[Vickip]

Originally Posted by CarylB

I related strongly with what Native Texan said. For me being a "fan" means perhaps going a bit further than simply enjoying someone's work (which Native Texan went on to say). I have friends who thoroughly enjoy Meat's concerts but wouldn't describe themselves as "fans". For me too it means wanting to see that person succeed and be appreciated by others, wishing them well in life and it means wanting to encourage and support them in all their endeavours. Yes, it doesn't mean believing the person can do no wrong, but it does mean that I continue to love them, admire, honour and respect them and try to understand them if they don't quite live up to my expectations sometimes. It means having concern for their feelings just as I would anybody I really cared for, showing how much I appreciate what they do, and like Native Texan, never wanting to publicly criticise, embarrass or humiliate them, for I would never do that to someone who was beloved. To me it means thinking what will be helpful to tell them, and what will not, and putting what I say in such a way as they can hear it non-defensively. To me it means the person holds a special place in my heart, even if they may never know it. It means I feel joy when they are on the crest of a wave, concern when they're down, and hurt when they're hurt. This is what it means to me to be a Meat Loaf fan. Through being a fan I have met some wonderful friends, and Meat has given me much joy and solace over 26 years. And I will always thank him from the bottom of my heart to his beautiful soul.

Very well said Caryl ... thank you.
And I couldn't agree more.

Vicki