Did I Ever Tell You?

Dreams Do Come True!

Did I Ever Tell you?

I love Martina McBride. I love her music. I love to hear her sing. There isn't one of her songs I dislike. I do have my favorite songs I love to hear her sing, but she could sing anything and I would still be in awe and have chills because to me she is amazing!

I like being me. Most people can't or wouldn't say that about themselves, but I'm proud of who I am.
I have been dealt a rough hand of cards to play, but I've managed to be both mother and father to three amazing children.

I was born with some mountains to climb and some stuff to overcome.
I feel as though I have met my challenges in my life head on. I still have to continue this battle, because for me it will always be a daily fight, but its okay, because I've never known any other way of life.
I'll, gladly, continue my battle with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy can be overcome. I'm I living proof.

(I know there are some song lyrics in here somewhere.)

Martina McBride inspires me. It is hard to explain how she does it—she just does.
I enjoy listening to her music and I love too sing to it.
Martina is amazing, she's humble, loving, caring, giving—she's just sweet.
Ever since she's become my favorite country music singer; which was in the early nineties when she first hit the charts with, My Baby Loves Me and A Broken Wing I was hooked from that point on. My Niece Tammy always said every time she heard A Broken Wing it reminded her of me that made me feel good inside.

Its been my dream to see Martina McBride live in concert.
Her voice is flawless. Almost every song she sings has a meaning behind it therefore; her music just touches me deep down in my heart where my soul lives!
I'd pray every night someday I'd get to see her live in concert.

I live in Aston, Pennsylvania.
I know God knows where I live, so I'd pray...
"Please, God, bring Martina closer to me if it be your will. I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen."

Martina came to Atlantic City, N.J at the Trump Taj Mahal.
I made plans to go see her there, but something came up with my children the night she was in New Jersey. I wasn't able to go so, I continued with my prayer.
I was so sad I missed her, but I still believed in my dream so, I prayed harder.
I know crazy, right?

I kept telling my best friend Heather, "I want to see Martina McBride in concert live so bad!"
She'd say, "I know, Angel Mommy, me too."
Heather calls me her Angel Mommy.
We're very close like Mother and Daughter.
Her mom is overmedicated most of the time.
I would never try to replace her mom. I just love her like a mom should—unconditionally.

I was checking my Facebook like I do everyday.
I got an inbox message from my step-mom, Annie.
It said, Martina McBride is going to be at the Tower theater in Upper Darby, Pa.
Do you want to go?

I sent back an inbox message back saying.
"Oh my Gosh!... Are you kidding? I can't breathe."
"Of course I WANT to go!"
"Martina McBride is going to be twenty-five minutes from my house!"
"Are you serious?" (Now, that has to be God answering my prayers, right?)
I didn't care how much those tickets cost I was going to this concert.
I bought my tickets that day.
I was able to get awesome seats. Second row from the stage—THE PIT!
My whole body was shaking as I bought the tickets.
I even cried secretly when the transaction went through.
I checked my bank every day until the money cleared because you never know what can happen.
I was a nervous wreck.
I wanted this so badly, my heart ached.
You never know what may happen from one day to the next. My prayer changed to "Thank you God for your many blessings. Please, help my tickets to arrive here safely. Amen!"

Annie called, She told me her mom was really sick. She might not be able to go to the concert.
This made me sad, but I knew this might happen so, I decided to surprise my best friend, Heather, for her birthday and take her to the concert. Her birthday is on October 2nd, so I called Heather. I told her not to make any plans for the 26th of October, because I had a birthday surprise for her, but I couldn't deliver the gift until then.

It was at the end of August when I found out Martina McBride was going to be at The Tower Theater on the 26th of October, 2012.
Heather said, "Can I have some hints?"
I said, "Yup, Dress casual, bring your camera, and bring your bucket and shovel."
She said, "What Okay?"

I said, "What?, We are going digging for gummi bears and worms. You need your bucket and shovel."
She just laughed saying,"Funny because Jason's mom bought me a mini bucket and shovel when we were at the beach."

Jason is Heather's fiancee'

I said,"Okay, awesome, that's perfect" as I laughed with her.

My tickets arrived via FedEx September 7th, 2012.

I was sleeping when they arrived. My daughter, Amy, quietly stepped into my room stood next to my bed and gently said, "Hmm, what is this? Martina McBride, tickets?"

I opened my eyes with an enormous smile on my face. I smiled all day long. I was so excited I had my tickets, I thanked God so much that day. I think he probably thought I had a few screws loose because it was only the ticket arrival. What can I say. I'm sentimental and I knew this meant I was one step closer to my dream. Well, now mine and Heather's dream.

