Meeting Paula Abdul was so unexpected.

 

My sister decided to take me to see her in concert on November 30, 2018. We had just lost my 31-year-old nephew in June 2018 to suicide, and I was so devastated. It was very hard for me to continue my art. At this point, I had to stop doing artwork completely.

 

One day, my sister decided to surprise me for my birthday and take us to see Paula Abdul. She suggested I draw Paula and her dog and maybe we could give it to her. I did not really feel like doing any art at that time, but I pushed myself to draw Paula and her beloved dog Bessie. It took me two weeks and about 50 hours to complete the portrait.

 

I was not sure how I was going to give it to her at a concert. When we got to the concert, we were told that only VIP ticket holders were allowed to meet Paula after the show. I remember feeling so disappointed that we could not afford VIP tickets. I felt very discouraged.

 

But something incredible and very unexpected happened that night. My sister and I went to the bathroom, and on our way out we got pushed into the VIP crowd. They asked us for our tickets and we showed them. They didn't say anything about us not being VIP. I was shocked — we actually got in as VIPs. I honestly could not believe I was going to go backstage after the concert to meet Paula.

 

When the time came, they would not let me in at first because Paula is not allowed to receive gifts. At that point, I took the drawing out of my portfolio and showed it to her. I called out to her, asking her to please let me in because I made this for her.

 

She told security to please let me in because she wanted that drawing on her wall. I could not believe the miracle of that evening. It really made me believe in myself again, and I continued doing my artwork after this incredible experience.