Well, as you can tell, I did not make it to the show (as I am posting during the concert...Elliott is prolley singing as I type...:bawl:) My day began as such:

Arrangements for babysitting made...ticket FINALLY purchased (Floor seat...nowhere near front row, but figured I could still walk up & snap some pics)...Green shirt with Elliott button on, ETrain 4 Life bracelet on wrist, E.S> Press Pass...laminated & on OSU lanyard :rocker: , red hankerchief in purse, along with fully charged camera & cell phone, a mini scrapbook for signatures should I be blessed to get M&G AND paint for decorating windows in vehicle as I couldn't decorate the night before OR before I left as it was raining....naturally. Hasn't rained here in almost 2 weeks, that should have been a sign. BUT, I was remaining positive...I WOULD score M&G, have wonderful pics to share with ya'll & an EMAZING concert report to recap.

Sooooo, I drop off girls to their 1st destination (G-ma #1 until G-ma #2 got off work & picked them up to keep them till mommy gets home). Heading down the road, Elliott CD is blaring (If You Really Love Me...& I am singing ..."Darn tootin I do, I'm coming to se ya all alone) & my cell phone rings. Answer the phone, it is G-ma #2...she just left doctors & has PINK EYE...are you freakin KIDDIN ME?!!!! This can be CANNOT be happening...but, of course, it was, cause this is MY life. Woman has NEVER had Pink Eye in her life...till now. When I am ON MY WAY to see E & the gang. I am dumbfounded. So, I HAVE to turn around & pick girls, because G-ma #1 has to take Brother-in-Law to doctor at 3pm. (G-ma #2 was supposed to have picked them up at 2:30)

I think, maybe 1 of my sis in laws can watch girls when they get home from work. Neither get home till around 4, so no M&G, but I could still make the show & not eat my $80 ticket. Waiting for sil's to get home, G-ma #1 calls me at home crying on the phone, Brother in Law is being transported to Mt.Carmel West Hospital as heart muscle to be functioning at only 15%. BIL was born with congentital heart disease & has had over 18 surgeries on his heart...5 of them being major open heart surgery, so this is VERY SCARY for us. He already has a prothstetic valve & had a major stroke 18yrs ago leaving him paralyzed on his right side. He wasn't supposed to live past 18 & is 41 now, so he has done wonderfully considering all he's been through.

Soooooo, NOW I am heading for COLUMBUS, to the hospital, kids & hubby in tow, realizing on the drive up, that the hospital is literally 10 MINUTES from the venue I am supposed to be at, scoping for M&G's, meeting fellow ETrainer's & E fans alike. Instead, I end up in a small room prolley meant for a total of 3 people & there are 8 of us in there. And my $80 ticket, I so diligently stalked Ticketmaster SIX DAYS for, trying to get as close as possible, is in my pocket. Completely worthless. :(

As you can read, I need to vent, HAVE to get this out to you all, as my hubby & family prolley wouldn't appreciate my grief over missing this show when BIL is in hospital. And I agree, but I can't help it, I am complettely heartbroken. I have been sooooo excited for the past week, when I made the definite decision to go see the show. Take some time for me, kid free for a few hours & just have fun.

Obviously, it wasn't meant to be & I do believe everything happens for a reason, but damn, it really sucks...BAD. I can't quit crying, not only from my worry over BIL, but also missing the show, which in turn makes me cry more, because I feel selfish being so upset missing a concert considering the reason I had to miss it.

Well, there it is, my potential Best Day Ever in concert history crumbled to a pile of dissapoint, grief, shame & heartbreak. I thought I had it bad before concerning my love for Elliott, but never realized JUST HOW BAD till today. I feel like I did when Elliott was voted off...completely devastated.

Before I end this post, I ask, PLEASE, for those who wish to do so, PRAY for my BIL & his family. We all love him sooooo much & are sick with fear of what this prognosis means for him. I thank you all for taking the time to read this & for all prayers given.

AWW RM! I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for your family, and that you'll get to meet Elliott one day.

Sweetie, I am SO SO sorry. Do not feel guilty one bit for being disappointed over missing the concert. This is something you have looked forward to for such a long time, and it is only natural to feel the way you do. We understand that your family may not appreciate the way you feel right now, and that is why we are here. We understand your pain and we are here for you. I will definitely put in a prayer for your brother in law. It's just terrible to be facing such turmoil in your family and missing the release of an Elliott concert at the same time.

We're here for you RM. And let me say, you had a lot of luck headed your way for this show, so just IMAGINE how it will be compounded to make up for what happened. Next time around, your encounter will end up being even longer than mine. I guarantee it.

:grouphug:

oh rm, i'm soo soo sorry.i feel sooooo bad right now. i sent you something this afternoon, i meant to send it in time for the concert, but didnt. so now, i hope it makes you feel better,not worse.
will talk to you soon
love chloe

RM Hon...noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! First of all, let me send lots and LOTS of prayers and well wishes for your BIL, cause of course him and his health comes first and formost, and I am SOOOOO SOOO sorry that he is going through all that he is. Second, I am absolutely BAWLING for you, cause I was waiting all day...thinking (selfishly now ;( ) omg why hasn't she called me? Does that mean she didn't get to meet them? omg I will die for her if she did not....

