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September 21, 2014. Undoubtedly the best day in my life as a Little Sailor. Not only because I got to spend the whole day with Sam, the band and the crew, but also because I got to share it with two of my best friends in person and tons of other amazing fans online, who were genuinely rooting for me.

Let’s go back to the beginning though, shall we?

I still remember buying these tickets in one of my marketing classes. This tour was announced right around the time Sam blew up so I knew I’d have to act fast. I was ready to rely on my mobile app, hoping I didn’t get caught for using my phone, when my teacher let us have a free period. I have never rushed to the computers so fast. I managed to score my ticket for the Toronto show and in less than ten minutes the show sold out. The mental excitement and preparation kicked in immediately.

Right around the time of the show, I started using my @SamSmithCA Twitter as a platform to find other fans going to the show and also to arrange a second poster project and the Life Support Jar. Two of the fans that I found were Rachael (@rachaellbarr) and Jenna (@Jenna_Barr). I had everything set and we planned to meet up in line early in the morning with a few other fans.

Come now to around noon on the day of the show. Rachael and Jenna were third in line at the Kool Haus and saved me a spot. Doors were not opening until around 7-8pm so we got comfy as could be and let excitement be our adrenaline (also the anticipation for Sam’s arrival). The first tour bus pulled in with the band guys. No one came off.

Then, the unthinkable happened. One of the venue employees came over and awkwardly, and harshly, tried to tell us the show was cancelled. We were all very skeptical so we let him pass by, especially because the tour bus didn’t move. Reuben came off the bus and we chatted for a bit but he couldn’t tell us anything. So, I sent Sam a message on Twitter...

“I'm so sorry. I have tonsillitis. I am so so so so sorry.”

This was followed up by the unfortunate official show cancellation from Sam. We were, of course, devastated but understanding. We didn’t want Sam to feel bad doing a show when he knew it wasn’t up to his standards. I messaged him back letting him know that we all understood and wished him well.

However, I still had my jar and I was determined to get it to him, now more than ever. I had a hunch for the hotel and as soon we saw the band’s bus leave, we knew it was going exactly where we wanted it to go.

In an extensive and incredibly unpredictable series of events, we ended up at the hotel and spent time hanging out with the band. While Sam was upstairs resting, Reuben was an amazing host downstairs, bringing out his guitar for a jam session, inviting us out to the band dinner and then, when we politely declined so we didn’t feel like intruders, bringing us takeout from the restaurant.

In between the jam session and dinner, I was able to get a hold of one of Sam’s tour managers and get the jar brought up to Sam. We were sitting on a ledge outside of the hotel when my phone lit up and I almost dropped it.

It started off with this Instagram post: http://instagram.com/p/tOOZ-QR2ey/?modal=true

Then, I received an influx of messages from my friends telling me Sam had just posted a picture of me on his Instagram. But, it got better...

“I'm crying. I hope you know how much I love you and all my fans. You are the reason why I'm happy again. Thank you so so much xxxx”

That was exactly the reaction I wanted and so much more. Just knowing I could bring someone who has brought me so much joy even a fraction of that same happiness was beyond gratifying.

Sam was extremely gracious, and I wish I could share that with every fan who helped make that moment happen. I could not think of an artist more deserving of that love.

Shortly after 9pm, the rain started falling and we all admittedly lost a lot of hope. I wanted to hold out so we decided to wait until 9:45pm and then head home. I let Sam know one more time how thankful we all were and how glad we were that he was taking care of himself and that he liked the present.

If you don’t mind me getting preachy for a second...of course, if you want something badly enough it will happen; the key is patience.

And so, after nine long but fun hours, around 9:31pm, we all finally got our moment - and it couldn’t have gone more perfectly.

Rachael, Jenna and I (who was charging my phone on my lap) were sitting on the floor under the cover of the parking garage next to Sam’s bus, seeking cover from the rain, when we saw the tour bus door open and Sam’s manager walk on with a humidifier. Then, Sam’s angelic presence came and peeked around the corner. It took me a second to wake myself up and I instinctively screamed, “HOLY CRAP YOU’RE REAL I LOVE YOU.” *met with laughter* I jumped up, almost falling over and smashing my phone to the ground, and brought him “in my embrace.” Oops.

The three of us spent a good five minutes with him, talking and laughing and hugging and taking pictures. I showed him the posters that were supposed to be at the show and he laughed and felt really bad. He kept one for himself. He thanked us again and told me to message him if I ever needed anything. (KING!!) We parted ways with hugs and plenty of in-person well wishes. I headed home, being the happiest and most grateful little 17-year-old on the planet.

While I was pulling out of the parking lot, Reuben and Bren were on the street jamming and I shouted out at them - they were both so happy for me and just incredible human beings.

AND SO WAS EVERYONE ELSE ON TWITTER! I was bombarded with love and fangirling and I still am, and it’s the best feeling ever. I really hope you all get to experience a moment like I did, and that’s partly why I made this site and why I continue to help deserving fans.

Please never, ever, EVER lose hope or patience. You will meet Sam, and it will be amazing.

BLBL

- Angela (@SamSmithCA on Twitter)

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