Meeting John

This short fan story comes from the July/August 1976 issue of "The Write Thing."  It was written by Bruce Vogel of Bellerose, New York. 

Yoko, John and Bruce on April 9, 1976

My two friends, Ronny, Lee and myself, set out for Manhattan in hopes of meeting John.  We carried along with us a shopping bag full of pictures and books in hopes of getting a few autographs.  We waited outside John's apartment for an hour and a half before John and Yoko stepped out of a taxi cab.  We approached John and I asked him if it would be alright if I took a picture of him.  He said he wouldn't mind.  I couldn't believe I was talking to him.   Of course, I know what he voice sounds like but to hear it in person is something else.  He kindly posed next to me with Yoko on his arm while Ronny snapped the picture.  He told us that he had seen us waiting outside but that he had to go out for a while.  It sounded as if he was apologizing for not seeing us sooner!  I thought it was great of him to say that.  The date was April 9 and Sean was exactly 6 months old.  I mentioned this to John, and he looked at me and said, "You know about these things, eh?"  That killed me.  I felt it was a great compliment.  He said I looked a little young to be a Beatle fan and I told him I was 17.  He signed our books without seeming bothered at all.  I  asked him if he didn't mind, but he very kindly obliged.  Yoko stood quietly behind John but before we left I went up to her and asked her how she was.  She smiled and said okay.  We said goodbye and thanked them for talking to us.  He waved and said goodbye.  I went too quickly but I'll never forget how nice he was.   THANKS, JOHN!