PART TWO
Terry and Pam have another son, Sean who will soon be seven.
Although Josh isn't able to communicate or play with Sean the way most
brothers would spend time together, he often laughs and giggles at Sean's
antics. Sean and Josh sometimes lie down on Josh's bed and watch
cartoons together. Joshua is a whiz at putting together jigsaw puzzles.
It's nothing for him to put together a 750-1000 piece puzzle in only a few
hours and he loves to put them together with his grandmother when he
stays with her on Friday nights. There was a large puzzle that Josh put
together that is a colorful picture of a lion, a lamb, and dove peacefully
together. This puzzle was to be a special gift for Clay Aiken and Pam had
typed Isaiah 11: 6-9 - a Bible verse that appropriately explains the theme
of the picture - on a piece of paper, which she put inside the frame.
Although he didn't yet understand the significance of what he was doing,
Josh carefully autographed the puzzle for Clay in his best handwriting ever.
Clay Aiken's journey to American Idol 2 fame began with the
encouragement of Diane Bubel, the mother of Mike, a fourteen-year-old
young man with autism, who Clay had previously worked with in Charlotte,
North Carolina. Clay's spectacular singing voice won over millions of
American Idol 2 viewers who voted faithfully each week for this twenty-
four-year old North Carolina crooner. Clay was a special education major
and had only one semester to finish college when he tried out for American
Idol 2. Although Clay wasn't picked by the American Idol judges as one of
the ten finalists, he was voted in as America's choice to fill one of the
wild card positions. Week after week, Clay advanced closer to the finals as
other contestants were eliminated.
Throughout the competition, Clay often spoke of working with children with
special needs. In an interview early in the competition, Clay made a
statement that seemed to define his purpose, 'It's important that I make a
difference in some way. If it's performing and touching someone that way,
that's great; If it's being a teacher and helping some kid understand
something, that's even better. It's not necessary how I make a difference,
but I want to make sure that I do.' Even though Clay finished second in
the American Idol 2 contest, it was soon evident that Clay had a huge
following. Websites devoted entirely to Clay began to appear on the
internet. Judging from the thousands of postings on those websites, Clay
not only had a quickly growing fan base in the United States, there were
also fans writing in from all over the world. Clay's single went platinum
in record time and during the summer American Idol 2 tour, Clay was clearly
the crowd favorite. And even more unheard of, his unfinished, unnamed
album debuted at number one on Amazon.com. A man of his word, Clay
wasted no time in setting up the Bubel/Aiken Autism Foundation, within
weeks after the end of the American Idol 2 competition.
In summing it up, many devoted fans have characterized Clay as the next
Elvis, or Frank Sinatra, even going so far as to say that he could be as big
as the Beatles. When fans are asked to explain their fanaticism toward
Clay, they're united in their love for Clay's powerful, expressive singing
voice, but most of them go one step further by saying it's also Clay's
strength of moral character and his dedication to those less fortunate that
makes him a true star in their eyes. Columnists have even dubbed Clay's
star quality as the elusive "X factor" that few performers seem to possess.
Pam Gagliano is a true fan of Clay Aiken, and like so many other fans, it's
more than Clay's voice that drew her to him. Clay's dedication to those
less fortunate, especially children with autism, elevated Clay to a true
idol status in Pam's eyes. Pam had been so happy when she found out that
the American Idol 2 concert tour would be in Chicago in July, a short
distance from where she and her family live in Machesney Park, Illinois.
Thinking back to that wonderful day in Chicago, Pam knew she should have
been very happy because she and Terry were unexpectedly among the
few who got to meet Clay in person. And she was happy, but she wished
with all her heart that their son, Joshua, had also been there to meet
Clay. It was a wish that just wouldn't go away.
Pam had gotten acquainted with a number of Clay's fans who have formed
an email group online called the Clay Train. One of the Claytrainers is
Rosie, a devoted Clay fan activist from California. Rosie was touched by
Pam's desire for Clay and Joshua to meet in person. She told Pam that she
believed that "lightning could strike twice," and there just had be a way to
make Pam's dream come true. The American Idol 2 concert tour would be
in St. Louis, Missouri mid-August. Although it was a five-hour drive from
Machesney Park, it was the next best opportunity if Pam's dream was to
come true. With Rosie's encouragement, Pam contacted ticket outlets in
search of tickets for the St. Louis concert, but she soon found that the
tickets were all sold out. It was a setback but Pam wasn't about to give
up on her quest for Josh to meet Clay in person, even if they wouldn't be
able to attend the concert.
