So I was recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, high on Percocet for pain relief, scouring the web for lack of anything better to do, reading emails, and such.  I opened a new email from www.danfogelberg.com.  It was from his wife, Jean Fogelberg, talking about a Dedication Ceremony in Peoria, Illinois.  

 First, a little background:

Dan passed away in December 2007 after a battle with prostate cancer.  All my life, he was my mentor, guiding me through the angst of my teenage years.  He was the anchor I clung to, when everybody around me just didn't "get it", he did.  He understood me and taught me the lessons I needed to learn.  He was my only friend, I imagined, as I lay in my bed and sang Part of the Plan into the record album cover which I held over my face.  If not for Dan, I don't think I would have made it out of those dark years.  He gave me hope and courage.  Dan saved me from myself.

 Several years later,  I was recovering in the hospital after a lengthy illness.  One of my very best friends, took one of her Dan Fogelberg T-shirts (that she had made on our first trip to Wildwood, NJ, from one of those iron-on T-shirt shops along the boardwalk), and made it into a pillow for me.  I was so touched by the gesture.  I slept with this pillow  until Dan's face was completely gone from me caressing it.  Again, Dan was there for me.

 The first concert I even attended was at the tender age of 15, at a high school in Muhlenberg, PA, where Dan played.  I was determined to meet him.  While everyone else sat and behaved, I was crazed and intent on talking the crew into letting me backstage.  Well, that didn't happen.  But Tim Weisberg did come and sit with me in the stands.  I didn't know who he was at first.  But when they called him to the stage, to my surprise, he picked up a flute and started to play.  He was very sweet to this heartsick girl.  I was so sure that if I could speak to Dan, we'd be best of friends forever.  And perhaps this was true.  I still believe it.  He was my soul mate. 

 Back to reality:

 I find that many people felt this way.  It was Dan's music, his lyrics.  This private man, this artist, allowed you into his soul through his songs.  Everyone who ever "got" him, knows this.  Those who didn't, just missed the boat!  Dan was the greatest of all storytellers.  The fact that I "get it" still makes me feel special; as though I'm part of something beyond me.  Part of the River of Souls, moving Ever On.  A part of the Netherlands, and definitely, A Part of the Plan. 

 Anyway, as I was saying:

 Hopped up on Percocet, I bought the airline tickets to Peoria; along with tickets to the concert following the Dedication Ceremony, hotel and rental car.  I had no thoughts of not doing this.  You have to understand, I am not usually this carefree or impulsive.  I am a very thoughtful person.  Nor am I rich and can just make airline reservations willy nilly!  Was it the medication?  I like to think it was Dan.  Again, leading me to choices I wouldn't normally make. 

 My husband initally said he could not go because of his work/school schedule.  But when I said I would go it alone, he eventually agreed to go with me and his flights were booked as well. 

The weekend was wonderful.  A party Friday night, Dedication Ceremony Saturday, and a concert Saturday night. 

I could finally grieve my first love without feeling alone.  We were all strangers, but had one thing in common:  Dan Fogelberg.  Our love for this man and his music.  We sang.  We held hands with people we had just met.  We cried.  We laughed.  We danced.  But mostly we rejoiced in having found him.  In having known him.  If only through his music.  It is such a gift.

 I met Dan's beautiful and gracious wife, Jean, who greeted each and every one of us on Friday night.  Dan's mother, Margaret, was there as well, along with one of his brothers, Marc.  Musicians and friends and family gathered to play and sing Dan's songs.  It was a weekend to remember Dan and the difference he made in all of our lives. 

 Following the weekend in Peoria, I noticed pictures had gone up on the Dan Fogelberg website.  In the middle of the page, was a picture of the Friday night party.  My husband and I were in the center of the photo.  I was wiping my eyes with a tissue; crying like a baby.  I broke down in sobs when I saw the photo.

Although I wished to, I never met the man in person, only in my dreams.  But never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see a picture of myself on his website.  It may seem a small thing to some, but to me it was a miracle.  A miracle that gives me hope; as Dan's music always did.  

Thank you, Dan.  You will remain in my heart forever.  Perhaps, we will meet, someday, in the River of Souls.  Ever On, my dear friend, it is all Part of the Plan.