Blog Post
THE HEART OF MOOSEHEART
April 15, 2008DAY 1 - FRIDAY - APRIL 11, 2008
DAY 2 - SATURDAY - APRIL 12, 2008 - REVISED & NEW UPDATE!!!!
DAY 1 - FRIDAY -
I was filled with anticipation as I gathered my wristbands, receipts and list of others who I knew would be joining me at Mooseheart, IL on a sunny Friday afternoon. I embarked on my journey to meet Dog, Beth and Leland and to see Dog speak. Little did I know my heart would be touched by something far more extraordinary than Dog The Bounty Hunter. Something far more heartfelt … far more inspiring.
For those of you who may not know, “Families whose young people come to Mooseheart are generally charged nothing, but the "entrance fee" is nonetheless extremely high: many youngsters at the Child City reside at Mooseheart because they have lost one or both of their parents. In many other cases, their parents have separated or divorced, or there has been severe financial need, or other problems causing family instability.”
Mooseheart is located in Aurora, which is one of Chicago’s southern suburbs. I live in Morton Grove, a northern suburb. Although it was only about an hour’s drive, I was running late and arrived at the hotel later than I wanted to. I had already spoken to ChrissyB on the way down. After I quickly checked in and unpacked, I met Chrissy in the lobby and we left. The doors of the gymnasium were to open at 4:30, which was also the time for Leland’s Meet and Greet. At 4:30 we were told that everything was delayed an hour due to the fact that the Fire Department had not yet inspected the building. We were told to wait in our cars. Time flew by as we called Stacy, when Chrissy noticed a long line winding around the building. Although it wasn’t quite 5:30 we decided to wait in line in the cold rain! Fortunately, we didn’t wait long until the doors opened and the line moved quickly. We were in! We made it! We were going to meet Leland! The RUSH was on!
We stood in the Leland Meet & Greet line. The door was open and we could see inside. There was Leland standing in front of a black background! It was really him! He was smiling! He looked really good! Cameras don’t do him justice. He has a complexion that simply glows. Anyway, he was surrounded by about 8 security guards and tables that acted as barriers.
When it was my turn, the security guard motioned me over to Leland. He greeted me by watching me walk to his side. In my hand I had a folder. On one side I had clipped a picture of myself, Duane Lee, and my son, Evan. On the other, the cardboard poster with his signature on it. I opened it and showed it to him. I explained to him that we’d been to Kona for spring break, but went to the office on a day trip and met DL and he signed it for me and would he mind signing it as well. Still smiling, he looked at the picture of DL and nodded, and said something like, sure, and whipped out his marker out of his back pocket, leaned it on his knee and signed it. He then asked me what we did there and I told him about the helicopter tour, the surf lessons, snorkeling and shopping in Kailua Kona. Then he asked if we’d swam with the dolphins. And I answered yes. I was surprised that for someone who had a reputation for being so quiet and shy, he really wasn’t at a loss for asking questions. Nor did he seem withdrawn or uneasy at all. In fact, he seemed very relaxed. He also had a never-ending smile. He seemed to be enjoying himself. It was time, so we turned towards the camera, raised our shakas (mine was shaking, and it surprised me!) and the flash went off. We turned toward each other and I smiled and said “Mahalo Leland” and he was STILL SMILING! Kind of like reverse Botox! I walked away and handed him over to Chrissy up next. Such a sweet guy he is. He seemed to have such inner peace. He didn’t seem shy at all to me. Quiet? Maybe he doesn’t talk much, but it’s not as if he doesn’t encourage conversation and isn’t interested in what you have to say. Or maybe it was just the topic – his own home town.
While waiting in line, we had noticed lovely Baby Lyssa was standing by the Dog booth, posing for pics! What an unexpected surprise! A bonus Chapman! So we took the opportunity and got in line. Once again, cameras don’t do Baby justice. She has a milk and honey complexion and a very happy disposition. Everyone wanted a picture with Baby. No one really expected her there! She also signed my poster. She was so gracious and sweet. But because she was in such great demand, it was pretty much - hello, how are you, click - and - thank you, nice to have met you – NEXT! Though I did ask her quickly when reruns would begin airing, she replied that there was still no scheduled date. ugh
We then claimed our seats – 2nd row center, and proceeded to check out all the vendor’s wares. We spent most of our time at the Dog The Bounty Hunter booth, where Edith – DOGSFRIEND and Nancy – LoveTheDog volunteered working the booth with their sons. That’s when I looked up and saw a familiar face smiling at me – Jamie!!!! And her handsome hubby! Such an awesome couple!
