Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Margaret's Excellent Adventure: LA Style







I meant to write yesterday about our big trip, but jet lag and work got in the way. And then there were my crying jags, grumpy stares, and Tim "accidentally" dropping my $800 mouth guard in the toilet.

But today is a new day, and here we go...

Margaret's Excellent Adventure!

We had an incredible time. Your prayers were answered, and Margaret's wish came true!

Meg, who shared our story with her sister's best friend from Coca Cola, dropped off this embroidered "Bieber Bound" backpack Thursday night. I wish I had met her to give her a huge hug!



When we checked in at Dulles, the ticket agent said, apropos of nothing, "Oh, I thought there'd be four of you." Tim and I exchanged glances. So did we, lady, so did we.

The flights were easy, and Margaret even did her homework on the plane. That is one conscientious girl.

Our gorgeous hotel was in the LA Live Complex, right next to the Nokia Theater and Staples Center. Looking out our window was a little like being in Times Square, with the flashing billboards. We felt snazzy and very cool!
Friday night we got to meet our angels from Coca Cola, Jed and Melanie. They had been working on the Margaret/Bieber thing for weeks and treated Margaret like their number one priority, even though they were corporate big-wigs here to put on a major event. They arranged for our free flights, the hotel room, and tickets to the AMA's. Their generosity amazed us.

Saturday, after waking up at 4:30 due to the time change, we met with Melanie again and she got us into two rehearsals: Kelly Clarkson's and Daughtry's. It was interesting being behind the scenes. Kelly's new song was super catchy, and she was down to earth and friendly with her band. Daughtry's drummer was a little too intense for our ears. Oww.




After this, we met a few more people from Coke and Dick Clark Productions. Lynda, DCP's PR maven, knew our story and was also working the Bieber angle... hard. No one could make any promises, because so much depended on what kind of day Justin was having, how his rehearsal went, etc. Phrases like, "We can't be sure" and "We need to manage expectations" were bandied about. Seriously, we need to pray for that boy. I can not not imagine being 17 and dealing with the kind of fame, pressure and demands he faces each day.

We saw the guys from LMFAO, Lance Bass, Sarah Hyland from "Modern Family," and the curly headed dude from several Disney tv shows:

Then the waiting began. Justin's rehearsal was deemed closed, but we still hoped to get to meet him somehow. We stood with 4 Coke execs and Lynda, from Dick Clark Productions, in a hallway outside the rehearsal space.

Not once did these angels act like it was a burden on their busy lives to try to make Margaret's wish come true. They took it as seriously as if it were an important part of their livelihoods. They were warm, loving, and solicitous toward us. Cell phones rang and texts shot around, as the moment of truth approached. These were pros on a mission.

Margaret stood wide-eyed, as she looked down the hall. Justin's bodyguard and guitarist appeared, easily recognizable to her from his movie. A few more people, then Justin and Selena Gomez themselves! They all tucked into a green room nearby. What would happen next? Would we go in for a formal visitation, like with the Pope?

Nope, the entourage soon walked by us and entered the theater. More waiting. Then Lynda turned to us, and said, "You're coming in." She got us permission to be at the closed rehearsal! Two other young girls were there (the producer's daughter and Lynda's niece) as well as production people and Justin's entourage.

We laid low, not making eye contact with anyone as Justin rehearsed "Mistletoe." Five rows in front of us sat Justin's girlfriend, Selena Gomez. Between one of the takes, he snuggled up in the front row with her. He was such a cutie, and he reminded so much of another adorable full-lipped, brown-eyed boy that I know, I had to keep my mom-self from shouting "You're going to lose your pants, Justin, if you don't wear a belt."

Justin's guitarist came up to Margaret and the other girls and gave them guitar pics!

After the final take, JB and SG walked the short distance up the aisle past us to talk to the producer and see video footage of the rehearsal. Margaret was standing in the aisle at this point and JB brushed past her. I even saw her ponytail bob with the contact! Selena sat on his lap as they looked at the video. Ahh, to be 17 again!

Ok, deep breaths. This meet-and-greet was going to be now or never. They walked back down the aisle, really only a few feet, and JB stopped and said hi to Margaret!

He kissed her hand.