I lost count of how many times I looked at those tickets; still thanking God for them. Some nights I even slept with them under my pillow...

It took everything I had NOT to tell Heather her surprise.
I was so excited. I wanted to scream from at the top of my lungs every time we were together we're going to see Martina live in concert! I couldn't even play Martina's music when we were together because Heather knows me so well she'd see my face light up and put two and two together—my luck.

It was so hard, because I suck at keeping secrets like this to myself, but I knew in my heart I wanted to because I wanted this to be a dream come true for Heather; as much as it was going to be for me. I wanted her to be surprised the night of the show and I was determined to make it happen.

At this point, I think my readers would enjoy some actual, word for word, Facebook and phone text messaging between Heather and myself (Marcia)

Now, Please, keep in mind these are actual phone text and Facebook messages between us. I did not edit them. So, my readers will see how Heather and I communicate with each other; all the time.

As the date of the concert drew closer I began to tease her.
I would send her texts and Facebook messages like this:

Heather's texts will be in Purple
Marcia's texts will be in Green

To Heather Angel Baby Billbrough from Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Just sending you some love I can't wait until we go diggin' for gummy bears, and gummy worms,as only you and I can Oh, yeah, I am going to bring Aunt Tammy and Aunt Pamela with us too.(which meant we would have to carry special pictures with us because Tammy and Pamela have passed away) I know they would want to come with us too! I am so excited! Heather, knows how close I was to both of them so she didn't even question what I said. She just knew I would find a way to bring them with us.

To Heather Angel Baby Billbrough from Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I am so excited I can't stand myself...I pray to GOD everything goes nice and smooth and most of all you love your surprise as much as much I KNOW YOU WILL... Amy and I have two more surprises to take care of which involves a shopping trip. Two more things to prepare and everything will be ready. I started packing my bag already since I DON'T carry a purse. lets see: camera, Duracell batteries, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Pamela, surprise number 2.

To Heather Angel Baby Billbrough from Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
list of things to do.
call chauffeur (Who was my oldest son Andrew who knew how excited I was)
suprise 1 (Make cake which was a dirt cake with gummy bears,and worms in it which my daughter Amy was taking care of for Heather)
surprise 3 will just fall into place...(Posters I made for Martina)
WHEW! I can't forget anything this diggin for worms and bears is hard to get ready for...details,details.
ALL MY LOVE ANGEL MOMMY
(The stuff added in parentheses is for my readers benefit)

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I WANT A KINDLE FIRE FOR FROM SANTA! THEY ARE AWESOME!

Marcia Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
I already bought your birthday present or I would buy you one.
if santa doesn't bring you one I will buy one after Christmas, okay

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Okay, I figured you already got something with all these secrets lol
Worms and fishies and bears oh my

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
yeah....
but....

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
But what chicken butt

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
you really still don't have a clue?

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
No all I know is to dress casual and to bring my shovel and my bastard
(she means her bucket and shovel)

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
lol, I am so excited!
I hope you like it!

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
But I wanna be surprised no one has ever surprised me except Jason. Every year on Christmas and my birthday my mom would always tell me what she got me. I've actually always wrapped my own gifts

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
Did you get my bucket and shovel?
That sucks about wrapping your own gifts
I love surprises too

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Not yet I can't find any mini sets like I have nor am I able to find a normal size one either
me too, but never really got them until I met you and now, Jason too. Is your cell charged and within reach?

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
If worse comes to worse I can share with you
Yes, why?
It is easier for me type on my laptop

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Cause I wanted to send you some pics... question: your Piglet right?

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
yes, I am.

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia- Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Do you know your url for me to be able to post straight to your phone?

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
let me look

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
www.facebook.com/marciabellebucella

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
Did I tell you I taking another writing class online

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
You didn't personally tell me yet but see your status comes to my phone and i seen the status. I'm proud of you for doing so too

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
thank you
I will let you know how I did on my first exercise when I get my grade.
My hip is starting to hurt so I am going to turn over. I LOVE YOU!

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Please do keep me updated. It's my pleasure to praise you! I know i don't tell you this often enough... I am grateful to have you in my life! You stuck by me thru all my ups & downs. You were there for me when no one else was. You showed me a different way of "looking" at things. I could go on for days with all you've done for me. Thank you for just being you!