Soon the concert began and the opening bands started. Will Duvall and his band started off. He had a style similar to John Mayer’s. He was very good. Then Inhabited came on. They brought the house down! Although we had aisle seats, I couldn’t sit still and joined what first started out to be a mini mosh of sorts! The lead vocalist Sara, and her brother, lead guitarist, Marcus rocked it out! They were by far, the best band of RUSH!
Up next, the last band. I was getting worried. Because we started an hour later, I thought I’d be back to my hotel and could check the computer there by now. I called Stacy. Stacy became my eye on eBay and watched the auction for me. During the last few minutes, we were in constant communication. I couldn’t have done it without her help!
INTERMISSION --- Up next – Dog!!!! It was then that I was stopped by excitedtomeetdog! And let me tell you – she lived up to her name! She was really excited to meet Dog! It was almost time and we all were!
We all got back to our seats as quickly as possible. We didn’t want to miss his big entrance. All of a sudden the room went pitch black! On either side of the main stage were 2 large screens. Suddenly, we saw and heard loud, fast, startling, heart palpitating, scenes – Dog banging on doors, Beth screeching tires, Baby Lyssa running after her fugitive, Leland kicking down doors, fast, dizzying, loud - your heart pounding out of your chest - then the DTBH theme began playing and out of the darkness walked DOG !!!! The Greatest Bounty Hunter in the World!!The crowd went wild! They took to their feet! A standing ovation! Whistles! Clapping! Whooping! Whistling! Cameras flashing! Fans proceeding forward towards the stage! Dog raised both arms in victory! The entire gymnasium filled with arms waving in return! Their hero had taken stage! The moment had arrived!
Although it seemed as if time stood still, as Dog walked back and forth, as if to greet each and every fan, he finally thanked us for the final time and asked us all to take our seats. My memory is a bit weak at this point, but I do remember that shortly thereafter, one after the other, Dog brought out and introduced each family member – Lyssa first, Leland next and finally and not last by any means, the lovely and talented – Mrs. Duane Dog Chapman, the last! And let me tell you, lovely does not adequately describe her. She is half the woman she once was. I remember her saying in chat that she had been working out. I heard from someone else in chat say she was on a diet. Well, it worked, because she looks PHENOMENAL!!!!! We will see a very different Beth Chapman on the newer epis of Season Five!
Dog began speaking much about his life taken from his book. And even though I heard it last year during his tour last summer, it still fascinated me. He’s a master storyteller. He also talked about his insecurities about talking to the kids at Mooseheart. He prayed to God to ask for guidance. He almost wanted to cancel. But the Lord provided him with words. He talked about how for so many of the kids here, who were dropped off by their parents, this was their second chance. As he choked up, for the babies who were abandoned, their first chance. He talked about how he’d visited other similar facilities for kids at risk, who didn't turn out so well - drug addicts without jobs. And he spoke of his conversations with some of the children he met. He asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. He expected to hear – truck driver, janitor, but instead he heard – doctors, lawyers, and he was amazed! Amazed at the goals they were setting for themselves. There was not one heart that wasn’t touched at that very moment in time at Mooseheart! Not one heart that wasn’t inspired!
When he was done, the Dog and Beth Meet and Greets began. We were ushered one row at a time while another band began. I remembered that due to the fact that we were fan club members, we were allowed to the head of the line. I brought it to the attention of one of the security guards. He asked another security guard. He asked me how I found out about it. I told him Beth Chapman. He seemed mildly impressed and told me he’d ask her. I told him, Please, go right ahead! While waiting, Tracie, (Ohiogirl), Erica (rightmistake) and Anne, overheard the whole thing! They spun me around and told me who they were! OMG was I surprised! The 3 Musketeers of the chat room! Oh, and there was another Chrissy! (truckerswife) So just then the security guard came back and told us he’d checked with Beth and she had verified my claim and that I was to come with him. I told him that Chrissy was with me, and Tracie, Erica and Anne chimed, “So are we, we’re from the chat room!” Now if memory serves, I believe I then motioned to Jamie and her husband and we by then we had a decent size group!