This hand:
He asked her how old she was (10), what grade she was in (5th), and where she was from (VA).

Then he asked if she enjoyed the performance ("Yeah. You were really good. It was amazing!") and if she was excited to go to the AMA's tomorrow ("Yeah, I'm really excited.") Margaret was calm, cool, and collected. He then shook Tim's and my hands.

Next, he put his arm around her and a Dick Clark photographer took pictures.
Oh good gracious. Mission accomplished!

Margaret got her "private concert" from the Biebs, AND she got to meet him. He was soft spoken and sweet with her.

The movers and the shakers moved and shook and got it done. All for a little girl they knew just from your Tweets, Facebook, friends of friends and this blog. There was no mention of the accident or of Margaret's loss. This moment was for her, and it was pure, sparkly enjoyment. The Coke and Dick Clark execs smiled and went on their way, off to produce and run a major awards show and a red carpet concert.


We could have gone to a bowling event with celebs that night, but instead tucked ourselves in bed at around 8:30, pulling the curtains on the flashing lights, savoring the day.



More later...

Soggy red carpet, why isn't LA crowded, and what were those things on Nicki Minij's rear?

149 comments:

Mrs. E said...

I was thinking about you when I saw the Biebs on the Today show today. (I know exactly what you mean about the belt!) Let me just say, I couldn't be any happier for Margaret! People are good. You need some good in your life. Happy Thanksgiving to you in a year when it is sometimes a bit tough to feel thankful. I hoping that you feel the love and blessings of blog world!

Jessica said...

Oh, this is so wonderful! I'm practically in tears. I'm glad Margaret got to meet JB!

Mrs. E said...

*I'm (Yeah--every bit of grammar goes out the window!)

Babygirl said...

I got chills reading this. So nice to hear that there are still good people in this world. I know this Thanksgiving will be an emotional one for you and your family...we will be saying a prayer for you all at ours...God Bless!

MaryG said...

I am at work or I would be ugly crying right now. This is such a wonderful story and I can't think of any family more deserving of something like this right now.
Thank you so much for sharing, and much love and many prayers for you all (always, but especially tomorrow and in the weeks to come).

carrie // kimm said...

AHHHH I am SOO Happy for her!
She deserved a huge slice of happiness!!!
My boys and I are reading this together & we are all smiles! YEAH for Margaret!!!!

MaryBeth said...

The suspense was killing me! It was all I could do to not scroll down and read the end!

So happy for Margaret! Happy tears running down my face.

I love the way you write about these moments. Thank you!

Praying for you!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I can't stop crying, I am beyond happy for what Margaret got to experience. I know that God can't answer all of our prayers but I am thankful he gave her this one.

Krista said...

Oh this brought tears to my eyes. When I was a little older than Margaret I was full-on in love with NSYNC. I can definitely imagine the kind of excitement she was feeling about meeting JB. So so happy that she got to experience this and that there are good and wonderful people (execs no less!) in the world who made sure it happened.

New Mom said...

YES! That is so cool. Tears, chills, and utter elation that she was able to have that encounter. Praise God.

MaryS said...

Tears in my eyes reading this and seeing the photo of Margaret with JB. A dream came true! So many superlatives coming to mind...fantastic, outstanding, amazing--you all deserve a lot more of that. Thinking of you and sending prayers, as always.

Anonymous said...

It's so heartening to know that such kindness, goodness and grace exists. I am beyond thrilled that Margaret had this experience.

I must admit I've never understood the Bieber fascination, but I am now 100% a fan. And, I will now only drink Coke products.

Danielle said...

God is SO good! And apparently, so are people :)

Anonymous said...

PS. I'm howling with laughter that you wanted to tell JB to put on a belt!

Mama Mary said...

I am reading this with bittersweet tears streaming down my cheeks and renewed faith in human kindness. The Biebs has a fan in my forever. Continued love and light sent your way, Anna.

Issa said...

This is just amazing. I'm so thrilled that Margaret got her wish. The smile on her face in all those pictures is wonderful.

Hugs and love to you all this week.

ella said...

My faith in humanity *may* have been restored just a little after reading this. A million thank yous to the people who made this possible. If only they could make every wish come true.