September 25, 2012
Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
GOD, works in mysterious ways I am so glad to be a part of your life! It is an honor! You are there for me when no one else is. You believe in me and my dreams. YOU make it easy to love you! I am able to be myself when I am with you. I am able to hold my head high and be proud of who I am when I am with you. What I am trying to say is that we are meant to be in each others lives. It brings tears to my eyes when you tell me how much I have helped you. Do you want to know why? It is because I really didn't do anything, but be myself, listen, and love you with all my heart!LOVE ANGEL MOMMY

October 7, 2012
Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
What do you wish your ringtone could be? What type of wallpapers catch your eye?

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
she's a butterfly
anyway
one night
anything piglet,pooh,Eeyore,angels
oh,and of course teddy bears

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Who sings she's a butterfly?

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
Martina!
They are all Martina!

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I thought so but wanted to double check I miss you Angel Mommy so i had my ssi hearing on the 4th but the satellite equipment bustiacted. It was a horrible day for me cause i kept having flashbacks of when i testified against eddy

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough
I miss you too angel baby! I am sorry you had such a bad day. HE IS GONE NOW so, you need to rest easy. GOD, doesn't like ugly he will make him pay you can know that for sure

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
19 more days I HOPE THOSE GUMMY BEARS ARE READY!
THEM BITTIES IS PROBABLY GONNA HIDE ON US!
I'M GONNA NET DEM JUNS YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE!

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I wanna tell you something.. For awhile I've been thinking of getting a tattoo. Because you mean so much to me it would be symbolic of our friendship. Something like piglet and Eeyore or something with teddy bears idk just something that would be symbolic

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
are you still there?
I was shoppin some last minute details
still not done...
a teddy bear would be neat

October 8, 2012
Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
what's up, Angel baby?
you poked?
I don't answer just anybody's poke, ya know, you have to be pretty darn special for me to answer a poke at 2:43 a.m. in the mernin ya know...lol
and, now, yer ignorin me, hmm! What UP WIT DAT!?
SIR?
I AM GONNA MAKE DOES WORMS AN FISH BITE YOU WHEN WE GO DIGGIN SIR!
HE! HE! Love Angel Mommy

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
For some reason it's not coming to my phone.. I've noticed pokes and post on my wall haven't been coming thru!

October 17, 2012
HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
My address is: 402 Delta road Wilmington DE 19810

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
okay I got it 9 days and counting
are you getting excited yet?
did anybody slip up and tell you yet?

October 18, 2012
HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I've been excited and very much looking forward to it. Nope no one slipped up. All i know is to dress casual and to brink my bucket and shovel. All the words it the world can not express what this means to me. Luv ya Angel Mommy Luv ya always, Angel baby

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
I am so excited I can't stand myself! I dyed my hair. for the occasion. I gotta look good for the Gummi Bears ya never know one might want to take me home. I guess I will just bring a ziplock baggie and a spoon so I can dig too. I gots da batteries...(CHECK) Gots to git some gum so I don't scare the worms away (I WILL SHARE) only wit my best friend (YOU, OF COURSE) You have to promise NOT to beat me up when we get there. (CAUSE I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY!)

Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
which one do you want to carry,Aunt Pamela? or Aunt Tammy?
You pick one and I will carry the other or I will carry both but I thought you might enjoy carrying one because we must bring them with us on our journey because if they were still here on earth with us they would come to celebrate with us,but since they can only watch from heaven we must carry them with us. so pick one...

October 18, 2012
HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
aww i want aunt tammy. I must say i'm usually good at figuring things out but i'm stumped. In a good way tho cause i'm excited, it means more than words can explain and it's from my Angel Mommy Our friendship is truly one of a kind at least for me. Growing up I had a shitty childhood. But you.. you were the first person to genuinely care. You accept Me for me. You don't try to change me. You stuck by me even thru my lowest of lows. You go above and beyond to show me you love and care as oppose to just saying it. Hell I could go on for hours my point is you are very special to me for many reasons. There is a place in my heart just for you! And you know my trust issues so that's significant, hell at times you somehow know me better than myself

October 19, 2012
Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
Okay, Aunt Tammy and Aunt Pamela are dressed and ready to go, check (They are excited for you and me ) They were good at surprising me often. (What can I say I learned from the BEST) got duracell batteries for both of us., check. My hair is dyed, check. tried on my outfit. It fits, check. Still have some last minute surprise details to make the night perfect and go smooth. I MUST CALL THE CHAUFFEUR! DETAILS, DETAILS! HE LAUGHS AT ME, BUT HE LOVES ME AND IS HELPING WITH MY PLANS...WHAT A GOOD CHAUFFEUR! HA! HA!
GOOD, I want you stumped, Isn't that what a mommy is suppose to do, go above and beyond to show her daughter how much she loves her. When I do this kind of stuff for my kids they say I am weird, but the minute I stop; for instance when Matthew, turned eighteen I stopped hiding their Easter baskets. Didn't he wake up Easter morning and say, "I was sad when I woke up and didn't find a clue egg under my pillow." I got so mad at myself for not doing it.