We were lead to the room and the head security guard motioned for me to go first. I approached Beth and Dog and stood between them. I was stunned by her beauty. Once again, cameras do not do her justice. She is very feminine and is very soft spoken. She seems very delicate, unlike the rough and tough exterior she can sometimes portray on the show, especially while pursuing fugitives. She took my hand and her skin was the softest I’d ever felt. I wish I knew which hand cream she uses! ; ) She has such a gentle touch. I can see why Dog adores her so. Dog is very tan and rugged looking. He was very down to earth and friendly. He made me feel very much at ease. They both did. I showed them the same picture of us with Duane Lee and they seemed very interested. They didn’t hesitate in signing it. We made small talk – I was so awe-struck! Then she called out Leland and Baby and all of a sudden I was surrounded by Chapmans! She introduced me to Leland and he nodded, looked at me and smiled and said something like “I remember, we met.” Lyssa said, “Hi, nice to see you again.” And cameras started flashing! It was such a magical moment! Then I felt it was my time to go. As I turned to leave Beth and I chatted for just a second about something, can’t remember exactly what, but we shared a hilarious moment and couldn’t stop laughing! It was the perfect ending to a perfect night!
Day 2 – Saturday
(Revised 4/17)
The following day everyone had scattered before meeting at the local Wendy’s for a get-together. Unfortunately I was stuck at the hotel lobby computer and wasn’t able to join them. ugh
But … as soon as I was able, I got ready for the 2nd evening. I wondered if it would be the same, or if it would be a little different. Once again, I began to feel anticipation. I met Chrissy in the lobby again. I met some other members – Lori (HooftieLou), Andrea (ANDI26), her mom and katdak2. It was so awesome to meet the real live talking bodies behind the pics and words. We had also met Stefanie and her sister from Indiana. We took them under our wings and made them honorary DTBH sistahs and they joined our group. Tonight the festivities began an hour later, so Chrissy, Kat, Stef, her sister and I piled in Chrissy’s car and left for RUSH. Anticipation overwhelmed me once again!
On our way in the car Stef told us she wasn't feeling well. She is hypoglycemic and hadn't eaten in a while. We planned on getting her a bite as soon as we got there, which was only a few minutes away.
When we arrived it was colder and rainier and windier than the day before. To make matters worse, we had to park further too. We cursed the elements for their effects on our hair and makeup. But we were that much closer to Leland up first, so we forgave them and thought happy thoughts of the evening ahead.
We arrived and claimed our seats. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Wes Chapman, another of Dog’s sons, with whom he hasn’t been reunited until just recently, and Dog and Beth’s manager, Alan Nevins. In the meantime, Stef's sister got her some food while she sat at the Dog booth with Nancy, Edith and Chrissy. She didn't look well. She tried to eat, but was feeling nauseous and was feverish. There were EMTs nearby and when they saw her, they pounced into action. They took information from her and took blood sugar levels. Her level was within normal limits, but high, she said, for herself. They offered to take her to the ER, but she declined. She said she was feeling better. They agreed, but kept an eye on her. She sat for quite a while, then I went to powder my nose and ran into her on my way out. We talked about how she was feeling and convinced she was alright, left to go back. When I returned to the DOG table, her sister asked if I knew where she was and I told her. Someone told her to go and check on her. A few minutes later, a gurney passed us with Steph surrounded by EMTs and security guards. I was told she would be taken to Mercy Hospital. Her sister went with her. We were worried, yet relieved she would get medical attention.
There were a lot more people than the day before. The place was packed! The Leland Meet & Greet line was MUCH loooooonger! We checked in at the DOG booth. We found out that Leland wasn’t feeling well, but being the staunch, tenacious, faithful hero that we know and love, he wouldn’t let his fans down. Leland’s eye was swollen and irritated, we were told. There was talk of him going to the ER. But he put on his shades and proceeded meeting his fans. He didn’t want to disappoint them. We took our place at the end of the line. When I got close enough to see him, I saw him lift his shades and rub one of his eyes. It did look red and swollen. Poor Leland. My heart went out to him. Yet he still smiled for every fan … for every picture!
Because he wasn’t feeling well and the turn out was much greater that night, the line was moved along by security much quicker. There was no time for niceties. Too many fans and not enough time. When it was my turn, I knew he wasn’t feeling well, he had a c**p load full of fans waiting and I wasn’t about to prolong his agony, so I walked quickly and stood next to him, (he accidentally bumped into me and his arm was ice cold, unlike the day before) smiled and said “Aloha Leland, nice to see you again”, turned towards the camera, had our pic taken, said Mahalo, then walked away. I felt so sorry for him.