Margaret's smile warms my heart. The hand picture is a keeper, for sure!

Extra prayers and hugs going out to you this weekend. xoxo

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Love it! Can't wait to hear the rest. and be ready to tell me the same story all over again at lunch!

Unknown said...

I'm crying! I'm sooo so happy this happened for Margaret and your family! Wonderful...just wonderful!! Maybe just a little somthin somthin to help take the sting away for just a small moment in time.

Bless you guys!!!

LauraBeth said...

Crying here as well, between this post - and all it means - and Kate's youtube poster kiss.

We watched the show in our house (and we swore we saw you...well, the back of your head ...so we're awaiting your next post about the rest of your trip to see if we were right.)

I cannot wait to pick up my girls from school today so they can share in your post! They were so hoping for this to happen for Margaret!

Know that you, Tim, and Margaret will be doubly in our thoughts and prayers this holiday weekend. Love, (((hugs))), and prayers from the other side of Town.

Katie said...

I have been waiting anxiously for this post!!! Amazing!! Love the pictures of Margaret's hand- she cracks me up. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!!

Cindy said...

So heartwarming. It is wonderful to read about how kind and generous the Coca-Cola and DCP folks were, along with JB and SG. Good, good people. I am so glad you all had this experience.

The Cake Place of Hersey said...

so happy for margaret!

Lisa said...

What a tremendous experience. This post restores my faith in the goodness of people. And now I must go dry my eyes....
God Bless you all over the next few days...will be thinking of and praying for you.

RC said...

SWEET! It is so incredible that things moved and shook in Margaret's direction to make one of her dreams come true. :)

Theresa O said...

Dreams do come true! So happy Margaret's did for her! Love all the pictures you shared, and she is just a beautiful little girl, glowing from ear to ear! Thanks for sharing the wonderful story, and always praying for you!

Anonymous said...

This is just incredible, I am so very happy for Margaret. Tears filled my eyes as I read this wonderful post.

barb sigel said...

I'm so thrilled for Ms. Margaret. To be collected when you are meeting a hero at her age is so cool.

Ali said...

Whoa. There are so many things that I love about this post but, rather than keep you here through the new year, I'll narrow it down to a few:

1. I love how Margaret has her arm behind JB. Some (or most) kids would have their arms glued to their sides, especially when dealing with such intense, acrobatic stomach butterflies. Not her. That girl has such a natural warmth and sweetness about her.

2. Very cool that JB shook your and Tim's hands. He's earning points left and right! Points I never imagined I'd be giving him. The boy has proven me wrong!

3. It's really nice to see a pic of you and Tim, Anna. Digging the infinity scarf. That shade of purple should be your signature color.

My heart is absolutely bursting with happiness for Margaret and I'm glad you and Tim got experience her journey from beginning to end. It's amazing how a little goodness from a lot of people can go such a long, long way.

Jori said...

Hooray!!! I am so happy it worked out for you! Happy Thanksgiving. I am praying for you.

TheLab said...

While we certainly didn't expect you to post right away (can't imagine how hard it was to sit down and think of everything you had to write about involving this trip), I know I speak for many when I say, I must have clicked my way to your site a million times in the last few days! I kept hitting "clear history" in my browser so my employers didn't, well, fire me. THEN I GOOGLED "Margaret Donaldson Justin Beiber" and checked the spelling of his name and GOOGLED IT AGAIN! Because I was just so sure the whole world stopped, and articles were written when she saw him perform!

I'm so happy she had such a cool time.

Anna, I know I once again and not alone in telling you that we are praying so VERY extra hard for you this week...

Rach said...

Oh, I'm crying with joy over here! How wonderful!

I wish you all a peaceful Thanksgiving.

As always, many hugs and prayers for you.
Rach

EatPlayLove said...

I can't quite express the joy I feel from this whole moment happening. Beautiful!

KatBouska said...

Totally made me cry today. Okay okay...I love JB now too. You got me!

Sasha said...

Goosebumps!

Becky said...

AH!! SO AMAZING! Wow! It just goes to show the magic of your readers, YOU, Margaret and the Biebs. And Coke (my husband works for them so I was biased anyway.)

Such a great post.

Leah C said...

