Meeting...Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise)

After taking in CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino, my mom and I got in line for the Gary Sinise meet and greet. An experience I thought was quite surreal as it was happening.

I had heard about the meet and greet and had originally opted not to go. We were low on gas money, I had a ton of NaNoWriMo writing to catch up on, and I had a paper to write for school with about 10 more hours of research left to do.

However when I won the tickets, my weekend was decided for me. And I was grateful it was. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it. 

As I was saying...

My mom and I got in line, and were the first ones in line. Rather, I was the first and she was the second. I had HOPED she would have gone first. After all, this was Mac Taylor from CSI: NY. I know, Mac Taylor isn't a real person. He's a character, but for me and this being a CSI related experience...that is the image I had in mind. And, a positive role model as well :) 

Needless to say, my mom pushed me ahead of her. I had brought my CSI: NY CD-ROM game and mom had one of my CSI: NY DVD sets. While we didn't mind getting the two items signed, we were hoping for a picture to put in an album. 

It was a little after 2pm when Gary arrived. And as anyone would imagine, the "paparazzi" were there. Well, it seemed like it, let me put it like that.

There were quite a few photographers and several light flashes going off. I made a remark, which garnered a funny face and a laugh :) I wish I had a picture of the face he made though, it was quite amusing I will say that. He is a great person, and very patient. I got to see the man behind the face of "Mac Taylor" and it gave me insight as to why he was chosen to represent this character. 

After the photos, it was down to business. One of his "people" asked how we were all doing. Most everyone was excited, I said nervous. Yeah, more laughs there, a funny face from someone, and I giggled. Can I just say one thing....if I can make someone smile or laugh, I feel pretty darn good :) 

And, my mom never yielded, she served me up first. THANKS MOM!!! 

Gary was kind, sweet, out-going, friendly. He reminded me of the guy next door who'd offer to help you shovel snow out of your driveway. He made the first gesture and shook my hand. It was a warm, and reassuring handshake which definitely put me at ease. You have to understand, this man has a tremendous movie career and a very successful TV series, that can make make anyone slightly nervous. For me and my "shyness", I was overcoming a MAJOR hurdle by being there, let alone being the first one in line to meet him. Gary must have sensed it, and asked me questions, rather than expecting questions from me. Thank you, Gary for that :) 

We had a short conversation, before getting down to business. As I thought, there were publicity photos from CSI: NY and I opted for that, well he asked if I wanted him to sign one of the pictures and I said yes. He took his time and personalized the picture for me:

That was all I needed or wanted right there. Sure, having an item signed is great. But for me, a picture is what life is all about. Pictures capture life and moments that will never be repeated. I will be able to look at this for years to come and recall the event with fondness and a smile. It is a tangible part of history I can pass on to my children when I have them.

Next, it was mom's turn and she had a brief conversation with Gary as well. She is less shy than I am, so I bet her experience was more animated than mine. Then, he signed a picture for her. As mom walked away, Gary asked if we were going to the concert and we replied that we were going since we had tickets.

He smiled and we left. On the way home I couldn't believe how truly blessed I was to meet this remarkable man, who despite all his success, has a down-to-earth personality and still finds ways to take care of our wounded warriors ... which is what his concert the next day was going to benefit :)