I just don't even know what to say hon;( I know all things happen for a reason, but dang it, if yellin has to pay to fly your butt to Bridgeport you NEED to go to a show, one way or another!! Your lucks sounds so much like mine it isn't even funny...although, I know your torn because you were not able to go because of a sickness in the family, so your heart and mind feel so torn for feeling so...bummed. Hon, it is ok, TRUST ME. We all know you still mean well and want the best outcome for your BIL..but it also meant the world to you PERSONALLY to go to this show. Coming from another SAHM...these are the little things in life that truly keep us going, as we don't have much going with the "world of adults" while taking care of our precious little ones day in and day out. Well, it is now my mission to find a way to get you to a show...come hell or highwater, and I would really love for it to NOT just be your PICTURE!!! My heart is just breaking for you.........

I love you girl..and I am so absolutely, positively, DEVISTATED for you;(

:grouphug: :glomp: :grouphug: :glomp:

Nothing I will say will help I will keep your bil in my prayers. I am sorry that you didn't get to the concert and for all your trouble! I don't even know you and I'm crying.

RM, I am so sorry for your horrible day, and for your brother in law's health problems, know that we are all thinking of you and praying for your family.
I just know that your heart is breaking over missing Elliott and the show tonight. Be kind to your feelings and to you, having guilt will only make you feel worse, you are entitled to your feelings right now. :grouphug:

RM, I just don't know what to say. :( I don't usually say prayers but I will most definitely keep your BIL and family in my thoughts. That is terrible news.

I am so sad that you didn't make it to the show. I know how much you were looking forward to it and I can completely understand your devistation. I'm crying for you. :glomp: :grouphug:

Please don't feel guilty over this! My in-laws just celebrated their 50th anniversary this past weekend. We had a suprise party for them and everything went swimmingly. They were going to go away for a couple of days this week, but my brother-in-law got sick and now has to have gallbladder surgery. My poor mother-in-law is worried sick over her son, but she's so disappointed that she can't go on her little getaway (my father-in-law, God love him, is a old duffer who likes to stay home ALL THE TIME, so she never gets to go anywhere special unless she goes with her kids) with Pop. She has every right to these feelings without the guilt, and so do you! Sending prayers for your B-I-L and for you, too. :glomp:

RM, I am so sorry to hear about your BIL and will certainly say prayers for him. Don't feel guilty for feeling the way you do, especially because your actions are what is important. I know you are desperately sad that you missed seeing Elliott and the other idols tonight and will probably always feel a little cheated. I'm a firm believer that good things come to good people, though, so don't despair that your chance to meet Elliott has passed. There are good times ahead for him and us and you'll get that opportunity to tell him how much he means to you, I'm sure.

You and your family will be in my prayers. So sorry for the way your day turned out. :grouphug:

YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS TONIGHT.....
I'M SO SORRY HOW THINGS TURNED OUT FOR YOU....

I'm really hurting for you... the tears just welled up in my eyes when I was reading your story. It's just awful what happened. I do hope everything works out OK for your family. As you say, everything happens for a reason, so there MUST be one! And just think, one day you REALLY deserve to have something very special happen for you. They say patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait, let's just hope it won't be too long before that special something happens. Keep strong! And keep playing that wonderful music, I know the sound of Elliott's voice has helped so much lately.

Oh, RM, I am SO sorry for you. I hope your BIL will be fine. I know how you feel when there is a sickness in the family. My BIL was VERY sick last year (heis fine now, but we thought he was gonna die last yr). Don't feel guilty about being upset for not being able to make it to the show. I understand how you feel. I would feel the exact same way. I will pray for your BIL, and I will pray that YOU will get to meet E some day soon. Hugs to you! :grouphug:

RM-

I'm so so so sorry about the turn of events. It's awful. You really shouldn't feel guilty at all about missing the show though. It's completely understandable :glomp:
I will def. keep your family esp your BIL in my prayers.


As for the concert. There will be others! you know it. When Ace hunky monkey is hanging out here in Rochester doing his thing we always have a room here at the "inn" where Aly and I will be happy to do some Ace stalking with ya! :grouphug:
You know Elliott is going to be touring solo eventually. ALL IS NOT LOST. It never is. There are bigger and better things awaiting in the future with all your awesome E and Ace love. :wub:
keep ya head up chica.. we love ya. hug hug hug. my dreama.

Oh RM, what a heartbreaking story. :( I will certainly keep your Bil in my thoughts & prayers today. Don't feel guilty. You're only human after all.

Here's a hug for ya! :glomp:

RM,

These is not much else I can say that hasn't been said before - I am so sorry that you missed the concert and so sorry about your BIL - prayers for his recovery.

If it makes you feel any better - I just read a report from GrayCharles on one of Taylor's boards that his family went to the concert and Elliott, Bucky and Chris did not come to the meet and greet (of course it seems Ace was there....) so you wouldn't have gotten to meet Elliott that way anyway. Try to come down to Richmond for the State Fair concert. Tickets go on sale in one hour!

