The Bodyguard : 07/28/06 06:33 PM
So after having my soul all filled up with "Joyful Noise" my daughter convinced
me to go wait outside and stand not-so-discreetly between Clay's bus and the
only escape he would have to get to such bus. It was freeeezing cold (I guess
even Joyful Noise can keep you warm for only so long) - of course there were
already a good amount of people onto our brilliant idea (smart fans we are).
I'm not sure how one gets to be good at this sort of thing, but my daughter is.
She got us from the back of about 200 people (aka a galaxy far far away from
Clay's Escape Door) up to the very front and closest to the entry door of the
bus...well as close as the security guards would let us as we had to keep a
"path" cleared for people walking by - but I was pretty happy with my newfound
spot nonetheless. So hours and hours go by..perhaps even days I can't be
sure...well okay so I might have a flare for the dramatic from all the freezing
cold wind that creeped in and just plain stole all of my joyful warmth I had
left. Probably an hour or so later, the dancers came out - omg sooo pretty!
They stopped and talked to us - took pictures with some people bold enough to
ask (I was just in shock and just stood there smiling like a dork) but
eventually Mary (the tour manager) and Jerome (body guard...big body guard) came
out. Mary got safely onto the bus and I knew if she was boarding - our little
Clay must not be too far behind. Jerome did his 'thang' and yelled at us to
stay away from the bus door, give him some space when he comes out etc. (such a
good body guard protecting sweet Clay) so Jerome the body guard of the year goes
back in and about 20 minutes later - BAM.
There's. Clay.
Literally about a 1/2 foot away from me.
He was holding Raleigh like a football star who just won the Heisman and he
looked at me....our eyes met (albeit briefly - but still!! They MET!) he smiled.
he waved.
It was pure bliss. Just when I was about to declare my undying love for him
(and the football dog) Jerome comes in and swoops the object of my affection
into the bus.
Hmrph. So much for that - my dreams were dashed.
Oh well.
Throughout all the waiting, I met some GREAT fans and had a great time and
although Jerome was a big too big of an...erm...obstacle for me to get by -
which is pretty much the point isn't it?
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Joyful Noise indeed.
Hugs,
Lin
ClayLuvsOhio