The Meeting
by Athena
Well I now you have not heard from me for a few weeks – there were some personal circumstances that prevented
me from ranting at you all. I
figure you have all had enough of a break from me, so here I am in your
face again!
Last Sunday was the “Unforgiven” PPV, much hyped (as
usual) with little intent on delivering on that hype.
That is nothing new for me. I do always purchase the PPV’s, because in my warped little mind, if I DON’T then I will probably
miss the “granddaddy” of them all, and that would completely piss me off! Well there were a few things about that weekend that
made it one of the most enjoyable and
memorable in my life – and it had little or nothing to do with
wrestling.
That weekend I traveled to Charlotte to meet up with
some very dear and sweet friends that I had met online and
we were going to the PPV live. As the time drew closer and closer for us to all travel there, I discovered that I was much
more interested in seeing all of my friends than I was in seeing any wrestling event. I was a ‘good girl’ and had my husband
come along with me as a chaperone, because I knew he was concerned about me traveling so far (900 miles) to meet up with
people I had been forming relationships with over the
internet.
Anyway, as soon as I FINALLY found some of our group
(another long story *G*), it was as if we had always known each
other.
I might be mouthy here, but in person I am pretty quiet until I feel comfortable with someone. You don’t believe me?
Well too bad, you’ll have to trust me on that one. We ate dinner, and headed for the Hotel Lounge where I met up with the ladies and we
waited to see who
would be checking into the hotel……..
Oh I didn’t TELL you???
We were staying at one of the hotels that the wrestlers use when they are
in the area…..
First, as I was checking in, I saw Mark Henry from
behind – he is built like brick shithouse but as gentle as a lamb
(sorry Mark – hope I am not blowing your reputation!). At one point it was after midnight and a young girl had
stopped him in the lobby to ask for an autograph. He consented gladly, but asked her “babydoll how old are you?”.
She answered that she was 12. He came back with, “I will be happy to sign for you, but why aren’t you in bed??”
I thought that was very sweet. In fact we saw the Rock, Paul Wight and of course Faarooq and Bradshaw, and every one of them
was polite and friendly. The only time I saw any of them get testy, was when the guys from the sports memorabilia shops were tailing
them and demanding that these guys sign autograph after autograph. I did not ask for one myself just for the simple
fact that I felt bad for the guys being
hammered like this. I did take pictures however and I am waiting for
the film to come back.
Maybe you all think I am completely stupid
to blow a chance of a lifetime by NOT asking for an autograph,
and some days I agree with you. Most of the girls I was with DID ask and received them and I have no problem
whatsoever with that. I am just the type who would prefer to get the picture and I am sensitive to other’s feelings
(now stop laughing or ELSE!), so I just did not feel comfortable doing that. It also could be the fact that I literally slammed into
Paul Wight as I was turning away from the hotel lobby desk...he is one BIG
MAN!
Well anyway, the point of this rant is to tell you that in
spite of getting to see some of the guys close up and going to
the PPV live, my fondest memories are with my friends who I consider my sisters. They made the trip worthwhile for me and
we are already planning next year’s trip – but to get together for “us” – no wrestling events. That way, if we go through
some sort of withdrawal we can always pop in a tape and curse and throw things, but we have more time with each other.
If ever you know that you have a particular connection or fondness for someone, make sure you tell them as soon as you can
– because you have no idea if you will ever be able to express your love or friendship to that person again in this life.
Right
Morgie???
This column is dedicated to the loving memory of my
sister, friend and teacher Morgan, who passed from this life on September
15, 1999.