK ASS concert tickets! I have been fortunate enough to have almost-front row seats to see the likes of Eddie Money, Jason Aldean, Bret Michaels, Little Big Town, oh, don't forget the Village People (yes, within the last year!) and KC and the Sunshine Band, and RICK freakin' SPRINGFIELD!! I'm telling you - dreams really do come true.

I went with my mom and my husband. It was a FANTASTIC concert. The man is 61 years old and still rocks as hard as the 20-somethings. He was entertaining, funny, super cute, a guitar genius, and most of all - engaging with his fans! I was doing okay and having so much fun, and then he performed "Human Touch." I thought I was going to come unglued! He came right up next to me. Quick hug and then off to give my MOM a HUGE BEAR HUG!!! She was loving every minute of it. I couldn't get there quick enough to snap a photo. From that moment on, I could barely keep it together. I just couldn't believe I'd been that close to him and that I was going to meet him after the show.

So, afterward, we lined up to meet him. Found out we couldn't ask him to sign anything. As I was putting away 5 or 6 CD covers that we had brought for him to sign and my camera, I kind of started to tear up and kept trying to tell myself, "DO NOT CRY - do NOT cry - WHO DOES THAT!?!" The more I told myself not to, the fuller my eyes got with tears. I looked up to see him helping this lovely lady out of her wheelchair to give her a hug. I lost it. Just started crying. Couldn't stop. Mom and Brady were in front of me in line and both turned around to see what that sound was. Mom said, (in that MOM voice) "What's wrong? Are you okay?" She clearly thought something had happened to me and I was hurt or sad. Brady on the other hand, said, "You're not REALLLLLY crying, are you?" And then just smiled like it was the craziest thing ever. The support was overwhelming. Of course then everyone else in line was pointing and gawking at the 39-year old crying during the meet-and-greet. Ok, so they weren't "pointing and gawking" but it sure felt like it.

Before I show you the picture that the hotel took of my encounter, let me just warn you... I am NOT a pretty crier. Some people can bawl their eyes out, blow their nose and look the same as they did five minutes before they started crying. Not this girl. See..

I warned you it was bad.

When Rick saw that I was crying, he gave me an extra big squeeze and said, "Awwwwww." Brady tried to smooth the waters by saying him, "You're like her Beatles." He chuckled. All I could think was, here I am with the chance of a lifetime and my dork of a husband just said, "You're like her Beatles." Seriously. That's the best you could come up with. Not, "Isn't she adorable?" or "She is so embarrassed. She just loves your music." Nope. On the other hand, I got an extra hug at the end of our encounter, probably just a pity hug - but I'll take it!

I wish I could have said so much more. I wish I could have said SOMETHING. I was such a bumbling idiot. I can't believe I did that. Rick, if you are reading this I would appreciate a do-over. Maybe next time I can keep my emotions in check a little better and form WORDS to let you know how much your music and your stories have entertained and inspired me. Ah, who am I kidding, if I met him again, I'm sure I'd still be a wreck!!!!!

The first thing I almost always hear when someone finds out I'm a Rick fan, is, oh, he was so cute on General Hospital. They assume that I was a fan of his when he was on the soap. Nothing could be further from the truth. I didn't really watch him on the show. I really only knew/know him as a musician. I really, really love his music. Of course he's adorably cute too - especially in those cute glasses he wears. But, honestly I love his music.

Recently I discovered his book, "Late, Late at Night." Some of you know that I have struggled with some anxiety and a bit of depression over the years. After reading this book I felt a special tug at my heart over some of Rick's darkest times and his constant struggle to be happy in his life. It is a very open and honest book. I think it's a must-read for those of us that grew up with his music. Sometimes you find out that these celebrities that we adore, are really much, much more human than we ever gave them credit.

Some have eluded to the fact that since this awesome encounter with RICK SPRINGFIELD, I may have become a teeny bit obsessed. I say that I am just "awaking the passion I've always had for Rick and his music."

I still pinch myself that I actually got to meet Rick. Maybe someday I can make this a dream come true...again.

A girl can dream, can't she???


P.S. As a little girl, I also dreamt of meeting John Schneider, a.k.a. Bo Duke, if anyone is listening....