The date was February 29, 2012. I was looking forward to what the day would bring. After all, Leap Day only comes every four years. I was sure it was to bring only good things. I couldn't have been more wrong. At approximately 1:15 p.m. eastern, my entire world once again came crashing down. This is when I read a tweet that Davy Jones of The Monkees had died at the age of 66. At first, I thought it was a cruel internet hoax. There was no way this could be true. Then I saw that the tweet was from the Official Monkees Twitter account. I knew immediately it was true. I was and am overcome with grief over this sad news. Davy was the youngest of the four Monkees, he was a vegetarian and very active and athletic. As long as I live, I will never understand this. It's just wrong and will never make sense to me.
My mind raced. Suddenly, a ton of memories came flooding back. This wasn't just the death of another celebrity. It was also the end of an era for me. I recalled a conversation in 1986 during lunch in the high school cafeteria with a friend who was a fan. Before that, the only thing I knew about The Monkees was that I used to watch re-runs when I was a kid and could only remember the Monkee Men. After this conversation, I started listening to their music and watching the TV show. Then in 1987, I started a fan club with a friend called Monkee Lovers Unlimited. Eventually, I took over exclusively and the club lasted for 12 years. I saw The Monkees two times in concert, and I saw David once in a solo concert. I met David 3 times. All three times, he was very kind. I can recall one time I tried to talk my way back stage. Since I'm disabled, I couldn't get into the room they were in. Eventually, Davy came out and talked to me. It wasn't until later that I found out that Davy was the one who vouched for me when they asked if anyone knew me. I was shocked and surprised that he knew who I was and would do that. Then there was the time after a solo concert that I met Davy again. My father, who was pretty much dragged there, didn't know how to work my camera. He asked what button to push. Davy was the one to show him! At the time, it was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Now, it is one of my most cherished memories.
Davy Jones wasn't just another celebrity to me. He and The Monkees represented 25 years of my life. Monkee Lovers Unlimited was the first fan club of several that I have ever run. Since then, I have run several fan clubs, been involved in several other fan clubs and with several other celebrities in some capacity. If it hadn't been for Davy Jones and The Monkees, I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be where I am today. I would not have had the experiences I've had or have met the friends or other people I have met over the years. My life changed because of Davy Jones and The Monkees. You see, friends...Davy & The Monkees only owed me and their fans their best performance. It is I who owe THEM everything because if it hadn't been for them, I would not be the person I am today. RIP Davy. Thank you for everything. I'll love you forever.
Davy Jones wasn't just another celebrity to me. He and The Monkees represented 25 years of my life. Monkee Lovers Unlimited was the first fan club of several that I have ever run. Since then, I have run several fan clubs, been involved in several other fan clubs and with several other celebrities in some capacity. If it hadn't been for Davy Jones and The Monkees, I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be where I am today. I would not have had the experiences I've had or have met the friends or other people I have met over the years. My life changed because of Davy Jones and The Monkees. You see, friends...Davy & The Monkees only owed me and their fans their best performance. It is I who owe THEM everything because if it hadn't been for them, I would not be the person I am today. RIP Davy. Thank you for everything. I'll love you forever.
