I go to many Elmhurst University events. I live very close to the school so there’s no reason not to go. Back in September, I saw that Karamo Brown who is a TV talk show host, reality television personality, author, actor, and activist was coming to Elmhurst. I was going to go even if they put an ocean in between the University and me. I was going even if there was a blizzard. Thankfully, I did not have any of those obstacles that autumn evening.
Six weeks prior, I had texted my mom and asked if she wanted to go. She said no. However, my writing coach, Lex, was totally on board. He has an authentic passion for mental health which Karamo was going to speak about. When I asked, he agreed immediately. Smart man because I didn’t know it at the time, but we would have a remarkable evening together.
“Hey, Hannah!” Lex said as he walked across my condo parking lot. He was in a flannel shirt and jeans.
“Beautiful night,” I remarked after we started walking. We had been completely blessed with a gorgeous evening.
“You do know I’m just waiting for someone to ask you where your coat is,” Lex said with a smirk.
I immediately started laughing. People ask all the time why I’m not wearing a coat. I can’t easily take a coat on and off, so jackets are difficult. Actually, go to the blog post before this in which I explain further regarding the difficulty of a coat. We both laughed for a good five minutes about that.
We arrive at the University chapel. There must have been 1,500 people there. It’s large with white and brown pews accompanied by chandeliers on the ceiling. Then, it happened. Karamo arrived.
“It’s as if Michael Jordan walked in,” Lex stated.
“Seriously.”
Karama was at least seven feet tall with a shiny bald head and that man clearly works out. He may be gay, but I am a hot-blooded woman who is not blind. He took to the stage and gave a powerful talk about mental health and setting healthy boundaries. He’s phenomenal and I highly suggest his memoir: Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope. The most amazing thing happened after his presentation. Elmhurst University administrators asked if I wanted to meet Karamo backstage. Is that even a question?
I started to type in, “I really admire you,” as we were directed backstage.
I rolled up and was able to say that and explain who Lex was to me and then my mind went blank. I was completely star struck.
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| Lex and Karamo |
“Hey, nice to meet you,” Karamo said to Lex.
Karamo had a sixth sense about who was a true fan and who was “dragged” here. Lex was really excited to come, don’t get me wrong but he certainly didn’t know as much as I did about the gorgeous man in front of me.
“Hannah, what’s your story?” Karamo turned away from Lex asking me this question.
My story is you’re gorgeous. No, don’t type that, you idiot!
Lex came to the rescue, “She did her undergraduate work here and got her master’s from Loyola. She is my client, and she is working on a memoir.”
What Lex said.
“That’s great! Would you like to send me some chapters?” Karamo asked.
“Yes!” Thank you so much. You’re amazing! I have your book,” I managed to type.
“Oh great! I’ll write my email address in the book.”
Lex had the book ready to go. God bless Lex!
He wrote a message of warmth and encouragement.
“I am so grateful!” I managed to say to Karamo.
He gave me a huge hug which I will never forget. I had to turn around, which I managed to do. Once we were out of ear shot, we both freaked out.
“Did that just happen?”
“Oh my gosh.”
We repeated those sentiments about fifty times each. We were on Cloud 9.
The two of us had dinner at a nearby restaurant rehashing every moment again and again. It was such an incredible night that we will not forget.
