I've been involved in the Manilow fan world in depth since 2006. My first encounter with fandom came at my first show in Las Vegas on my birthday 5 years ago. It was a positive experience. So much so, that I'm still close with that fan today (even though she's my daughter's age). Since that first encounter, I've had many other ones. Some good, some not so good, and some absolutely horrible. I've made some good friends, made some enemies, had enemies turn into friends, and choose to ignore the rest. I've been disillusioned and discouraged by fan behavior in the past and vented here on my blog numerous times.
Every now and then, after being away from the fan world, it happens. My faith in the "nice" factor is restored and I realize that not all fans are jealous, petty and vindictive. Tonight was one of those nights. Two fans (whom I've never met in person, by the way) took time out of their festivities tonight in Vegas to meet my daughter who was there for the weekend. She has heard me talk so much about the fan world, and one of these ladies actually took time out of her busy life to mail my daughter's wedding cake top to her two years ago (again, without us ever having met).
Barry has said often that his fans are unique. I've said that the friendships I've made over the last five years are priceless. But tonight, I also learned that there really is something special and unique about Manilow fans. When you meet these type of fans, it makes you proud to say that Barry actually brought us together.
Thanks Fran and Susan for welcoming Jillian into your world tonight. I hope some day to meet you in person, but for now, I treasure your friendship.
Tipping my hat to Barry (for bringing us all together),
Texas Fan
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1 comment:
Loved reading this repost and I hope that Fran's family finds peace and that Fran now rests in the loving arms of The Lord.
You are right that there is the good, bad, and the ugly in the fan world. Many of us have been led astray by people who have formed opinions of other fans and the truth is the opposite. In reality, you learn the real truth about people you trusted and find that they were misguided and dispensed information that lacked any truth. We all know that there are those fans that are so obsessed with Barry that they have allowed their sense of reality to depart and ushered in the fantasy world of him which may explain these rude behaviors. Delusions have taken over any type of rational thinking. I'm sure most fans have been touched by these types and already have the image of these crazed fans in mind.
It's good to hear that you had an open heart to allow those who may have misjudged you to enter into a dialogue with you to clear the air and move towards a greater level of acceptance and even friendships.
Really enjoying reading your posts and glad you are back.
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