With added encouragement from Rosie, her guardian angel, Pam began an
email and fax blitz to radio stations, television stations, newspapers, and
anyone else who would listen to her story. Of the nearly 300 emails and
faxes that Pam sent out, there was only one response to her desperate
pleas. That response was a voicemail from a woman who had gotten one
of Pam's many faxes. Included in the voicemail was a phone number for
someone who might be able to help Pam. Wasting no time, Pam called a
lady named Allison. After talking back and forth for a few minutes,
Allison assured Pam that she would be able to provide "meet and greet"
wristbands for them if there were some still available. Allison also asked
Pam to send her one of the emails telling about their family and how Pam
had dreamed of her son Josh meeting Clay in person. When Pam called
Allison two days later, Allison told Pam that her wish was going to come
true. She went on to say that there would not only be wristbands waiting
for them when they arrived in St. Louis, there would also be concert
tickets. Pam could scarcely believe her ears. Her heart overflowing with
happiness, Pam knew without a doubt that Allison had just become her
second guardian angel.
On the day of the concert, Pam, Terry and Joshua were up at 5:00 a.m. so
they would have ample time for the five-hour drive from Machesney Park to
St. Louis. The three of them arrived at the Savvis Center at 3:15 p.m. and
went immediately to the ticket window where they were given an envelope
containing the promised tickets. Much to their amazement, they had been
given three tickets for front row seats in the center section, no less!
The Gaglianos went to the main hallway entrance where they waited by the
gate for the person who was providing them with wristbands for the "meet
and greet." Pam was so proud of the way Josh was handling all the
excitement. So far, so good, and he still hadn't gone into a "melt down."
When the wristbands were finally brought to them - by none other than
Jerome, Clay's body guard, Josh politely said thank you.
When it was time for the "meet and greet," and people were
lining up to go into the room with the Idols, Pam urged Terry to see if
Jerome would let them stay at the end of the line so Josh would have
plenty of time to give his gift to Clay. Jerome was nice enough to give
them permission, telling them to hold back until the others had gone
through. While they were waiting in line, Pam asked Josh if he
remembered whom it was they were going to see. Josh told her that they
were going to see Clay Aiken. Finally, it was the Gagliano's turn to talk
to the Idols. Ruben Studdard was the first one they came to, Clay was
seated next to him. Much to Pam's delight, Clay remembered her and Terry
from the Chicago concert, and he also recognized Joshua from the picture
in the gift Pam had given him in Chicago.
Looking directly at Josh, Clay said, "Hi, buddy, how are ya?"
Joshua replied, "I'm fine."
Then Pam handed Clay the gift bag with the puzzle. She
explained to Clay that Josh had made the gift especially for him.
Putting the gift on the floor behind his chair, Clay said, "Thank
you, Josh."
"You're welcome," Joshua answered.
Then Clay focused his attention on Pam, including one of his
famous winks! "Thank you for coming and bringing, Josh."
Pam asked Clay if he would autograph her Rolling Stone magazine - the one with Clay's picture on the cover. Clay wrote - 'Pam, all my love, great to see you again.' Pam handed Clay a red folder with the pictures Jerome had taken of them with Clay at the Chicago concert. She had also included a picture of Josh with the puzzle he'd put together for Clay.
Although Jerome had told everyone at the "meet and greet" that
there were rules they had to follow when going through the greeting line,
Clay broke one of those rules when he stood and asked Josh, "Hey, buddy,
can I have a hug?"
Josh looked at his mother and smiled really big. Pam said, "Give
Clay a hug."
So Clay held him gently and Josh hugged Clay gently. Clay
backed up with his arms still touching Josh and he said, "Aw, come on
Joshua, can you give me a really tight squeeze, buddy?"
Joshua had this huge smile on his face and said, "Yes." Clay and
Josh hugged for five or six seconds.
Clay talked to Josh for another minute or two before Pam
reminded Josh that Clay was busy and they should let other people talk to
Clay.
Josh looked at Clay and said, "Okay."
With tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks, Pam
thanked Clay and told him that he was such a kind person, and that he
was God's gift to people like herself and Joshua. Clay thanked her again
for bringing Joshua to meet him. The Gaglianos said their goodbyes and
began to walk away.
It was then that another miracle happened. Clay asked, "Why
don't you wait over to the side until I'm finished."
Almost doubting what she'd heard - especially when she realized
that Clay was breaking another one of Jerome's rules - Pam asked, "Are
you sure?"
"Absolutely," Clay responded.
Although they were questioned by some of the authorities as to
why they were waiting around, Jerome told them that the Gagliano's had
permission to stay until Clay was free.
When Clay came over to where they were waiting, he
immediately asked, "Joshua, can your dad take a picture of us together?"
Pam prompted Josh to ask Clay to open his present, which Clay
did.
"Did you put this puzzle together for me," Clay asked once the
framed puzzle was unwrapped.
"Yes," Josh answered.
"Did it take you fifteen minutes to put it together?" Clay asked
Josh.
Pam spoke up, explaining to Clay that Joshua had done the 750
piece puzzle in a little more than three hours. Clay asked if Josh would
help him hold the puzzle so they could have their picture taken together.
Clay and Joshua hugged again. There were more pictures of Pam with
Clay - snug hug and all and more winks for Pam! After a few minutes, Pam
explained to Josh that they needed to go because Clay had some more
people to meet.
