Heart Prints

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.
And we are never, ever the same. --Anonymous

The inspiration for this blog came from a post I read on the Official Fan Club message board. It was a story about Clay changing a lyric in Don't Save It All For Christmas Day (2004 Lowell, Massachusetts Joyful Noise) because there was a young woman in the front row who appeared to be very ill and dying. Instead of singing "some people are dying", as he walked over towards her he sang "some people are trying". The person who posted the story asked " I wonder how many other special private favours occur..that go totally unnoticed by all but those who they are meant for."

Here are just a few more heart tugging Clay Aiken stories we've learned about.

Timber Lake West Summer 2003

On a day off from the American Idol 2 Tour, while the other idols were frolicking on a beach, Clay snuck in a visit to Camp Timber Lake West in Roscoe, NY. The youngsters were having their talent show, and Clay was the surprise guest.

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Harlem, NY October 22, 2003

"Clay made a stop on Good Morning America not knowing why he was there. He was in New York doing an educational function with schools’ reading programs. Charlie and Diane surprised him by bringing out Clive Davis, who then presented a Double Platinum Album for Measure of a Man. Clive said it was the first time he had ever presented that within that time frame. Clay was shocked and obviously very grateful. But when he left the studio, he went and did his real mission for that day, which was to read to the children at a Harlem school."

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Darien Lake, NY - Darien Lake Six Flags 7/30/05

"My friend in Detroit was visiting with her daughter in Buffalo and they went to Darien Lake to the park, not to see Clay in concert, because they weren't great fans of his, well anyway, her daughter and husband were riding the roller coaster and my friend stayed behind with her grandson who has multiple sirosis and can just scream when happy, well Clay came off of the roller coaster and went straight to her grandson and knelt and held his hand and the boy just squeeled with delight, my friend said Clay spent at least 5 minutes with him, so now my friend and her family just love Clay and also bought tickets to his concert that night and loved him, so he has 4 new fans."

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You're a Good Man, Clay Aiken Atlantic City, NJ

8/31/05 & 9/1/05
"Clay Aiken wowed 'em again in Atlantic City over the weekend, playing to two sold-out shows at Caesar's Palace. The shows were shortened due to union rules, eliminating his opening act, Cherie and providing his fans with 1-1/2 hours of "pure Clay."

Friday night's audience was treated to a particularly sweet moment when six-year-old John Martin of Yeadon, PA was chosen to perform with Clay in a duet of "This is the Night." Little John was at the concert as a guest of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, his wish being to sing with Clay. From what I hear, there wasn't a dry eye in the house as this little boy had the thrill of his short lifetime, singing with Clay onstage.

What many people don't know is that Clay's people had promised to tape the performance as a keepsake for John and his family. But somehow the segment did not get taped and when Clay found out he generously offered to have John come back the next day during the sound checks and do it all over again just so he could have it on tape. Additionally, Clay paid for the family's hotel stay and limousine. He also gave them tickets to the Saturday night show. The taping was a success and the family was thrilled to be able to see Clay again that night. "

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Wolftrap Aug 08, 2005
Critically ill fan attends Clay Aiken Concert

"I watched from the hill where we were parked and we all saw Clay walk through the rain to go to the ambulance."

"Just returned from a visit with the marvelous MotherSuperior at her home. I went with my dear Broadly friend, Lorelei, who came out from Oregon to see the show.

"Okay, Honey, give us the scoop!"

With a Chesire cat's grin, she slowwwwly spun her tale as we leaned forward hanging on her every word. This momentous unfolding was interrupted by a very nice young priest who came to give her communion. We briefed him on the story to which he replied, " Oh, yeah, that guy, I just love country music!"

"No , you're thinking of Chet Atkins, or Clay Walker- this is the American Idol guy"

"The winner you mean?'

"No, but , well, yeah......"

A lovely man.

Here's how she got to meet Clay very briefly. Between her hospice people , the Wolftrap people and the EMT outfit who brought her there , and her wonderful children, the right connections were made.

She was so amazed by all the kind people coming up to her during the show, including Faye who asked, " Are you Mother Superior? Our church has been praying for you, too."

After the show, and people were cleared out, including hangers on like us, kinda hoping to see Clay, Mary directed the ambulance to the back of the theater up against the exit.

According to MS, a handsome prince with wet plastered down hair, green "sparkly" eyes, in blue plaid jammie bottoms and a dark blue tee shirt bounded into the ambulance.

He said, " I understand you went through a lot to get here" and he appreciated it. She told him it was a great show and how much she enjoyed it.

He said that he enjoyed himself , too and really appreciated the compliment. He also told her to come backstage again when he comes back next time. This was accompanied by a handshake ("big paw") and a hug. He smelled like fresh laundry, too.

Then the princess in the "pumpkin" had to go home."

Sadly, the princess left this earth on Nov 21, 2005

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Baltimore, MD 12/14/05

Gregory's mom told one young fan that Clay was at a hospital visiting sick children.

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Raleigh, NC 12/21/05

"Clay Aiken sings a special Bluegrass song, Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, to his grandfather during the Raleigh 2005 Joyful Noise Tour. This was a one performance only song - a special Christmas gift for his grandfather. Video by Aflack"