Monday, October 08, 2012 10:54 PM
Hey Conrad, Here is our amazing journey.
It all started when I heard Rascal Flatts was coming to the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on the 6th of October, and I knew at that moment i had to get tickets for my best friend, Jessica.
She is my best friend from High School, and was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Knowing that Rascal Flatts was like her favorite band, I knew this was an opportunity to make a dream come true.
I listened to B-93 all the time at work, so I tried to call in and win. I had to do something, and i wasn't taking no for an answer. So as Friday October 5th approached and i still had no tickets and no one to help me i decided to go with hopes to stand in the lobby and just listen.
When we arrived to Grand Rapids I had no hope. I just kept hoping "something has to work out. I didn't bring her all the way up here not to make her dream come true."
Arriving to the arena we were informed that the concert was NOT sold out, So i was able to purchase two tickets. They weren't the greatest seats but hey, we were in! So excited we had called our families telling them the good news. but what we all didn't know, was the best was YET to come.
Jessica and I walked around to the back of the Van Andel to get away from the noise, then saw the semis... Excited, we thought 'Oh photo op in front of the semi!' I took her picture and when we started walking back to the streets
. A man, Thomas with Rascal Flatts merchandise had noticed us and asked us as we were passing by "Are you ladies Rascal Flatts Fans?" We looked at each other like 'Did you really just ask that?' Replying with a definite YES, He started asking us a few questions like did we have tickets already, and where they good seats? He then said he had something to give us. Wile he put all the merchandise inside the arena we waited anxiously. He came back out holding two Pit Tickets!!! We were ecstatic. He said "This is the best I can do for ya." Speechless I don't know how I managed to say "Thank you so much", But i did.
Jessica & Thomas
Even more excited then buying the tickets we were back on our phones calling family members telling them they would not believe what had just happened.
So first I thought it wasn't going to happen. Now... I knew someone up there heard my prayers. We went back into the arena to wait before it got crazy so she didn't get trampled on wile trying to make it to the stage. While waiting in line to get in, we saw you Conrad was taling to folk in thepit pass line line. Jessica and Conrad talked all about her tumor and his son who had a tumor removed. When I returned he had brought over his boss, Dave who had came up and gave us two Meet and Greet tickets for Rascal Flatts!
I couldn't think right! We went from nothing to receiving pit tickets AND meet and greet tickets? We was overwhelmed. When the doors opened and we had gone up to the stage we had asked these two nice girls to save our spots as best they could wile we went to the meet and greet. Waiting in line (that seemed like FOREVER) to meet the band i started getting that lump in my throat. 
Jessica's view from the Pit!
I thought to myself, This can not be real. How did this happen? 3 hours ago we had nothing and now I'm minutes away from making my best friends wish come true? I lost it right then and there. Still crying I managed to stop for the photo. When that flash went off and we turned around to say thank you. I lost it again. I said to Gary and the band "I have explain myself. (i didn't want it to seem like i was one of those crazy fans that cries when i see a celebrity or a famous person) How i-we got here is a miracle." i explained to them everything that had happened that day, (just like i am telling you) and turned to my friend Jessica and muttered "Jessica, This is all for you." 
Gary, looked at one of his security guards and said "Take these ladies up stairs to merchandise and have them pick out what ever they like." I hung my head and thought could this night get any better? Walking backstage, through all the band equipment Jessica grabbed my hand and held on tight. She was speechless just as much as i was. When we returned to the pit it was the most amazing way to see a concert we could have ever imagined.
The joy I saw on Jessica's face as the performers looked into her eyes and sang to her, and as well as reach out to her, was something I will never forget. When Rascal Flatts had about 3 songs left, someone had taped me on the shoulder. It was a familiar face Thomas! He told us to fallow him. Jessica grabbed my hand like OH goodness. He took us around the back of the stage to the sound pit where we spent the rest of the concert. Joe Don Rooney had came down to the box and gave Jessica a hug, I quickly snapped a picture capturing the memory.
After the Last song it was time for goodbyes. Thomas gave Jessica a hug and said Hope you enjoyed it. Needless to say we couldn't say thank you enough to him, or anyone else for that matter.
I don't think we talked for more then 10 minutes on our hour drive home. We were completely speechless. God can do amazing things. I cant thank everyone enough for their participation, kindness, and generously to make this a special night for Jessica, and to help me make Jessica's wish come true. I cant thank you enough. I love you.
Rebecca Gawel
Please leave a comment (or prayer) for Jessica & her friend Rachel! -Conrad