So, so happy for Margaret; what an awesome "meet & greet" that must have been! Do you think she'll ever wash her hand again;)?? Hugs & prayers...

NanaDiana said...

I am beaming for your daughter but realize the deep sadness you must be feeling as well. God bless you especially on this first Thanksgiving Holiday! Hugs- Diana

Kirsten said...

Just yesterday I took my computer to the Apple store to be cleaned and now it is covered in tears. So happy for Margaret. I'm off to buy Justin's xmas album.

susan jakovina said...

Tears.of.joy
So proud of my fellow Canadian boy!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful!!!!! I understand about jet lag and all, but I have been waiting for you to post!!!!! Thanks so much for such a great report and I am waiting for the rest. G-d bless and welcome back -- Mariann Alicea

Lindsay said...

Teary-eyed as I read this...so so happy Margaret got her wish! Hugs all around and prayers for peace with each new day, especially during this holiday season.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an amazing experience! Can't imagine how difficult this trip must have been for you, but so glad that Margaret's dream came true. I'm glad that you all got to experience a bit of love and the kindness of strangers.

Living, Learning, Passing It On said...

And just like that...I'm a BELIEBER!!

God bless you all.

Susan said...

Wow that is amazing!! What an awesome experience!! I cried with joy for you all.

Ann Imig said...

I'm overcome, actually. With joy for Margaret.

And with the pain surround all of, that you managed to keep at the edges in honor of her moment.

You are so much in my thoughts this Thanksgiving.

Love and prayers,
Ann

Rebecca said...

So happy for you guys. I love how it all came together. With so much sadness in the world, it's nice to see that people still care about others and are willing to give and be kind.

Michelle said...

SO delighted to know how "great" the adventure, really treasure the beauty in the writing, and so grateful for the smiles. I too am now a JB fan! My thoughts and prayers are with you all for Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful that friends used their connections to get the story out, and that a smile (and a kiss!) were placed on sweet Margaret by Justin! I hope and pray that your beautiful family finds a way to keep smiling and finding the beauty in life even when it must seem so difficult. Anna....you've always carried yourself like royalty and you continue to amaze everyone with your grace. Love to the Donaldson family!

Katherine said...

I am so thrilled that you, Tim and especially Margaret had such a thrilling adventure. So grateful to the folks who worked so hard to make her wish come true. Warms my heart.

Anonymous said...

cute cute cute!!
I'll be thinking and praying extra hard for your whole family during the coming days...wishing some comfort of warm memories to get you through the holiday.

Meliphocent said...

I loved this!! It's amazing all these people worked so hard to make her wish come true! I am so glad she got to meet Justin!

Suzy said...

I really broke down and cried once today only: when watching to Justin sing "Chestnuts Roasting..." and realizing how much indeed he does resemble Jack and has the floop now to boot. I'm feeling the incredible exhaustion in how much this is all taking out of you to keep on keeping on for your family. And for us. I walked out of Black Eyed Susan today and the little sparrow on the walk did not flinch at my approach. My first thought was for both of us that His eye is on the sparrow. I love you so.
Suzy

Michelle said...

That picture of Margaret with Justin made me cry. I know the complete joy that she must have felt in that moment. It never ceases to amaze me what the internet can accomplish. I'm so glad that her dream came true!

Alexandra said...

HOLY COW!!

We did it.

You make us feel so a part of your lives.

Thank you for that!!

Jenn P said...

I am so happy for Margaret! I have been waiting patiently to see how the weekend went for her! I was watching the AMA's on Sunday wondering if she got to meet him. This brought tears to my eyes. It is so great to know that there are such wonderful people out there! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

3leftys said...

Anna - Thank you for contiuing to share your stories with us. This warmed my heart - for you and for me. I am so thankful for all of the amazing caring people in this world that helped to make this a reality. Thinking of you and your extended family as this week continues. My heart aches for your pain. Thanks for continuing to remind us all how precious life is. All the best to you, Margaret and Tim.

Hillarie said...

I am so happy for her!

Meagan said...

I knew the day you posted that list that Margaret would get at least that part of her wish. So thankful that Justin didn't act like a little boy diva and could be so sweet to Margaret. So thankful that she got at least one of the big things she wanted. I am so happy that y'all got to have this wonderful experience.

