Mike R.
(San Diego Comic Con - July 24, 2004)

I was at Sarah's The Grudge panel at the San Diego Comic Con on July 24. Before going to the hall where the panel was held, my brother and I went to the Sails Pavilion where we heard we could try to win signed posters from the movie. I wasn't lucky enough to draw a winning ticket but my brother was. He's not as big of a fan so he gave the ticket to me (actually I bribed him). I received a wristband and was told to listen for an announcement at the panel as to where I'm supposed to go to pick up the poster.

We proceeded to Hall H and had to wait in line for about 30 minutes before we could get in. Once inside, the only seats available were at the very back. I was disappointed but there were large screens so I figured that it wouldn't be so bad. We had to wait through 2 panels before Sarah's, which, by the way, was delayed another 15-30 minutes. I was both nervous and ecstatic when she finally came out on stage. I couldn't believe that I was in the same room as Sarah Michelle Gellar. She was as charming and lovely as I have always thought her to be. Even my brother commented on how great she looked and how witty she is. I don't remember much from the panel because I was too busy just staring at the screen.

Anyway, when the panel was over, my brother said that he heard that the people who won posters should go to Room 20 or something. We ran upstairs and searched for said room. When we got there, we were told by a security guard to go to another room. We finally found *the* room and before being allowed to enter, my wristband was checked. My brother had to stay behind because he didn't have one. He just smiled and said "If Sarah's in there, you'll owe me forever". I got in line and then we were told to leave our bags in another area and then my wristband was cut off. At this point, I was beginning to wonder why there was so much fuss when all we're doing was picking up a poster. And then when it was my turn to go in, I realized exactly why. In the front of the room was Sarah herself. She and Jason were handing out the posters. I couldn't feel my feet but somehow I managed to get to where they were. Sarah handed me the poster and smiled. I just stood and stared. She gave me this look as if asking, "Do you want the poster?" I reached out to take it and said "Thank you. You're the best thing since sliced bread." Don't ask me why I said that. She and Jason both laughed and she replied with "No one's ever said that to me before so, thanks." Then the security guy motioned me to move along. I also squeaked a "hi" to Jason on my way out.

To say that my experience was great is an understatement. I guess what made this whole 'surprise' even more special was that I almost didn't make it to the Con. I had an asthma attack the day before and my parents were worried that I was going to get too sick because of the crowd and the physical exertion. I'm glad that my brother took on the responsibility and he was nice enough to give me his winning ticket. Needless to say, I owe him forever. The poster is now framed and hanging on the wall in our computer room. Every time I see it, I smile and remember that surreal moment when I met Sarah. Sadly, it also reminds me of my sliced bread comment. Maybe I was hungry?