Unconditional love should be the easiest type of love to give. It is the most real type of love you will ever receive. It is type of love you should look for in the man you are going to spend the rest of your life with. Unfortunately not everyone in this world is capable of giving that kind of love because they never had it themselves, so it may be your job to give them the greatest gift one person can give to another--UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

October 21, 2012
Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
5 more days!

HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
I know as each day passes and it gets closer i'm getting more excited and curious at the same time

October 22, 2012
Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella to HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
I am sooooo excited can't stand myself...I pray to GOD everything goes nice and smooth and most of all you love your surprise as much as much I KNOW YOU WILL... Amy and I have two more surprises to take of which involves a shopping trip. Two more things to prepare and everything will be ready. I started packing my bag already since I DON'T carry a purse. lets see: camera, duracell batteries, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Pamela, surprise number 2.
list of things to do.
call chauffeur
surprise 1
surprise 3 will just fall into place...
WHEW! I can't forget anything this diggin for worms and bears is hard to get ready for...details,details.
ALL MY LOVE ANGEL MOMMY

October 22, 2012
HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia-Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
Wait there's 3 surprises?? Ohh man

That concludes the Facebook and phone text part of my story I hope you enjoyed it and you didn't get too confused

The rest of this story has to come from my memory so please bare with me.

By the grace of God the day of the concert arrived. I woke up just knowing the Lord was in my corner today and everything was going to work out the way I needed it to.

I called Heather; I asked her if she could get her boyfriend Jason to drop her off at my apartment so all the Chauffeur had to do was to pick us up and take us to our destination. Originally we were going to pick Heather up at her house, but my son had to work late so we had to change the plans up a little bit.

This was Heather's Facebook Post before she was dropped off at my apartment..

Heather Angel-Baby Billbrough to Marcia- Angel Mommy-Belle Bucella
YO IM SOO EXCITED & I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!! 2DAY IS MY SURPRISE BIRTHDAY RONDAYVOO FROM MY ANGEL MOMMY, MARCIA BUCELLA THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO ME! LUV ANGELBABY

I can't tell you how amazing my daughter, Amy, was--she was a little spit fire! She helped me shower and dress. She did my Hair. She helped me with my makeup. She made the dirt cake for Heather which was one of Heather's surprise's because as you knew all along I have been telling Heather we were going diggin for gummi bears and worms so I had to make good on that promise.

I would've brought the dirt cake with us to the show, but I couldn't figure out all those details and the cake had to stay cold, but believe me I really did think about it.

When Heather got to my house you could feel the excitement in the air.
we were still working on my makeup when she came into my bedroom she just looked at me and said,"Wow!"
I smiled at her and said, Aww, thank you!

Heather had a way of always making me feel good about myself and this day was no different than any other. I could have looked like something the cat dragged in off the street; she would've still told me looked amazing!

My cellphone rang. It was my step mom, Annie. I had to ask Heather to leave the room because she was still clueless.
Annie, called to tell me she was able to make it to the concert after all and to boot her seats were right behind mine. I was ecstatic. I had to contain my excitement, though because Heather didn't know anything yet.

When Heather came back in my bedroom she said, "Angel Mommy, when can I know where we're going?"
I said, "Well originally, I was going to wait until we actually got there, but I'm afraid you'll faint or something so, I am going to let you open your card right before the chauffeur gets here, Okay?" She smiled and said, "Is he on his way?" I giggled with her and said, "Nope, not yet he has to finish his other job first; but, we can go diggin for gummy bears and worms if you are ready for that." Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She grinned from ear to ear as she said, "oh my! gummi bears and worms. Let's get em! But, Angel mommy, I'm sorry I couldn't bring my bucket and shovel. I, accidentally, sat on it and broke it when I was packing my overnight bag. I'm sorry!" We both laughed, uncontrollably, for a few minutes; after I composed myself I said, "Don't worry about it, Angel baby, spoons and bowls will do just fine."

"I'm so glad Angel mommy. I thought you were going to be upset."
"Nope, nothing is going to ruin our night."
My daughter Amy took the hint; knocked on my bedroom door with Heather's dirt cake in her arms as well as bowls and spoons for THE PROPER DIGGING because YES, I made her DIG! It was her cake I didn't care if she tore the whole thing up diggin' for those teddy (gummi) bears and worms. We were both laughing, so hard nobody took pictures. That's the only part of the night that upsets me now, as look back; I wish I took more pictures, but the memories will forever remain in my mind as a treasure. I'll never forget. That concluded surprise number one.