Kimberly said...

Happy tears reading this. I am so thrilled for Margaret, and for all of you. It's amazing to think of all the people involved in pulling this off. Saying extra prayers for your family tonight with Thanksgiving coming. Margaret will have some amazing stories to share, no doubt.

Anonymous said...

That just brings me to tears. What a wonderful time for Margaret.

cheryl @ nefotlak. said...

woo hoo hoo.
congrats on an amazing achievement to all involved.
so glad Margaret got to meet the Bieber in person.
amazing.
cheryl xox.

Heather Adler said...

Happy tears reading your beautiful post - thank you so much for sharing - I was literally up all night thinking of you - and only slept AFTER finding out Margaret got to meet JB. I seriously couldn't be happier for you all and it was so selfishly fun to read the play-by-play! Also heartening to read that Justin was a good boy, and very polite and gracious. Good for him. I don't even have girls, but I'm a fan now regardless...

Your ability to quarterback this is proof that there is still goodness, and in the most unexpected places! I live to make my 4 boys' dreams come true - and so far, am happily 3/3 (though AMAs, private concerts and Mega celebrities haven't been on their list!). Good thing for me they haven't figured out my radar, or I'm sure the list would be much longer. : )

Good for you both for taking Margaret's list to heart and believing you could make it happen. You guys are terrific parents. One of my favorite quotes is by Tommy Lasorda - "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination". You have clearly made this possible for Margaret - what a wonderful gift. You are a beautiful family and I think (hope?) this is a real jumpstart for you all.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention I am sure you had a very special angel watching over you, helping to make this happen, too. Some may not believe that, but I truly do. So a big thanks to Jack I think is in order! All My Very Best, Heather Adler

Stimey said...

Wow. That is all kinds of amazing. This made me so happy to read. My love for Coca Cola has been reinforced and I might even have to buy Bieber's Christmas album just because he made your girl so happy.

mosey (kim) said...

I was as giddy as a schoolgirl watching it all go down from afar. It still makes me want to squeal in delight for Margaret. Eeeeeeee!

Kelly said...

It is nice to see the smiles that we as bereaved mothers never thought we would do again! Glad Margaret saw the Bieb, I live in Ontario, a few hrs from his hometown. :)

child of God said...

I am so happy for Margaret! Thank you God for giving this wonderful gift to your sweet daughter.

God bless,
<><

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

Sitting here is sweet tears of thankfulness for amazing people who did so much for you guys! wow! God is good, because you just gotta know He was one of the big movers and shakers too right? :)

Sanele said...

OMG,I got goosebumps just reading this.So beautiful!I'm truly happy for her!!!Go Biebs!

Julia said...

Please tell me that hand hasn't been washed yet! So love this post. Good deeds do still exist. One question... Did Justin smell good? He looks like he would smell like bubble bath. Xoxo, Julia.

cyn~cyn said...

that is awesome!!!! made me cry you can see the joy in her face and her!

you all do have an angel up there watching you guys and making things happen :)

Joette said...

Tears of happiness for your daughter...

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that Margaret got to experience this event. My heart is with your family during this holiday.

Heidi said...

Yay, yay for Margaret!! I'm crying over here. Just. Happy. Sad. All of it. Much love to all of you.

Erin said...

For two days, I have been refreshing my Google Reader hoping that An Inch Of Gray show up BOLD. I am beyond happy for you...beyond. In fact, I'm so happy that I've been sitting at this keyboard for an hour trying to find the words to explain how happy I am for you. I type and I erase because the words don't seem enough.

My heart is happy for you :-)

juliek513 said...

This is so amazing. I hadn't read your story until a friend posted it on fb this week. I was sitting across from you all in Dulles that morning. I saw her backpack and thought she might be headed to see him :). Wow, awesome story - if I would have known, I probably would have introduced myself to you :).

Law Momma said...

And I'm crying.

I love that Margaret had her moment.

Marissa said...

Anna,
I am sobbing the happiest tears that I have cried in ages--I am so happy that some happiness has come into your lives. And I am happy that Justin was a complete gentleman, and treated Margaret with the respect that she deserves.
I also feel the need to go buy a truckload of Coca Cola for helping make it happen for you guys.

the mama bird diaries said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. Tears of happiness. I'm so glad you all had this moment.