I am soooo sorry, RM, for the terrible turn of events. Know i'll be praying for your BIL's improved health.

Keep us up on his condition, OK?? :grouphug:

RM, that is such a sad story! Don't feel guilty about being sad about missing the concert, anyone would be.

Your family is in my prayers.. :glomp:

Thank you all soooo much for your prayers & understanding my feelings. :grouphug:
While typing my original post, I was double thinking myself, wondering, am I gonna get flamed for talking of how devastated I am about missing my show when BIL is in the hospital? Deep down, I believed you all would understand where I was coming from...just the self doubt & guilt kickin in I suppose. Anywho, I am sincerely thankful for everyones kind thoughts, support & especially keeping BIL & our family in your thoughts & prayers! It means more than I can even begin to express. :wub:

The doctor told us he will have to get a diffibulator inserted below his collarbone & the leads attached to his heart. He believes that BIL is strong enough for surgery, as it is a pretty routine procedure. This will be BIL's 1st surgery since 1992, so we all are quite nervous & worried. But we all understand this is waht HAS to be done to ensure we have BIL for as long as we can. He is doing pretty well right now, tho a bit unhappy at being in the hospital again, which is understandable. :(
He is a strong one, & quite ornery too(one of the qualities I love best about him) so I have complete faith everything will work out fine. Please continue to keep he & us in your thoughts & prayers & I promise to keep you updated on his condition!

Thanks again, only at the ETrain could I dare to find such love & support...Elliott Yamin, I love you even more for bringing all of these wonderful people together...Will you ever fully understand what you have ALREADY done? I pray you do... :wub: :glomp: :grouphug:

Awww honey, I am so sorry! I will pray for your brother-in-law that he comes out of this okay. And I will pray for gma 2 that she gets over her pink eye soon.

You definitely have every right to feel upset about not making the concert. I would feel the same way. I will pray you get another opportunity and get to meet Elliott next time as well :)

Sending love and prayers your way!

:grouphug: :grouphug:

RM, I am so sorry about your bil. You are in no way a horrible person for the angst that you felt in missing the concert. I have had a similar experience in my life and I have been eaten with guilt over the years for my selfish thoughts. We are just human. As someone else stated, your actions spoke much louder that your feelings. My prayers for your bil and your family. Wouldn't it be wonderful of you could go to Richmond for Elliott's concert there?

Thank you for updating us on your BIL. We will of course continue to keep him and your family in our prayers!

:getwellsoon:

RM,

I'll be praying for your BIL. As for the concert, Elliott will be having 23 Live Tours in the next 40 years so I'm sure you'll catch him at some point. And Ace will bring you on a pseudo-date one day! Things will work out, you will see.

RM, I hope this finds you well!! The ETrain loves you and hopefully things are better!! :grouphug:

Sweetie, so sorry everything went haywire. I will pray for Bil and also, for you...

An update on BIL's surgery...
He went through surgery well, altho there was a complication. Apparently there are 3 leads on the diffribulator that must be attached to the heart, 2 on the right & 1 on the left. The 2 leads on the right attached correctly, however, the left side of his heart is more damaged than expected (from scar tissue), so the lead wouldnt attach like it should have. So, he has to go back for a SECOND surgery to have the lead sewn to the left side of the heart. The first surgery was minor & the 2nd surgery is considered to be a major surgery...great. He is recupperating pretty well right now & we hope to have him home by Friday. The 2nd surgery will be in September...as soon as they can schedule him in I guess.

Thanks again for all the great support & prayers...I am soooo thankful too ALL of you! :glomp: :wub:

:etrain: :allaboard: :allaboard: :allaboard:

Hey RM. I am soooo sorry. I am praying for your family. I know you wanted to see our man E (and Ace, hehe) but it will be ok. We love ya!

RM, I'm glad to hear he made it through the surgery okay. Sorry he has to go through another one in September, but he sounds like a fighter. I'll keep thinking good thoughts for him and your family! :glomp:

Aw, RM, I'm am so sorry that you had such a rotten day but as others have said something good will come out of it. Don't be so hard on yourself for your feelings. Feelings can't be controlled but actions can and you came through for your family with flying colours.

Will keep your BIL and your family in our prayers. Will also pray that you get a special opportunity to meet E personally.

I know you are extremely disappointed and to be honest, I would have felt exactly the same. I'm glad your BIL came through the first surgery and will be praying that the second is even more successful.

:grouphug: :grouphug:

Hi Realitymom! I am so very sorry for your day from heck! I am so very sorry about your BIL also. I'm glad that your BIL has gotten through his first surgery, and will keep him and all of you in my prayers for his second surgery! As mothers, we are programmed to be selfless so much of our lives, that when we do have a fleeting thought for ourselves, the GUILTY monster attacks us. But we are entitled to have those fleeting selfish thoughts, afterall, we are human beings and have wants and desires just like anyone else! Occasionally, we have to do things for ourselves, so we make for better mothers and wives. So, don't you dare feel guilty!

When Elliott does his solo tour here in Ohio, we will have to plan on getting together to go, okay? Take care and God Bless you and your Family! :glomp: