Blessed beyond measure....

Lately I've been thinking about how lucky and blessed I am when it comes to The Backstreet Boys. And it made me feel a little reflective as of late. So that's what this blog is about. To share how I became a fan, when I met the boys for the first time and everything else in between. So sit back and I hope you enjoy the read.

I became a fan in the Spring/Summer of 1997. I heard "Quit playin' games" on the radio. Their voices definitely caught my attention....one voice in particular really caught my ear. Eventually I would learn that voice belonged to none other than Brian Thomas Littrell. But after the song was over I didn't really think much of it. So fast forward to a few weeks and I hear a commercial for a concert but again didn't really think about it too much until I recognized the background music which was none other than "Quit playin' games." I decided I had to go. So I did. That was on September 25, 1997 and that was the first time I saw what any of the boys looked like. I don't rememnber too much from that concert but I do remember when the boys went to introduce themselves the one said "Hello everyone my name is B-rok." And I turned to my friend and said "I'm in love." And the rest as they say is history....

So I became obsessed with them I guess is the right word over the next couple years. I had all the CDs, posters, magazines, ect. If their faces were on it and I saw it I needed it. I taped everything they were on when they were on TV. I would dream about meeting them just like every other teenage girl around the world. Did I ever think it would happen? Honestly? No. But that didn't stop me from dreaming about it. Every tour they'd come to Buffalo(I was lucky) and every tour I would go.

I remember the moment Brian waved to me on February 7, 2001. I remember thinking for that brief moment he was acknowledging me. And that made my life. And I thought if that's as good as it gets that's okay. At the time I didn't think I'd ever meet any of them and you know what? I was okay with that. So many fans don't even get to see them in concert let alone meet them and I not only at that point saw them in concert 5 times but they(well all but Howie) waved to me and I was grateful for that.

When they took their break I was still a fan but was there a part of me that didn't think they'd ever "come back?" Absolutely. But a bigger part hoped they'd eventually "come back." And they did. And I still dreamed about meeting them but still didn't think I ever would.

The first boy I met was Brian on April 2, 2006 when he was doing solo stuff. It was amazing. Not only to finally meet him but to see him as Brian Littrell the Christian artist and not Brian Littrell the Backstreet Boy. To see him share his story, his heart and his gift of song was just an amazing and inspiring experience. And even thought Brian had always been my favorite before his solo stuff I feel I connected with him on a deeper level because of his solo stuff and even though he probably won't ever know it he helped me in more ways than he will ever know.

After that day I wasn't sure if I'd ever meet him again or if I'd get the chance to meet the other guys, especially Kevin because that's when he decided to leave the group. But over the years I have been lucky to meet all the boys multiple times and each and every time they have been nothing short of nice.

But I always find myself talking with Brian the most when I'm meeting the guys. I think its because we are so much alike. I can't help but laugh when people tell me things like "Why do you like him? He's married with a child?" I don't like him because I think he's gonna leave his wife one day for me. I'm over that fantasy of thinking I was gonna marry any of them. Its more than that as cheesy as it sounds. Just the person he is. How he's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in even if it means standing alone, how he isn't ashamed or afraid to talk about his Faith and his love for his family just name a few. It's quite evident that God had bigger and better plans for him and I couldn't be more happier for that. It's also quite obvious he knows how lucky and blessed he is to be alive and I think the world needs more people like him. He definitely makes the world a better place.

Over the years I have gotten extremely lucky and blessed when it comes to Brian and him giving me attention. Whether its just getting a tweet from him, or the time he called me on the phone or giving me custom kicks. There was a time when I would question it and ask things like "Why me?" but lately I decided to just roll with it and not ask questions and just enjoy it because it isn't a common thing especially in the world of celebrities. I know some think I don't deserve it or think that I brag or suck up or that I don't appreciate it and whatever else crazy things they come up with but those things couldn't be further from the truth. I am grateful and thankful for every moment, every memory that Brian and even the other boys have given me. Each moment has a special place in my heart and I will cherish them forever and always.

A wise man once told me "Thank you is enough when its said to the right people." So I don't know if you will ever actually read this Brian but THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for all that you do. It's appreciated more than you will probably ever know.