Sara said...

I have been checking your blog every day this week, waiting to hear all about Margaret's great adventure. I am SO happy she was able to meet Justin!

Jess said...

ahh seeing that picture of margaret and the bieb just makes me grin and cry at the same time! so, so, SO happy her wish came true! :)

Elz said...

I'm so glad Margaret got such a wonderful day to be a kid. So glad that somehow through the tragedy you're living through, thee is some sun.

Syvil Rott said...

I am so very Thankful Margaret got her wish! Thank you for sharing with everyone! ( I was rooting for her!)

Sara said...

This...this made me believe in people again.

Andrea said...

I am so glad to hear that the magical moment (and then some) happened for your beautiful little girl. I am glad you all had a few moments together to enjoy something sweet. I have been thinking of you and will continue to send up strength and powerful vibes to the universe to support you and yours. Much love. And way to go to that Biber kid" ;)

A "friend" praying for you in MD said...

Overwhelmed with emotion just reading. Wanted you to know that we will be praying for all of you tomorrow. Father God, be near.

Varda said...

Sheer brilliance! I am so glad Margaqret got her wish come true. And to have been a small part of that (through tweeting etc,) makes my heart sing. Bravo!

Emily said...

Amazing! I'm so glad this happened for all of you!

Erin said...

UH-MAZING!! So happy for Margaret, and for you and Tim that you were able to witness Margaret experiencing joy!

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

I am sooo glad this experience was a fantastic one for you all! My daughter was Taylor crazy last year and we went thru pretty much the same thing. It is a day she will NEVER forget! As for LMFAO, I showed the final performance to a friend of mine today, still baffled about that one. I can only imagine. I picture you taking one look at Tim and saying it's time to get out of here! You all have a blessed day tomorrow, I hope you are blanketed with friends and family that love you!

Kori said...

Simply amazing! This made me tear up and smile like a fool. So very, very happy for Miss Margaret!!! :D

Anonymous said...

This has restored my faith in humanity (and lately, it had been wavering. A lot). So SO HAPPY for your sweet daughter! She deserved every second! My prayers are with you and your family for a very peaceful Thanksgiving. :)

luv2run said...

So so happy for you!!!!

Sounds like a great time!

Hugs from a stranger!

Happy Thanksgiving.....I am thankful I have been apart of your virtual life! You make my life better! I know today will be a hard hard day, one step one breath at a time. BUT thank you!!!!!!

luv2run

Mel said...

WONDERFUL!!! :o)

Anonymous said...

I had a dream last night that someone gave me a guitar pick and said it was Justin Bieber's; It had his initials written on it. I was frantically looking for proof that it was, in fact his, because I wanted to give it to Margaret if it really was.

Then this morning I 'checked in' with you and read this! In a way I feel like my own dream came true.

(Oh, I still have those Lego pictures if you'd like them...)

andnowwearesix said...

HOORAY! We Beliebed all along!

Corinne said...

This made me both very happy (for Margaret's wish come true) and very sad (for the circumstances that made it happen). This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that your family got to have this moment. I wish you a peace-filled Thanksgiving.

paula said...

What a wonderful story. I've never commented on your blog before, but I have been 'following' it. How kind everyone was to you, very nice to hear. God bless you all, what a wonderful day for Margaret.
hugs,
paula.

Aimee said...

What a tear jerker! I'm so very happy to hear that beautiful Margaret's dream came true! ;) great picture of sweet Margaret and JB!!!

Mina C. said...

Very very happy for Margaret :) Happy tears.

Anonymous said...

Amen...happy tears for Margaret! We have been thinking about your family and praying every night for each of you (even though we have never met...your family is close to our hearts) xxoo

Unknown said...

*SOB* I think this is the best Thanksgiving news I have ever heard.

Unknown said...

Oh yes, just sent a thank you tweet to JB.

Anonymous said...

Margaret's look of delight in the picture holding out her hand captures the joy of tweenhood precisely!

so glad for you all...

geri said...

