Michael was my favorite Monkee, his music brought me hope
and joy that I
couldn't find anywhere else. His words of wisdom have never let me down, his
voice always soothed the most traumatic of times. When the concept of going
to Austin was first suggested, I thought NO WAY! I have a problem known as
Panic Disorder. I sometimes have trouble functioning outside of my "natural
environment" without the assistance of tranquilizers, and I rarely got out
alone. Anytime I'm under huge amounts of stress or feel like I might be
trapped brings on an attack. But, one of my goals had always been to meet
Michael and thank him for all the times his music helped me deal with this
problem. My friend Karen said we could go together, and we had many talks
about "my problem". Donna also knew, and with friends like these, I felt
comfortable knowing I would get a lot of support. Before I knew it, I was
facing my first airplane ride, and my first time away from home in 13 years.
We got to the reading 2 hours early and waited. The author before Michael ran
late, so we stood and talked to other Nez fans. Next thing we knew, we were
sitting in the chambers in the Austin Capitol Building's House of
Representatives. We didn't wait long, Michael came out amid cheers and
applause, and gave us the warmest smile I have ever seen. He greeted Donna,
and opened the book. We spent the next half hour mesmerized as he read
through passages of the book, occasionally peering over his glasses to watch
us. I sometimes got the impression he was just as interested in us as we were
in him. Then he got to the question and answer section, and someone asked him
who played the guitar work on "Vallerie" Michael grinned, then looked at the
guy and replied, "I dunno know who played it, I just pretended to." The place
went up for grabs! Other questions were asked, and he answered them with the
same Nez finesse. Since the last author had run late, they unfairly cut
Michael's time short, so we hurried to find our place in line at the book
signing tent.
Nez signs Lorrie's Photo "You're
doin' just fine."
Donna was supposed to introduce me to Michael, but when we got to the
tent,
she was talking to Victoria and did not see me. I tried hard to get her
attention, and wasn't paying attention to Karen who had gone before me. Then
I looked down and realized Michael was watching me and waiting. I had no
choice, I had to approach him on my own, and believe me, those steps were the
hardest thing I had ever done. How I found my voice, or even made sense
speaking to him remains one of the great mysteries of life, but I did it. I
wanted to tell him how much his music had helped, how I will always love him
for being the man that he is, how his own self-assurance, grace and outlook
on life have given me the guidance and strength to beat this thing, but there
was no time and the words would just not come. Instead, I asked him to sign
the picture I had kept safe for 20 years just for this purpose, "You're doin'
just fine". I told him I had waited a long time to meet him, and he thanked
me for coming. Then, with eyes filling with tears I did not want him to see,
I shook his hand and said "Thank you, Sir". I will never forget how soft his
hands were, or how firm his handshake was.
After walking away, Donna introduced me to Victoria, one of the loveliest
people I have ever met. She made me feel very at ease, and seemed sincerely
happy that we had come. A true lady in every sense of the word.
Michael was extremely kind. If I wasn't a major Nezhead before, meeting him
would make me one now. Just to be favored with his smile was worth the trip.
It's a smile that wraps you up like a hug and makes you walk away feeling
like a million bucks! Once more, he has helped me in more ways than he will
ever know.
Images and story property of Lorrie Dewar
and are not to be used for any purpose without written permission. |