Jessica's Birthday Present

In April this year, I was reading the newspaper and by accident stumbled upon an advertised CD signing session, which Michael was undertaking to promote his new Disney Album, when it was released in Australia.

Naturally, I couldn't believe my luck, so when the day finally arrived, my boyfriend, my sister, her two kids, her friend (come on, I needed support for this) and I drove out to one of the Brisbane suburbs on the other side of town. Even though we got there early, the queue was already huge. So we waited patiently while MC sifted through the hundreds of fans. When it was almost our turn, he requested a little pause, and he took a sip of tea. He evidently burnt his mouth on it, and did a few very 'Frank-ish' gestures about it. To my embarrassment, my sister (whose laugh is very distinct... and loud) stirred a little attention of her own, and got him looking straight at us. He laughed at her, as she suddenly clutched her hands over her mouth to stop laughing, and gestured that he'd leave the tea until later.

Soon after, it was our turn to approach the table on the stage... The lady gave him my CD cover to sign (it was my birthday the following day! GREAT Pressie!) and just as he started to autograph it, I remarked: "Would you believe I was named after Jessica Spencer?" (That's true, by the way!). He halted. Looked up surprised, said: "Really?", looked back down, and promptly lost his place in the spelling of the name Jessica (I will cherish the cover forever - you can clearly see the hesitation.) I then said : "It's my birthday tomorrow. This is the perfect present!" He looked up and demanded in an amused way: "You have to buy your own birthday presents?" and we laughed. I pointed to my patient (and understanding) boyfriend behind me and Michael nodded with a grin. I then thanked him for his wonderful music, he shook my hand firmly (yes, I agree with all the people on the wonderful hands! :-)) said: "Thank you sweetheart" (I probably would have preferred something said in a little less paternal a way - Note, I'm 19 - but nevertheless it was wonderful.)

In a giddy daze, my supporters guided me off the stage (if they hadn't taken the initiative I either would have stayed there indefinitely or fallen off it altogether.)

I discovered, when it was too late, of course, that the owner of the music shop which the presentation was being held through was actually an acquaintance of my father (another music shop manager)... Had I done a little preparation, I'm sure I could have swindled something even more precious! But no crying over spilt milk, right!

Either way, I have a birthday gift never to forget ... It says - To Jess-i-c-a, With love. Happy Birthday. Michael Crawford.

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