Love what you wrote that there was no mention of the accident or margaret's loss, just pure, sparkly enjoyment for her. what a gift everyone has given your girl, and you and your husband. how wonderful that you were able to do that for her, put aside your own overwhelming grief for a minute, and let her have that pure, sparkly enjoyment. beautiful, just beautiful.

A Speckled Trout said...

You know, it would seem that we are such a divided country that we're constantly at one another's throat. But, oh not so considering how many people worked to provide you with a day that was a little sweeter, easier.

You have been in my thoughts all week, especially today. There isn't a single thing I can do to make these days easy or sweet, but I do offer it up for all of you....many times a day.

Anonymous said...

Oh Anna! I have tears full of gratitude that Margaret's dream got to come true. With all the awful things in this world it warms my heart that there are people who care, really care about others.

Anne said...

You all continue to be in our hearts and prayers.I am THRILLED to hear of Margaret's adventure.How cool to finally meet her idol.I am sure she is still in cloud nine :-)

Anonymous said...

Absolutely thrilled to read about this. Hooray for Margaret!!!

love,
jbhat

Shell Flower said...

What a great post to be reading on Thanksgiving. Yay for you all. I bet Jack had something to do with this. Great to hear that Coca cola and JB's team were so supportive. Your family deserved it.

Anonymous said...

thinking of you on this Thanksgiving evening. Hoping you and are comforted with love, family and friends today.

Anna Lefler said...

Oh. My. Total. God.

I am SO thrilled that this happened. I mean, I'm kind of speechless, but in a really good way.

Wishing you and yours the very best Thanksgiving and sending huge hugs!

Much Love,

Anna

Cat Alford said...

I saw on twitter "Mission Accomplished!!!" and I was so excited. I talked to my mom on the phone tonight to wish her a happy thanksgiving and she said "Did you read Anna's blog? She wrote about Justin meeting Margaret!" And so obviously I had to come and read all about it. That's just to let you know that you and your family are thought about and loved and we hope your thanksgiving was bearable despite the sweet missing person in your family. We are all here for you and love you very much!
xoxo
Cat

prenni5 said...

What a perfect ending to Thanksgiving Day..to pull up your Blog and read THIS! God is good! I am in absolute awe over the short amount of time that's passed between the photo of Margaret's shopping list and a photo of her with the Bieb himself. ANYTHING is possible!! There is power in prayers! Thank you for sharing this. I am thankful for you and your family and your story and this Blog. Thank you.
Annie P.

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

AWESOME!!!

I can't find my blog said...

So wonderful!

I was following the excitement on fb and have just now had a quiet moment to read all about it.

Love you guys. Hope you were surrounded by people you love today. xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxo

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! I am so glad Margaret got to to that!

Thinking of you all especially yesterday and in the coming weeks - may God stick close and wrap loving, comforting arms around you ...

Meredith Self said...

A private concert!

How lovely that it was all about Margaret and the busy execs never made it awkward or inconvenient. What a gift this whole adventure is...even for all of us rooting for Margaret!

I adore the pic of M's kissed hand!

For every little moment of "I thought there'd be four of you" I hope you also feel the comfort and love of Jack.

Xo

Meredith Self said...

PS I dreamt you were climbing steep stairs swiftly. Surprisingly swiftly. Even skipping stairs others had to walk. You'd lost some weight. And at top which you get to quicker than others, you are simply enjoying the view. People around. Sense of fellowship. Joy. But not a giddy joy...a deep knowing joy. Savoring. Full.

Gail said...

Yay for people! For kind-hearted, thoughtful people who made things happen for a sweet 10 yr old girl. For a small town Canadian boy who was raised properly and treats those he meets with respect and kindness. For parents who understood how big this would be for their daughter and were open to it happening. And for a sweet 10 year old girl who inspired people to rise to the occasion and make a wish come true. Yay, yay, yay!

Patricia said...

O M G !!!!!!!

Shriek ! Squeal !!! YES !

YOU DID IT !

Heather said...

I couldn't be more thrilled for your precious girl! What a dream come true.

deborah quinn said...

This story is the only thing that has EVER made me like Justin Bieber.

TheLab said...

Just wanted to stop by again this week, and let you know I'm trying to pray you through these holidays, I really am.

