Debbie B. and Bobby...
I
think any girl (if she's honest) would have to admit to having a crush
on Bobby Sherman at some time in her life. Didn't we all spend countless
hours staring into those blue eyes adorning his album cover? Wasn't
Bubble Gum & Braces sung just for you? And if your name was "Julie"
- need I go on? In 1968 I had 3 goals in life: develop a figure, get
rid of my braces, and marry Bobby Sherman. Judging from the number of
fans who still adore this man, clearly I was not alone in this quest.
Which brings us to middle age wisdom. Before the babies I had a figure.
I now have what is referred to as a "body type", one which
won't be gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated anytime soon. On the
other hand, my orthodontist assures me that my braces will come off
before menopause, which I find rather exciting. But none of that compares
to the thrill of finally meeting Bobby Sherman.
Big Bear, California, resembled the set of Here Comes The Brides; pine trees everywhere and the bluest sky you'll ever see. The ideal setting to finally meet Bobby. He was scheduled to attend a PR event in June but was unable to be there, so my brother and his sergeant coordinated another date for me to meet him. I never had the opportunity to see one of his concerts as a child, but now I'm glad I met him later in life because there is so much more to him than just being a former teen idol. He is without a doubt one of the nicest, most gracious people you'd ever want to meet. He puts everyone at ease so you feel comfortable talking with him like an old friend. He has a terrific sense of humor and he is so down to earth. He demonstrated such kindness posing for pictures and signing all the autographs. The hardest thing was wondering what to say to someone I'd waited 35 years to meet. I didn't want to embarrass my brother so I tried to maintain a modicum of composure. My first thought when I saw Bobby was at 59 he still looks absolutely gorgeous. The best part, however, was learning he's even nicer on the inside. My second thought was - what an idiot - I wore heels! What was I thinking? The next hour and a half I kept thinking it was a good thing he knew CPR, as I was sure I would need it. The altitude there is around 7,200 feet. Now add to that meeting Bobby and it's no wonder I felt breathless that day.
I
had come prepared with all sorts of questions, things I wanted to ask
him about his life and career, but for once I was actually a bit nervous.
Fortunately my brother asked the questions which made for a humorous
afternoon. Brothers always enjoy embarrassing their sisters, and mine
was no exception. Dave proceeded to show Bobby my tote bag filled with
every album he ever made along with all kinds of pictures and mementos.
He went on to further inform him that my bedroom had been decorated
wall-to-wall in pictures and posters. I doubt this came as any great
shock to the man, but my face has yet to return to it's normal color.
Bobby graciously signed my favorite album and posed for several pictures.
He apologized for missing our first meeting, and he was kind enough
to bring his autobiography and his greatest hits CD and sign them both
as well! He couldn't have been any nicer.
Before I left that day we hugged and he thanked me for being such a big fan. He said it's the fans that have made it all worthwhile over the years. I think I speak for all of us when I say Thank You Bobby for giving all of us so much enjoyment over the years. I will always remember that day and the best birthday gift my wonderful brother ever gave me.