Meeting the Band

Two weeks before Gayle’s 40th birthday, her best friend of thirty years is getting excited about the gift she bought her bestie! As soon as the Bon Jovi concert was announced that they were going to be playing in Orlando the weekend of Gayle’s birthday, there was no question as to what she was going to get her.

Claire decided to not only buy the tickets for the concert, but she went over and beyond and bought back stage passes! That part she would be able to hold as a surprise until the night of the concert. The tickets however, she would tell her about a week prior to the concert so that they could get outfits, and their hair and nails done.

Gayle was glad they had decided to spend the weekend in Orlando and got a suite at a local resort. The place was packed. It had taken an hour to pay for parking and to find a parking spot. As they walked into the Amway Center in Orlando, the lines were long, the crowd was hyped up. They stopped and grabbed something to drink then headed to their seats. When the lights went dim, the crowd started yelling with the anticipation of the band hitting the stage.

“Thanks so much Claire for getting us these tickets for birthday!” Gayle yelled ecstatically as they were walking to their seats on the floor two rows from her favorite band, Bon Jovi.

“You are more than welcome! What else would I get my best friend for her birthday when it falls on the weekend of the biggest show of the season, and it just happens to be her favorite band!” Claire yelled with a giggled back like she was hiding something.

“Well, let’s get ready to party! I know I am so ready! I can’t believe how close we are! I can literally see Jon Bon Jovi’s teeth from here when he smiles!” Gayle yelled.

At that moment the band came out on stage and the crowd went crazy. Jon came out last making a grand appearance!

For the next hour they danced, jumped up and down, yelled and screamed and sung along with the songs. Always, You Give Love a Bad Name, Never Say Goodbye, It’s My Life, Wanted Dead or Alive, Born to Be My Baby, Bed of Roses, Shot Through the Heart, Halleluiah, All About Lovin’ You, I’d Die For You, and When We Were Us.

After When We Were Us finished Jon headed off the stage. Everyone thought that was it. Gayle was a little heartbroken that he didn’t sing her favorite song, but it was still a memorable night that she would never forget. All of a sudden, the band started to play again and out runs Jon from the back and it was the song she had been waiting all night to hear! She almost lost her mind!

As the band plays and Jon sings Livin on a Prayer, the crowd must have been waiting for this song as much as she had because it was as if everyone was screaming and singing louder than the rest of the night.

“Once upon a time not so long ago

Tommy used to work on the docks, union's been on strike

He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day working for her man

She brings home her pay, for love, for love

She says, we've got to hold on to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot for love

We'll give it a shot

Woah, we're half way there

Woah, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, we'll make it I swear

Woah, livin' on a prayer”

Somewhere after the first run through of the chorus she got lost in the moment and even though she was singing along, it was as if she couldn’t hear anything around her anymore. This had been an amazing night! Gayle couldn’t imagine another birthday ever beating this one to be the best birthday ever!

When the song was finished Jon and the band all left the stage and the lights came back on giving everyone the sign that the concert was indeed over.

“Girl, this has been the best birthday ever! I can’t think you enough!” Gayle said as she gave Claire a hug as they waited on the isle they were on to clear out.

“You’re welcome, but it’s not over yet!” Claire said as she pulled out the backstages passes from her clutch. “How about instead of going out that way, we head over to that back of stage door?!”

“What? Are you freaking serious right now! OMG!! I am going to have a freaking heart attack!” Gayle says squealing!

Claire grabs Gayle by the arm and pulls her over to the security guard at the side door.

“Can I see your passes ladies?” the guard asked.

“Yes!!” They both squealed at the same time.

“Oh, the birthday girl! Because it’s your birthday the guys are going to see you last. If you will just sit over there a few minutes, I promise it will be worth it,” the guard said.

Looking over at Claire, Gayle asks, “How did they know it was my birthday?”

“When I bought the passes, I was able to get in touch with the promoter and told them,” Gayle said. “I wasn’t really sure what they would do, if anything.”

About ten minutes later, the guard walks up and says, “Okay ladies, the guys are ready for you. Just follow me.”

They follow him into a room that had a few couches and chairs and the band walks in. They go crazy with excitement. In about two minutes the guys walk in singing Happy Birthday with a cake! After they were done singing they all gave them hugs and gave Gayle a signed picture, a copy of their new album, and they each got a t-shirt. They all set and talked, laughed and ate cake for about an hour.

On their way back to the car, Gayle looked at Claire and said, “I am so blessed to have you as my best friend. There is no way another birthday can every top this one. It has been truly the best night of my life.”