Heather was so happy. Her face was lit up like someone was holding a candle over her head. I was just in awe watching her glow.
As I look back, now, I realize someone was...

As time passed, I was getting more excited myself. I had knots in my stomach!
I finally gave Heather the birthday card I made for her; as I handed it to her; I told she could open it in ten minutes. I started taking pictures of her. I think her excitement began to radiate off me. I don't know why, but when we're together we're always happy, but add the excitement of me giving her surprises for her birthday--we were both just an excited mess!

She had the card in her hand. She kept watching the clock like it was a ticking time bomb. I took a picture of her and I together while she was holding the card; you can see the excitement just building up on her face. I, finally, told her she could open the card because our chauffeur was on his way to take us to our destination. Yes, I received a text from my son so, I knew he was on his way to my apartment. Her hands began to shake as she opened up the card.

I Made the card myself out of poster board and stencils.
(Our concert tickets lay inside the card)
I wrote on the inside of the card:

Happy Birthday! To My Angel Baby!
There isn't anyone else in this world I would rather share this "One Night" with!
We are going to the Tower Theater To See Martina McBride Live In Concert Tonight!
I Love You Angel Baby With All My Heart!
Love, Always,Now,Forever And In Eternity
Your Angel Mommy Marcia Belle Bucella

I was taking pictures as I watched tears roll down her face. She looked up at me with a trembling voice as she said,"Oh, my God are these REAL?" Referring to the tickets she was now holding in her shaking hands. I couldn't hold my excitement back any longer! I screamed, "Yes, Angel Baby they are real! We are going to see MARTINA MCBRIDE LIVE TONIGHT AT THE TOWER THEATER! WE'RE SITTING IN THE SECOND ROW!" I was glad I didn't have to hold it in anymore. I wanted the whole world to know how excited I was! Heather came over to me. She grabbed me she hugged me so tight I couldn't breathe. She kept looking at the tickets like she was in a dream. I had to keep telling her we're really going. Our ride was on its way to come get us. At this point I was able to reveal to Heather the posters Amy and I made for Martina. I was also able to tell her my step-mom, Annie, was meeting us at the show and she was sitting right behind our seats. I pinned Aunt Pamela to my shirt so, she was ready to go. Heather chose to bring Aunt Tammy so, she took care of carrying her with her.

Andrew, finally, knocked on the door. I made Heather answer it.

Hello are you ladies ready? I am here to take you to your desired destination.
Heather smiled, "Yes we are."
"Well then your chariot awaits."
Andrew took ahold of my wheelchair pushed me out to his car and gently lifted me into the car then he placed my wheelchair in the trunk.
Heather got into the backseat and Andrew closed her door.
It was six-thirty in the evening by the time we got on the road. We ran into traffic so what should've been a twenty five minute ride was an hour and fifteen minute ride.
I was a mess we're going to be late.
My son said, "Mom, I'm so sorry I can't control this traffic."
I said, I know, Andrew, This isn't your fault.
I could tell my son was upset because he kept watching the clock on the radio as it drew closer to eight o'clock.

I'd called the theater ahead of time I told them l'd be coming. I asked them if it would be okay if my son came in to make sure I was safely seated even though he wasn't staying for the show the owners of The Tower Theater were amazing. They let my son, Andrew, bring me in and make sure I was seated properly.
We, finally, reached the theater.

My son found the quickest packing spot he could. He got out of the car ran to the trunk put me in my wheelchair as quickly as he could. He, literally, ran up the street to the theater, as he was running he was saying,"Don't worry mom they're not going to start this concert without you!" I started laughing with tears in my eyes because my baby was busting his butt get me to this concert before it started, not to mention, I thought it was so sweet of him say something like that. Heather was running right alongside of us! We all were hoping to make it time.

Believe it or not when reached the theater the concert had not started yet! I said a silent, "Thank you God, Amen!"

My son asked one of the security guards where he should take me. He said, "Come with me." This security guard was leading us to the corner of the stage were the other fans in wheelchairs were. I looked at Heather and said this is not the seats I paid for. She said, "I know."
Another security guard came up to us...He said, "Let me see your tickets, please. I've been waiting for you." "Please follow me. My boss gave me special permission to remove the chair so your wheelchair could be placed where you paid for ma'am " Again I said a "Thank you Jesus, Amen! prayer because I knew in my heart this night would not be possible if it were not for God.

