by Julie S. Dobbins
Of course, I never got the chance to meet Mr. Harrison, but I have met other people of renown. I am pleased to say that I never even came close to screaming -- until.
Until the day I met Peter S. Beagle. I fancy myself a writer but I had never met a professional writer. I had no idea that I had a weakness about meeting someone of his reputation. One reason it took me by surprise was because we had been corresponding over a period of a few months before we had an opportunity to meet. I felt like I had known him for years. When my family and I were going to be at a convention that he would also be attending, we arranged to meet.
My son and I were sitting in the lobby when it happened. (Note: If you're going to make a fool of yourself, don't do it in front of your 12 year old son.) Peter walked up to introduce himself, but he got only as far as "Julie" when I did it. I screamed. Actually, it wasn't quite a scream but more of a squeal. Before I knew what I was doing I had exclaimed "PETER!!" and lunged at him to give him a hug.
He was prepared to shake hands.
I switched gears to shake hands just as he switched to a hug. We eventually got it figured out and had a delightful visit. However, my son was certain that, after my display, Mr. Beagle would never speak to us again.
Unfortunately, that one experience confirmed my worst fear: if I ever had met George Harrison -- I would have screamed.
Copyright © 2007 by Julie S. Dobbins