Saying their goodbyes to Clay, the Gaglianos turned to leave the
room. As they walked past Jerome on their way out of the room, Pam
mouthed, "Thank you," to Clay's very tall bodyguard.
With a smile, Jerome answered, "No problem."
Still floating on cloud nine after having such a wonderful time
with Clay, Pam, Terry and Josh went back to their hotel to wait until it was
time for the concert.
Sensitive to noise and turmoil, Josh wore headphones during the
concert later that night. But, instead of having problems due to all the
sensory stimulation surrounding him, Josh seemed to be having the time of
his life - laughing and clapping, as he danced his way through the entire
evening. Through the entire concert, Josh was just sure that Clay was
singing to him personally.
What Pam and Terry Gagliano witnessed the day their son,
Joshua, got to meet Clay Aiken was nothing short of a miracle - a miracle
that far exceeded the expectations they'd had when setting out early that
morning from Machesney Park. One of the things they'd hoped for was to
get Joshua through the day without a "melt down." What they
experienced in St. Louis was one of the best days of their son's life. They
realized that from the very minute Clay and Josh met the two of them
shared a special bond. There's another amazing connection between Josh
and Clay; Josh's birthday is November 28; Clay's birthday is November 30.
Now when they look at the picture of Josh and Clay holding the
puzzle, Pam and Terry are filled with wonder at the beautiful, peaceful
smile on the face of their precious son. To this day, Pam marvels at the
fact that Josh mentions Clay so often. Josh has never taken to anyone so
quickly as he did with Clay. He asks if he can give Clay another hug. He
often asks when he is going to be able to see Clay again. When Josh
hears Clay singing on the radio or television, he thinks Clay is singing to
him. Pam often wonders, did she, Terry and Josh have as much of an
impact on Clay as Clay had on them? She hopes so with all of her heart.
Clay Aiken had already become Pam's idol long before she met him in
person. After having the privilege of spending time with Clay, Pam says
that she understands more fully the true measure of this man, Clay Aiken,
and the good that he is doing in the world. Nothing would thrill Pam more
than to have Clay want to stay in touch with her as much as she wants to
stay in touch with him. Only Clay can grant that wish.
Even though Sean was too young to participate in their family's
trip to St. Louis, he's obviously aware of the impact that Clay has had on
his family. "Momma says Clay rocks," Sean says, voicing what he hears so
often around the house. Sean also tells his mom that he hopes he can
someday get his picture taken with Clay.
Although it took unbelievable effort on Pam's part - with the help
of several guardian angels to make her dream come true - she would do it
all over again, without a moment's hesitation. When Rosie told her that it
was possible for lightning to strike twice, Pam dared to believe in the
possibilities. While much of what she saw that day in St. Louis was seen
through a curtain of tears, they were tears of joy - as she witnessed
lightning miraculously striking twice. Her dream had been that her son
with autism could meet her idol, Clay Aiken. That dream came true beyond
anything she could have imagined. Now her son, Joshua, wants to see
Clay again. Is it possible for lightning to strike three times? With Pam
Gagliano's love for her special son as a driving force, anything is
possible.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Isaiah 11: 6-9 . The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard
shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling
together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear
shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw
like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and
the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt
nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
PAM'S HEARTFELT POEM TO CLAY AIKEN
Roses are red, Violets are blue, It was a wonderful day, When God gave us
you. Heavenly Father from up above, Thank you for giving us, Clay Aiken
to love. You are so kind, You are so sweet, You make people happy,
Because you are so neat. I wish you love, I am your #1 fan. You already
have success, That was in God's plan. I don't care , That you can't dance,
Neither can I, Wanna take a chance? My life was changed, When I first
heard you sing, Your voice is amazing, It's a powerful thing. You have the
most Beautiful green eyes, A sparkle so pure, That could light up the sky.
It was an honor For me to meet you, I will never forget, The kindness you
showed me, A memory to cherish, The day we met. You gave me your
time, You have my love, You have my respect, There is no mountain, That I
would not climb, For just 5 minutes More of your time. Heavenly
Father full of grace, Bless Clay Aiken's foxy face. He is perfect, Lord we
know why, And keep him safe, Lord, Cause he's our guy. I will never
forget, The way that I felt, When you gave me that hug, I thought I would
melt. Every night I hope and I pray, That there will be a chance, I can
talkto you again someday. Thank you, Clay, For that smile and that wink. You
made me really happy, Much more than you think. God bless you and keep
you safe. Pam Gagliano
Hello, Clay, it's me again (mom, yellow folder in Chicago). How are ya?
Here are some reasons why God, and your beautiful mom made you. To
the world you are: Every mother's perfect son ¯ God's perfect child ¯ Every
women's perfect mate ¯ Every child's hero and role model ¯ Every child
with autism's favorite teacher ¯ Everyone's best friend ¯ MY IDOL NOW
AND FOREVER.
Pam Gagliano
AUTISM TODAYnote from Marilyn-I posted the whole story because sometimes the old links dont work any more.
