I really say that he didnt have me at Take, he had me at me at Somewhere Out there, but I dont think thats completely true, I think he started out in my life very slowly and quietly, something that you dont know is there until it takes complete control of your heart..Somewhere out there was when I saw this guy and realized that I care abou what happened to him, but that love...that intensity doesnt build over night, it is a quiet force in your life, showing itself when you need it the most. I wasnt in a good place when Clay came into my life, and it was a complete fluke that I had even seen them, but Ill never forget that moment, I was sure they were going to tear him up, but he sang...and I took notice...seeing this geeky guy win the hearts of america, voting for someone who is like many of us, changed my life...it brought me out of myself and gave me something to root for...he was a two strapper, and when he got on that national stage, and gained the admiration of other two strappers...you realize that when your together, when your a team...your cooler then you thought you were. I often wonder if I would like to go back, to the time when things were so exciting and huge..and I think Ive decided that I wouldnt..the bond, that we have with him is something Ive never felt in my life...and Im in a comfortable place, Im happy and content..I dont get jealous of anyone else anymore..I dont have the need for him to be the biggest thing out there..Im happy just to see/hear him sing and Im convinced that we will go many more years together! 6 more is for amateurs...here's to 60 more..I cant wait to tell my grandchildren, oh yes..I was there when Clay Aiken was JUST starting out, I was one of the first..I was one of the lucky ones to know, there was something special about this guy.