Teen Dream

     Sunday March 5th, 1978. Nassau Coliseum, Long Island.  I was 13 years old and this was, by far, the most incredible day in my young life. I was about to see the love of my life, Shaun Cassidy!!! AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
      The show was sold out, but my father had managed to purchase 4 tickets and I was allowed to invite 2 of my friends. There was no question how would come with me for this miraculous event, my best friends Susan and Mary Ellen.
      The cacophony of screaming teen boppers grew louder as the arena filled, anticipation mounting until it was almost palpable, but I was oblivious of it all. My heart slammed in my chest, excitement coursed through my veins until I thought I would burst. I tugged on my father's shirt sleeve for the millionth time. "Dad," I shouted above the din, "what time is it?" The show was scheduled to begin at
2.  He pulled his cuff back so I could see his watch. 1:40, a mere 20 minutes; but to me it was almost a lifetime. Would I last that long?
      1:55. I turned to Susan next to me, "Let's get the banner ready!"
We had ripped a white sheet lengthwise and painted, "YOU'RE OUR TEEN DREAM!!!" in the brightest red we could find. Susan unfolded it, gave one end to Mary Ellen and grabbed the other end, while she held up the middle. We turned towards each other for one final delirious moment. Suddenly, all of the lights went out, plunging all us into darkness. For a nanosecond there was a collective silence. OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD!!!!!!
      We heard him before we saw him, He was singing the first verse of one of hit songs:
                                                                   "Well I was sixteen
                                                                     and sick of school
                                                                     I didn't know what I wanted to do
                                                                    I bought a guitar
                                                                   I got the feeling
                                                                   That's Rock 'n Roll"
     Just as he sang the last note, the entire stage explode with blinding light. And there he was...my sweetheart, the only guy I would ever love, Shaun Cassidy.
     A few years later, I met my first boyfriend, Michael. After an agonizing soul searching, I decided that it was time for Shaun and I to move on. I promised that he would always have a special place in my heart.
     Shaun took the news very well.