My step mom, Annie, was already sitting in her seat.
"Oh, My Gosh, What happened? I was worried."
I explained about the traffic and she understood.
She explained to me she told the security guard about the seats I paid for how upset I would be if I had to sit somewhere else. I am so glad she asked someone about that for me. I love her so much.

I had an amazing view of the stage if I had been made to sit in the corner I would not have enjoyed the concert as much as I did. All I know is I am thankful to whoever made it possible for me to sit in the seats I paid for. It was a blessing not one I am ever going to forget.
It was amazing to share my first Martina concert with my best friend and my step mom, Annie.

They announced five minutes until Martina Mcbride and we all jumped!
My son Andrew hugged me and said, "Have fun Mom."
"I'll text you when I get here to pick you up after the show."
With a grin from ear to ear and a glow on face I could feel I said, "Okay, Andrew I love You!"
The backdrop on the stage was lit up with 'Martina McBride' in fancy writing my stomach was doing flips; my favorite country music was about to be right in front of me on that very stage.
I looked at my best friend beside me...
I was so excited was stomach my was doin' flips.
Heather's face was glowing too. I did it! I surprised her! One of her dreams is about to come to true!
She just kept staring at the stage...

And..the lights dim, the music starts, Martina's flawless voice is singing...Its like I waited my whole life for us to be together...and the tears just roll down my face! There she is standing on stage right in front of me. Singing, "One Night" I stood up to dance. I can't stay in my seat. Martina McBride is not even five feet away from me! I am on my feet movin'; I don't care who looks at me funny; I danced for the whole song; after she finishes—I am screamin—Woo,Yeah! Cause I can't clap; my hands are full with my quad canes. I struggle to sit back in my wheelchair because I'm out of breath—As Martina has the stage crew bring up the lights so she can say, "Hello" to the audience.

"So how y'all doin' tonight?"
Heather Yells, Hey Martina
Martina says, "Yeah! In her bubbly voice; as I am still trying to sit down because I am still out of breath from dancing.
Heather points at me saying I think she's your #1 fan right here.
Martina says to me "Oh Yeah, "Hi! How are you doing?"
I say, In a shocked voice, I say, I am doing fine, Thank you--smiling from ear to ear. (Thinking--in awe--in my head, Wow! Martina McBride just spoke to me.) I was on cloud nine. The excitement I felt at that moment was surreal to me.

Then other audience members asked her for a hug. Martina says,"Okay come on up."
She gives a couple hugs. I raise my hand and say, "I want a hug " not particularly to anyone because I knew She couldn't come off the the stage for me. (for her own safety) Martina smiled at me.

The concert continued it was nothing short of amazing. I could watch her perform all night. She interacts with the audience and is so kind to everyone. Every song she sings has her own touch to it. She is wholesome. Shes loving. She caring. And most of all she's real. She loves her fans. To me it is an honor to be a Martina McBride fan. I was sad when the show was over because It felt like it just started. It was the quickest seventy minutes of my life.

If I could go see every one of her shows. I would. If I had the money I would travel everywhere to see all of her shows. This is how much I love her and her music. Her music is real! It's from her heart!

I couldn't see the encore performance at all because people got in front of me...this made me sad I began to cry a little. I just put my head down and listened to her voice because I could still hear her flawless voice. I bowed my head. I said a prayer. I heard Martina, say, Goodnight everybody! We will be back. She left the stage. One of her band members came down off the stage to give Heather and I a guitar pick with Matina's signature on it. Wow, how awesome is that? I felt really special. I got brave; I asked one of the security guards,

"What would it take for me to be able to meet Martina? It would be a dream come true for me. Is there any way possible for it to happen?"
He said, I don't have that power, but ask that guy over there as he pointed to the guy I should talk to he might so, I did. He turned me down.
He said, I'd get in trouble. While I was talking to the security guard someone tapped Heather on the shoulder and said,"Take her through those double doors over there where the equipment is and tell the guard you were told to bring her through there."
Heather said, "You got it"as she pushed me toward the double doors.
The guard standing there said, "You can't come through this way."
"I was told to bring her through these double doors. To tell you I am to bring her through here. Thank You."
"Angel Mommy I think your dream is about to come true!"
"We're back here where Martina McBride's buses are."
I can't believe it! The excitement her voice was indescribable. My Angel baby was glowing!

"Angel Baby, please, tell me I am not dreaming."

"No, Angel Mommy you aren't dreaming."

