When I was 16 my friend and I were handed backstage passes to meet the members of our favorite band, Poison, after a show at the Hartford Civic Center. Within seconds I justified any punishment my parents could conceivably come up with for missing curfew; I was prepared to party with Brett Michaels all night long.
As we were waiting to enter backstage, my friend’s sister, who had driven us to the concert, came in with one of the venue security officers, pointed at us, and said, “Those two, they’re only 16.” I’ll never forget the woman that turned to look at us and said, “Don’t worry girls, you can put the pass under your pillow.”
I wanted to punch her in the face before I let loose on my friend’s sister. My life was ruined, or so I believed at the time. I never thought I would forgive my friend’s sister; but I eventually did. Only a teenager herself, she did what she believed was right. As a parent, I can only hope my teenagers would do the same.
I never did put the pass under my pillow, but I did save it after all these years. I can’t listen to Poison now without wondering what may have happened that night, because damn…I’m pretty sure the cat would have had to drag me home.
Want to hear the music that inspires me? You can visit Spotify.com to hear the playlist, titled “Sunday Mornings by an Average Jill,” and follow me on Facebook to read more on Sunday mornings.