After I came out, I noticed Stef was back! I was surprised! I asked what happened! Her sister said the ambulance never left. She'd refused treatment. I walked over to her - still seated - and asked her what happened. She said she didn't want to go - that she would be alright. That most likely it was stress. (That was my thinking all along) As the night went on, Stef got to slowly feeling better and better and had taken an amazing pic with Leland!
After the Meet and Greet was over, the opening band began playing, but we decided to stay and talk for a while. Lo and behold, who walked in the front doors but Leland Blane Chapman – his shades resting on his forehead (how do they do that?? I can’t do that!!) and a spring in his step. With his left eye looking much better, wearing a big grin on his face! We were so surprised! Surprised and relieved! I asked if he was feeling better and he said, Yes, much! We were all so glad. We hated the thought of him working in pain or discomfort. We had our happy Leland back! We later joked about how Stef could have gone in the same ambulance with Leland! It put a great big smile on her face! : )
I waited a while longer until my fav band came on – Inhabited. I sat in my seat, but once again, not for long. I got up to the front and after a few minutes found 2 familiar faces standing next to me – Anne and Erica (rightmistake). I guess they liked them too! We swayed, we clapped, we even jumped, until I hit the guy in front of me in the head! Enough jumping for me! LOL! Leave that for the professional moshers! LMAO! We couldn’t stop laughing!
My memory gets a bit fuzzy in terms of sequence here, but I believe INTERMISSION was then called. We were told that Dog would speak next and after that he would have the Meet & Greets. We decided to stretch our legs. We went to the DOG booth where we visited Edith, Nancy and their sons again, still volunteering. They were supposed to get in the new T that Leland designed for Dog, but they had not come in that day as scheduled. I was disappointed. But, we were told they’d be on eFashion when they do become available.
We hung out and waited and waited. We asked when Dog was coming on and found out that Dog and Beth hadn’t even arrived yet! We thought that was odd seeing as they were there early yesterday. We realized no Lyssa today either! We waited and found ways to pass the time. In the meantime, someone had pointed out Jen (Avonlea210). I walked over to introduce myself. She was nicer than I’d ever imagined!
It was getting late, so they decided to start the next band. It was a really interesting group with a bagpipe player! Although it seemed out of place, it sounded awesome! When they were done, it was finally time. Time everyone had been waiting for. Time for our hero. Time for Dog! And once again, the same scenario … except far more fans, far more energy, far more exhilaration, far more frenzy! And was he pleased! Ahh, he exclaimed! Good turn out! lol! I turned to the left and then to the right. Not an empty seat in the house! He once again introduced every family member, this time altogether. After they left the stage, he began. I’d wondered if I’d hear the same words. I wasn’t disappointed. That night, Dog spoke slowly. The words came from his heart…from his soul. He spoke on a more spiritual level. He touched every mind and every heart in that room. You could have heard a pin drop. He recited one of his more recent popular Dogisms –
“With a tear in one eye and blood in another, I’ll hunt you down and call you brother.”
The crowd went wild. Standing ovation. He then invited Beth up on stage. Playful banter. Beth then recited her own Bethism –
“No weapons formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises against me shall be condemned.”
They closed together and exited the stage, leaving every heart filled with love. The Meet and Greets were last. There was another wait. And once again, because of the initial late start and the tremendously huge turn out, security began moving the line through quickly again. Dog and Beth were to catch a 6:00am flight. And it was already 11:00! And there we were again – haunting security again! lol! They remembered us, though they wished we’d just go away, lol! But we were too tenacious … too patient! They couldn’t ignore us. So they didn’t. We went in one after the other for another wonderful opportunity! When it was my turn, I walked up to them both. Before I could reach Beth, she stepped forward and hugged me! I was floored! She patted my back, then I stepped between her and Dog. They put their arms around me and the camera flashed. She turned towards me for another hug and as I turned to walk away, Dog gave me one too!!!! I was in doggie heaven! (pun totally intended!)
I floated away on a cloud that night. I’d been to 7th heaven and back! That weekend I bonded with my DTBH fan and Chapman Ohana in a very special way – a way that I’ll never ever forget!
THE END
UPDATE - Happy to report that as of today, Stef has joined our fan club ... our Ohana! Her username is LadyStefanie! Her site is ladystefanie.dogthebountyhunter.com! Let's show her some DTBH love and what the Aloha Spirit is all about. Let's shower her with friendship requests and see how many she can get! Let's make Dog proud!
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