There was only about twelve fans not including Heather and myself. There were a few security guards from the Tower theater walking around one with a two way radio and the other one was the security guard who helped me to sit where I had paid for. I wish there was a way I could thank him for being so kind to me because during the show; whenever I got up to dance he came to my side making sure I safely sat back down when I was ready. If it wasn't him it was one of Martina's crew. I didn't realize it then, but when I was waiting to hear if we were going to get to see Martina, one of her crew was walking around talking to the fans...I have good hearing; one of God's blessings to me. One of the fans asked him if he was with Martina all the time and said, Yup, most of the time. Looking back, I think he is one of her bodyguards because he sat close at the corner of the stage on guard. He has long hair; to his shoulders anyway, very good looking by the way. To me, he is built like a body guard and that's just the way he carried himself. Don't get me wrong he was kind to Martina's fans, but you could tell he wasn't going to take any crap.

While we were waiting to see if Martina was going to come out to greet us I had no concept of time. I didn't care how long it took because patience is one of my strong points I know for a fact with no doubt or question in my mind—Heather and I would've waited all night if that's what it took to get to meet Martina McBride in person even if it was only going to be for a few seconds—I know silly right, but it's the honest truth—The excitement inside of me is hard to describe. Her buses were in front of me. Her security guards and people who took care of her while she was on the road were all around us.

We were outside and it was almost the end of October, normally, I'd be freezing. I get cold easy because of my cerebral palsy.

"Are you cold Angel Mommy?"
"No, I'm too excited to worry about small things like being cold. I'd wait in a snowstorm if it meant I'd get to meet and greet Martina McBride!
"I know you would, Angel Mommy, I just know how easy you get cold. I'm starting to worry about you that's all."

The security guards continued to circle around us. I heard one them say into his two way radio—"Handicapped lady in place."

I thought Heather was going to come out of her skin—She gets offended when I am referred to as handicapped or disabled. I had to calm her down a little bit. I explained he didn't mean anything bad by saying it. It took her a minute to realize it. I'm used to it. Her love for me is so astounding, I'm so lucky and blessed God gave her to me. She is the most amazing best friend any woman could ever ask for. She believes in me in a way I have trouble putting into words. She believes in my dreams and helps make them come true. She does it in such a way she doesn't even know she's doing it.

My son, Andrew, finally, texted me. He asked where we were. He was here to pick us up. I was too excited to answer him so I gave my phone to Heather she called him and explained to him we were about to meet Martina; the next thing I knew my son, Andrew and my daughter, Amy appeared in the alleyway beside me. I was so excited at that moment in time about everything going on around me I never asked them how they managed to get back there without a problem.

One of my biggest dreams in my life was about to come true. My best friend in this world and two of my three children were by my side to see it happen. At this moment in time life couldn't get any better for me!

It wasn't long after my children arrived Martina's bodyguard announced she would coming out, but if anyone got out of line it would end immediately. We all said we understood. He also announced we could have a picture taken with Martina or an autograph, but we couldn't have both.

"Angel Mommy I know You want a picture.of you and Martina There's no question about that and I'd love her autograph on my ticket to remember our one night together."
"You're so right Angel Baby!"
We both smiled at each other in agreement.

I looked away from Heather—In front of me stood Martina McBride—I watched as she, graciously, signed autographs and had her picture taken with two people. I was next.

"Hi How are you? I saw you dancing out there!" Says Martina
I couldn't find the words to speak
Heather says,, "She wants her picture taken with you Martina." The open hyper brazen soul that she is like she knew Martina forever
"Absolutely!"
As my best friend snaps the picture I hear Martina's Bodyguard as I call him until I find out what his name is say, "Didn't I hear someone here ask for a hug earlier?"
"Yes, That was me."
Martina wrapped her arms around me; giving me the most sincere hug I've felt in a long time. While She was hugging me I gently said in her ear " You are absolutely amazing to me." Martina just hugged me tighter and softly said thank to me. One of biggest dreams in life came true and I didn't even tell her my name! To this day I don't even know if she knows it.
When I say she's touched my life. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. When she takes the time to acknowledge me. It means something to me. It makes it real for me. It shows she has a heart and truly cares for all of her fans abled or disabled we're all the same to her--I will forever have a love for her and music that's unconditional.

Heather and I came home from the concert so hyper we couldn't stop talking about it. We stayed up all night talking about the whole day and the whole night over and over again. Her enthusiasm was astounding. The more she talked about our one night the more excited she got....As I look back now I wonder if Heather my precious Angel Baby was trying to protect me from worry because eight months after I surprised her with the Martina McBride concert God took my Angel baby home to heaven. She had an inoperable brain tumor it was wrapped around her brain stem.

