It was like the thousands of other times my family and I sat in the airport for hours, boarded a plane, and visited my grandparents. Except for me there was something different this time around. Maybe it was the fact that this is was the first time we were going back to Wisconsin and the house since my Grandma Eileen had died. My grandpa had already remarried only four months later, and I felt as though I was the only person who seemed upset by the news. My family was forcing me to go and meet my “replacement” grandma and get to know her. Not only had they left me sitting in the waiting area alone, but all they left was a chocolate muffin for me to eat. So I was surrounded by a dozen strangers and I had no way to contact my friends on Twitter or text friends back home. They were all probably talking about Max and wishing him ‘Happy Birthday’ many times over.

              Caught up in my thoughts of Max and my friends I almost failed to notice the pigeon that had parked itself upon my hands and began picking at the muffin. Panic spread across my face and bystanders around me watched as the pigeon pecked at my poor excuse for a snack. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a mass go running passed where I sat. Looking back at the clearly hungry pigeon, I soon heard a voice that I recognized from the hundreds of Ustreams, videos, and songs I had heard since becoming a Schneider Monkey. In front of me stood the out of breath but still beautiful Max Schneider and his girlfriend Laura. I was shocked beyond words that he was real and standing only mere feet away from where I sat. I hadn't checked Twitter in ages, so I had no idea where he was celebrating his 21st birthday. Anxiety and excitement set in as Max said the first word since he had run up. 

              “Finally, I found the pigeon Laura. I told you I could corner it and make a vine of its capture.” The words that rolled off his tongue sounded as those of angels. “Are you okay, baby? This menace was attacking people back at Gate 24 and my girlfriend and I decided to capture it. Okay, well I decided to follow and catch it. She just agreed to film my crazy monkey ass. It seems as though he likes that muffin you have there. Let me help you get rid of him.” Max started to swat at the pigeon who had already eaten its way through half of my muffin. “Out of here you wild bird.” The pigeon went flying off to another part of the airport hopefully. Max turned back to me and made sure that I was really okay. “Are you sure that you aren’t hurt? “ He then proceeded to ask me where my family was or if I was traveling alone.

              “No, they left to buy food for the flight. We are going to visit my grandpa and my new “step” grandma in Wisconsin. He got remarried already and it has only been four months since my grandma dies. It was right around the time you released you ‘For My Grammy’ video and the song really helped me through the tough time.” I realized that I was rambling on about my sucky life and Max and Laura had to suffer through listening to it all. Quickly, I stopped talking but Max told me to keep going. “I want to hear about it. Keep going! We don’t mind.” Laura smiled at me and both of them nodded for me to continue. “Well, all your music helps me through tough times in my life. And since I became a Schneider Monkey about a year ago, I haven’t waited and waited for you to do a concert in my home state of Oregon. I almost saw you at the Wisconsin State Fair last year when you were touring with Victoria, but I was spending precious time with my Grams. Since then I have sent you at least two letters, I hate to admit, one including a package of goodies for you. Included in the package is a necklace that I thought you could wear if you ever opened the gift to remind of your Grammy.”

              “Wow, I have been talking for ages. I bet you have to get to where you were headed soon. Where is that, may I ask?” Max scooted in the hard chair so he was facing me more, while Laura checked her phone to see the time. “Well, as you probably know it is my 21st birthday. So Laura and I are going to Costa Rica to celebrate. Maybe see some monkeys of course, do a little zip-lining, and drink some foreign coffee.” His vacation sounded really exciting and I wished him luck on having a happy birthday. He said thanks, and as he was about to leave I asked him if he could do one thing for me. He nodded okay, so I went up and whispered to him, “This may sound weird especially since we are in the middle of an airport, but could I take a picture with you?” He graciously said of course, but he didn't realize the type of picture I meant.

              Max thought I wanted him to pick me up bridal style like the rest of the fans he had met in the past. No, I was interested in picking him up for the picture. I have always been shy and ashamed of my weight. So, I wasn't intent on having Max take a picture in a pose of that sort only to have my hulking body weigh him down. This doesn't mean that I think he isn't very strong and capable, I only thought it was best for him to be picked up for the pose. Quietly, I whispered in his ear again. “I was thinking that I could instead pick you up bridal style for the picture, if you don’t mind?”

              “Oh, not at all baby. Do you mind taking it Laura?” He handed the camera to Laura and I went to pick his tiny and short frame up. It was like picking up a 90 pound toddler. I easily put my hands behind his back and hoisted up his legs. He said that I was very strong and that this was different than anything he had done with a fan before. I set him down, retrieving the camera from Laura I checked to make sure it came out. Another pic was of the three of us making funny faces for the camera and the stranger we asked to snap a pic. Finally, we took one of Max giving me a kiss on the cheek and us making monkey poses to put as my Twitter icon. I thanked him and he gave me the hug I had been waiting ages for. Max’s hug was that of a man taught to hug by God. It was the best bear hug I had ever received, and I didn't want it to end. Unfortunately, Laura told Max that their plane was boarding as we spoke.

              “I am sorry baby. I've got to run or we’ll miss the plane. Don’t worry, I will take Oregon into consideration for my tour dates and put it at the top of my list. About the package, I will make sure that when I return home to open it and read your letter. Thanks for keeping us company and telling us your story. Can’t wait to see you at my Oregon concert later this summer, I will be looking for you in the crowd.” I blushed at the thought of “the” Max Schneider not only remembering, but looking for me at one of his concerts. Laura said that it was nice to have met me and I waved goodbye to them as they went their loading gate. Once they had left, I was still full of butterflies and shock over what had just gone down in this very airport.