"Hello everyone. I had my dream come true on April 21,2003. Def Leppard played in South Carolina. I had bought some cute little stuffed animals for Rick, Sav and Vivians children. I went to the hotel the crew was staying at in hopes of meeting the band. Very rainy day with thunderstorms, but I was determined to give them there gifts. I soon found out that the band was not staying there, only the crew. So I went over to the arena to see if there buses had gotten there and they did (they were having there soundcheck).
I waited awhile..felt like forever and still no band. Well this nice elderly security guard came over and asked why I was there, and I explained that I had gifts for the bands children and a letter. He said for me to come back after the show and he will see what he could do.
I went to him after the show and he told a crew member there were some people there with gifts for the drummer and much to my SURPRISE here comes Rick. He walked right up to me. I thought I was going to stutter but I didn't. He said "HELLO" and I said "Hello my name is Debbie and I wanted to give you this stuffed animal for Lauren Shane." He thanked me. I went on to give him the letter I wrote the band about how much there music has inspired me through the years. I also said that I named my son after him and I would love for him to have your autograph. Then I gave him my marker for which I stupidly forgot to take the cap off...I Know ...I know. I forgot...LOL. He thought that was funny. So he wrote "To Richard ...all the best, Rick Allen" and drew his little drummer dude (I had it laminated and framed). My son who is 10 LOVED it.
Then he autographed his picture on my X cd and said Debbie and asked me how to spell it (1 b or 2). The best part was when I spoke to him he looked only at me, nowhere else, and took in every word I said...not to mention I only said my name once and he remembered.
Rick Allen is truly the most nicest and down to earth man I had ever met....afterwords when he went over to the other side to sign more autographs when he was done I asked for a picture with him and he said sure and he SQUEEZED me...OH YESSSS. Gave me a hug and Kiss on the cheek. WOW....then I went over the security guard and thanked him. I asked him his name and he said CLARENCE. I said CLARENCE you really are an angel and just earned his wings (It's A Wonderful Life). I even got to meet Phil, Vivian and Joe (Sav Was Sick). I prayed for this day and it came true. Dreams do come true...Just don't ever give up."
Debbie