This was the facebook message I received I when she left my house without waking me up the morning after the martina concert...

I hope you are not mad at me I was exhausted and ready to cry because I did not want you to leave... I NEVER WANT YOU TO LEAVE! We had an amazing night. That I am still not ready to share with others because it was our "ONE NIGHT" It still feels surreal to me... all my love HeatherAngel-Baby Billbrough
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I have enjoyed singing ever since I can remember. When I was a little girl I used sing at the local bars where my mom used to work. The customers were so sweet they used to put a handkerchief on the floor and throw money on it. I was only about seven or eight at the time, I will never forget it. I was only singing to the Jukebox, that is where my love for singing began. I was a little shy back then but for some reason my mother's customers still wanted to hear me sing.

As I grew older I still loved to sing, but never felt I had a talent at it. Then I met my best friend Heather. I have my own karaoke machine. One day I was singing. I do it often because I enjoy it. I didn't know it, but Heather had come in. She was sitting behind me. I just kept singing in my own little world like no one was there. I was changing songs; I hear sniffling behind me...(in my head I'm thinkin' what in the world?) I turn my wheelchair around; there Heather sits with tears rolling down her face.

"Oh my Lord what is wrong! I didn't know you were there. Why didn't you tell me you were there?" With this look of awe on her face she says, "Can you record you singing that for me, Please. I love your voice." I looked at her and said, "Heather, are you crying because I was singing?" She says, "Yes, Your voice brought me to tears." I am no Martina McBride, I am aware of this, but I can not tell you how amazing it felt to hear my best friend say how she felt about my voice when she heard me sing for the very first time. I made the tape she asked for she played it so much her cassette player ate the tape.

She came to me again and said,"Angel mommy I wore out the tape you made me. Can you make me CD so I can have your voice forever. I told her I would be honored to make her a CD
When she found out she was sick she still kept asking me for the CD...

I kept putting videos on her facebook for her.
while I was working on her CD.
I didn't make it in time...
I was praying for a miracle.
The tomar was shrinking,so I continued to work on her CD because she kept asking me too
"Don't forget Ben and Wind Beneath My Wings, Angel Mommy, I can't wait for my CD."
I'm working on it Angel Baby, Really I am.
Sadly, I didn't finish Heather's CD before she become a real angel, I did burn a copy of what I had done. I put it in her hand for her to take to heaven with her.
Her body was tired so it was time for her to rest.
She always said I was her strength--She had it backwards she was mine.

Today and Everyday, I wear a rose heart urn around my neck. Heather's middle name is Rose so I chose the rose heart to carry my Angel Baby with me always. I never take her off.

Her fiancee Jason gave me the double heart necklace he bought her she always wore. I also wear that all the time.

I wish I could've had a real CD done for her of my voice, but
I still sing a lot because my Angel baby would want me too; again I'm no Martina McBride, but Heather believed in my voice that's all that matters to me.
We used to talk about me singing with Martina someday. I believe in dreams coming true and hey if its meant to happen maybe someday it will.

Bytheway--Martina, Did I ever tell you--You're the wind beneath my wings! My name is Marcia, Now, you can put the face with a name.

I had the honor of you wrapping your arms around me again on September, 7th 2013. I attended your concert in Lancaster,Pa. I gave you a gift I made for you for your Christmas tree called spirit garland--It's something I learned to make as little girl in occupational therapy to help with my manual dexterity. I made yours pink because pink is your favorite color. I also made you some in traditional christmas colors. You recognized me out of millions your fans you see on a daily basis. You took the time to come down off the steps of the stage during the encore performance in Lancaster to hug me. You again, made me feel amazing! To me its an amazing testament of the incredible person you are and why you continue to inspire me on a daily basis.

Today, on August 22nd 2014 it is my hope to present you with this story and your birthday gift which I made for you. I love to cross stitch. I cross stitched this saying for you..."It wasn't Nails That Held Him To The Cross But His Love For You And Me" in the background is a cross and three Beautiful Butterflies... I chose to make this scene for you because It reminds me of your song She's A Butterfly I also know you have a strong faith in God as do I. For a while it was one my favorite songs you sing. Now, at this moment in time it's Perfect But, if I ever have the chance to sing with you I would like to do a duet version with you of Wind Beneath My Wings The lyrics fit our story and what you really mean to me.

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Much Love, Now, Always, Forever and in Eternity
Marcia Belle Bucella

What happened on the August 22nd is a whole new story in itself..to be continued...
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