Amy said...

what a fun time.. I am here from Debby @ Just Breathe.. I am reading your story.. Thanks for sharing it with everyone..

Miss Mustard Seed said...

The power of Twitter! I laughed and told my husband I was actually texting Justin Bieber, but it was for a good cause. I'm so elated for her. Awesome.

anymommy said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! Sigh. I'm so glad.

Peggy said...

I'm crying! What an experience of a lifetime! Margaret will keep that photo forever. I am glad this dream came true.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

What a wonderful experience. She will remember this forever.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

How lovely... I am all teary for you 3. I'm so glad you guys got a special time together.

K A B L O O E Y said...

So THAT'S what happened. I'm so glad to finally hear (read -- you know what I mean) the story of the Bieberhandkiss. And good for you and your self-control, because one berserk lady yelling for him to wear a belt or risk losing his pants would probably have nixed Margaret's close encounter. I was strangely very glad he shook your hands. That's gentlemanly, and it balances out his brushing past Margaret. And the Coke gang sounds so solicitous.

Kristen said...

I'm glad he was gracious. I don't think my heart could have taken it if your post said that he was nasty to you :).

Lexilooo said...

this is so, so wonderful, I am so happy that this could happen for Margaret! I have tears in my eyes!

Lexilooo said...

this is so, so wonderful, I am so happy that this could happen for Margaret! I have tears in my eyes!

Beth said...

I've been following your statuses and comments, but this is the first I've had the chance to write. I'm so happy for Margaret, and so proud that YOU were able to make this happen. It may have been the friends and fans (and of course, Auntie!) who spread the word, but without a strong Mama Bear leading and fighting for the smile on her child's face, it simply wouldn't have happened.
I hope you were all able to have some extra smiles this Thanksgiving, and the start of many more happy memories as a family. The JB meeting isn't the happy ending of the story, but the beginning of the next chapter....
love and prayers,
Beth

Anonymous said...

You all have been on my mind so much. I know everyday is tough but I know the holidays are so hard. Hoping you are doing ok. My prayers are with you. Ruth

Michelle DeRusha said...

I felt like kind of a geek for getting teary over this post, till I saw that I am clearly not the only one. So grateful for the kind-hearted and generous people of this world. And so happy that you all had such a good time.

Much love...

jessica said...

So AWESOME!!!! Way to go Margaret!!!! You all deserved this trip. Think about you guys often!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Very cool! I'm thrilled for Margaret!

Reenie said...

Oh....I'm so happy for Margaret :)

Jen said...

Oh my goodness! Tears in my eyes for your sweet girl and her big day! She (and her mom & dad) so deserved this bit of happiness. Hooray for the good and kind people of the world! :)

Anonymous said...

"...pure, sparkly enjoyment." Savored moments! I am so happy for you, and for Tim, and especially for Margaret. Thank you for sharing each and every word. Giving thanks to God for the great things He has done. xTx Hugs and a prayer.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that's so wonderful! I'm glad the Biebs was so good to Margaret. I hoped he would be as sweet in person as he seems. I'm getting a soft spot for the boy.

Congratulations, Margaret! Keep dreaming those dreams.

Tamatha Banks said...

I was on pins and needles the entire post and I broke out into tears of relief and joy when I saw the picture of Margaret and JB. I am so thrilled that she got her moment and that you got that experience of feeling happiness and joy for her. Good things do still happen ....

Michelle Hughes said...

This is incredible! I am so happy for Margaret! This goes to show you that there really are good people in this world.

Mrs. P Vega said...

I'm so happy for Margaret! I love social media and good people in the world.

Denise said...

So very happy for Margaret!

Melissa said...

I found your blog today and have spent the last two hours reading it. This post is wonderful. It made me cry happy tears. Thank you for being so inspiring. I am so so very sorry for the loss of your son. I certainly can not imagine a day or even a minute in your shoes. Your family deserves special memories like this post describes. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Tanya said...

I've been reading for a while, but just went back through older posts and read the one with Margaret's wish list, and followed the story to this. How incredible! I am so warmed to see that there are loving, kind, willing, people out in the world making things like this happen! So happy you and Tim were able to experience this with her!