Ok, here’s how an ordinary Thursday night turned out to be one of the greatest nights of my life. I was home getting ready to fall asleep. My cell rang. It was my cousin Esmo. She asked what I was doing and I told her. She then started to ask the question. “What would you do if….” Before she could finish I said “NEW KID TICKETS!” She quickly said, “Well no but maybe better.” (I knew New Kids were in town)
As I thought “What could be better?” She explained. My cousin, her brother, had set up for us to get into a meet and greet nearby. I had to calm down before I passed out. She gave me the low down. Not all members of the band would be there but there would be music and they were giving away tickets! She then says the catch is we have to leave in 20 minutes!
That was the quickest I had ever gotten ready in my life! In the frenzy of it all I remembered to grab my camera,extra batteries,my I. D. cash,and my altoids. So off we went to West Chicago from Aurora at 11 PM on a Thursday night. Now mind you I have to be at work at 6 AM!! I knew I would be tired but it would be worth it. I am so thankful Esmo decided to call me. I am also thankful her husband Dave drove. I was so shaky driving would have been dangerous!
We get to West Chicago and in we go myself,my Sister Teresa, my Cousin Esmo and her Husband Dave. Dont laugh but I was just excited to be in the same building as them. Then my Cousin walked me to where they were taking pictures and autographs. The whole walk I kept thinking I was dreaming and I was going to wake up at any moment! As I enter the room I see Donnie! I almost fell over. Then it was as if I heard angels sing! There he was my favorite New Kid of them all! Danny Wood! I remember saying “Stay calm, stay calm!” If I could have screamed I would have! Danny is probably the biggest star crush that I have! Now I was minutes away from meeting him!
It was almost my turn so I popped an altoid in my mouth. (I didn’t want to meet him with nasty breath) I then turned on my camera and paniked! I didn’t have anything to get an autograh on! Oh No! Then I remembered they sign our backstage passes that we wore on our necks. Whew! As the person before me got her turn I silently prayed that I wouldn’t faint. Thank God I didn’t!
As my turn came Danny looked right at me and said “Hello!” I feel like a dork now but I very sweetly said “Your my favorite New Kid.” He said “Really!” Next He grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a hug. I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA SCREAM! DANNY WOOD WAS HUGGING ME! Then I said “Next to the day I accepted Jesus as my savior and the day my son was born this one of the best nights of my life! Danny then said “You are so sweet and he kissed me on the cheek! If you know me you know Danny is my obsession so this almost completed me! My Cousin Michael is the best!
Next I stood in the middle of him and Donnie for my picture and Donnie said Thank you for coming out. I’m such a dork because I said “No thank you! You have no idea what this means to me!” Donnie then hugged me. By this time I was floating on air! Next we snapped our photos. I totally leaned in on Danny for my picture so on the next one he leaned in closer and hugged me tighter. OH THE HAPPINESS I FELT! Next they signed my pass and each hugged me one more time. I pretty much floated out of the room!
The fun didn’t stop there we stuck around and had a drink and watched them come out. Before they left Donnie walked right passed us. My Sister Teresa yelled out “Hey Baby I love you!” Donnie stopped reached for my sisters hand and pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips!!! She almost did backflips! Well finally we called it a night and got home at 2:45 in the morning!
I was pretty much a walking zombie at both jobs but it was all worth it! I can cross meeting Danny Wood off of my list of things to do! Thanks again to my Cousins Michael Esmo,and Dave!
