When I contacted the Borders Columbus Circle store I was told that the Madonna event would take place on June 7th and would only be for pre-invited contest winners. I was disappointed because I did not want to go through all the trouble of entering a contest with a million other people; however I was still determined to go to this event and meet Madonna.

I entered the contests that Z 100 and KTU sponsored. I also sent written requests to Madonna's US publicist, UK publicist, manager, publisher, and literary agent requesting a pass to the Borders book signing event. I sent numerous letters, faxes, emails, and made multiple phone calls to everyone that knew anything about Madonna.

By June 6th I was certain that I was not going because I hadn't heard anything back and it was almost too late. When I arrived home from work I found a FedEx envelope waiting for me. It was from Z 100. I had won their contest and was offered a pass to the Borders Columbus Circle book signing event on June 7th! I was going to meet Madonna!!

I was told to arrive at Borders by 1:30 p.m., but I decided to come much earlier because I wanted to be one of the first people in line. I arrived there at 9:45 a.m. and was told that I was the first person to arrive. I waited in their lobby for the next three hours.

At 12:45 p.m. I was told that the line would start forming soon. The line started forming at 1:10 p.m. I showed my ticket and my identification and was given a rubber wristband to wear.

Bags were not allowed inside this event so I was instructed to check my bag. This made me a little leery because I have a brand-new Louis Vuitton grizzly colored messenger bag which I didn't want to leave with a stranger that gets paid by the hour. I also brought Madonna's high school year book with me which I wanted to show to her. However I reluctantly left both items behind because I didn't have much of a choice. And if push came to shove I would gladly give up all of my belongings just to have the chance to meet Madonna.

I waited on that line from 1:10 p.m. until just after 4:00 p.m. when the Madonna book signing event began. Every three or four people were taken inside (behind a large red curtain that was put up separating the entire back of the store.)

I was led in at around 4:10 p.m. and a security guard stopped me then told me to proceed, and then told me to stop again. I could see Madonna. She looked so beautiful. She had on a black skirt and black top and her hair and makeup were perfectly done. She looked a lot like the pictures found in the new issue of Ladies Home Journal. It seemed like I waited there for an eternity to meet Madonna, but it was probably less than a minute. Finally the person in front of me walked away and it was my turn to go up to the table where Madonna was sitting at.

Madonna was sitting at a small table with many copies of her new book "Lotsa De Casha" piled up. She sat in a large black leather chair. No one sat next to her; she sat at the table alone. There were swarms of photographers and cameramen capturing Madonna’s every glimpse. Every time I blinked I heard countless cameras going off.

I slowly walked up to Madonna and she smiled as I approached her. I was at a loss for words and simply said to her that I love her and have been a huge fan for the past twenty years. She smiled and thanked me. I also told her that I have been to her concerts and seen all of her movies and bought all of her albums and read all of her books. Madonna laughed and stated that I hadn't read her new book "Lotsa De Casha" yet. I then told Madonna that I had her high school year book with me and explained that I couldn’t bring it in but I wanted her to know about it. She smiled and said that I must be a "huge fan." I could tell that she appreciated what I had to tell her. I also told Madonna about my Website which I dedicated to her. She then shook my hand and then gave me the autographed copy of "Losts De Casha." I thanked Madonna and said good-bye. She could not have been sweeter.

As I was leaving one of Madonna’s security guards informed me that Madonna wanted to send me a special surprise. I was astonished because I didn't think I said anything that created a lasting impression. I gave the guard my address and he told me that I would receive my present in the mail from Madonna. I was really touched by Madonna's kindness and generosity.

I learned that good things come to those who wait! And I also learned that Madonna is a kindhearted person that does care for her fans.

I would like to thank Z 100 for giving me this wonderful opportunity to meet my idol. And I would also like to thank Madonna for her graciousness and hospitality.