The early years I adored Michael Easton, I only dreamed of meeting him
until May 16, 2003. At Super Soap Weekends, those Port Charles Father
Michael/Caleb years, I hoped, prayed, sent pleas, asked almost all the
PC actors about his possible coming--same thing at the Daytime Emmys a
couple years. Not only did he captivate me on PC & other shows, but he
made me want to know all I could about him via online bios, interviews,
his poetry & other work. All of this just made me admire him, not only
as an exceptional actor & a gorgeous, sexy man, but as the wonderful
person he seemed to be.
So, my husband Ted & I were at the Emmys at Radio City Music Hall, when
Ted whispered in my ear, "Look to the right." Talking with friends, I
gave a quick turn and said "Oh, Erin & Brian Presley.", and turned back
to my conversation. Again, Ted persisted in my ear, "LOOK TO THE RIGHT!". I turned my whole body this time & there Michael stood, more handsome, regal, and exuding of inner beauty than I could've ever even imagined!
I've met nearly all my favorite soap actors, & this was the first time I felt
weak in the knees! I was well into my row of seats, so I didn't approach
him, but I couldn't let him pass without expressing my admiration, very
spontaneously. As he walked, fans were screaming, all over the place, to him and many different actors. I called his first name one time, and he stopped,
turned around with his eyes going instantly to mine, no searching in
the crowd at all. It was surreal, in a good way, and my only
explanation was that he had to feel my love sent his way. Even my
husband agreed with that. So, when Michael looked, I blew him a kiss
and quietly said "I love you!" He humbly put his hands together and
bowed a little & said "Thank you!" I just had the feeling he knew
exactly what I meant, as open, sensitive people tend to do sometimes.
Then, I just had to sit down, almost forgot where I was, never thought
to return to my previous conversation. I finally understood why the
women swooned and fainted over Elvis & Sinatra!
I know Michael got PC the best soap nomination. The whole place buzzed
they'd win, as they should've. Sadly, they didn't & we were all
shocked.
After the award show, I saw my husband Ted waving with both hands, for
me to hurry and join him, in a way that I knew meant something big.
Sure enough, he was behind Michael. I asked Michael if he'd mind if
Ted took his pic with me and he said "Of course not" and sweetly
obliged. I am still grateful to Michael for that 1st pic I'd dreamed
of forever, also to God for answering my prayers to be in the right
place at the right time, and to Ted for taking that treasured pic and
being such an understanding husband to get how and why I have this
affection & respect, for this wonderful man, that grows the more I get
to know about him. Every quality I imagined Michael Easton had, before
I even met him, he has proven to have in spades.
Tina Payne |
