The following is a moment-by-moment journal of what occurred during the trip. Saturday analyzes my family and I leaving for Boston, as well as what we did in the city at night. Sunday provides information on the travel day to Minneapolis and what we did when we arrived during the evening. Monday is the big day! You can read what happened prior to the meeting, the incredible conversation that me and Mariah had, and the great things that occurred afterwards. Tuesday showcases a miscellaneous day of shopping and having fun in the amusements. Wednesday is another big day! This day went from an incredible concert to nationally televised interviews to a medical breakdown. Thursday and Friday provided a brief description what occurred in the hospital room in Massachusetts General Hospital. Enjoy, make sure you read it all, and certainly have fun!
SATURDAY
Conway Daily Sun produced a feature article (on myself, illnesses, love for Mariah Carey, and the wish) that was excellent. A picture of my parents and me appeared on the front page of the newspaper with the article. There was also another article that I was in concerning the Foundation.
 Ed Rushbrook (my representative) arrived shortly after 8:30 AM. He supplied me and my family with an incredible itinerary, money checks for food/hotel/etc, and complimentary gifts.
Left at 11:00 AM via limousine. The driver's name was Ed and he was absolutely fabulous. He was a Christian and ex-pastor. The limousine was white exterior with a dark interior. It was a Lincoln and was very nice. We were treated towards unlimited drinks where we played Mariah the whole way to Boston.
Picked Aaron up at 12:15 PM at Portland's University of Maine cafeteria. We went to Ricetta's Pizza and ordered two large pizzas.
Arrived at Boston shortly at 3:15 PM. We checked in at the Hilton Hotel next to Logan International Airport. We then went to the gym for about one hour.
Left for Legal Seafood's at 5:00 PM for a 5:45 PM dinner reservation. We received delicious meals and also ordered desert afterwards.
Returned to the hotel at 8:30 PM where we went swimming and eventually fell asleep much later in the night.
SUNDAY
Left for the airport terminal at Logan International Airport at 9:00 AM. Ate a quick breakfast at Burger King.
Took off for Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 11:00 AM.
Arrived at Chicago around 1:30 PM. Ate a quick lunch at McDonalds.
We were delayed around one hour (due to hydraulic problems) from taking off for Minneapolis. We finally took off from Chicago at 3:35 PM.
 Arrived at Minneapolis International Airport at 4:45 PM.
We were greeted by an absolutely wonderful and gracious representative (her name was Leisha). She gave me a new magazine that Mariah was on the cover of (Us Magazine) and helped us get to the hotel.
Checked in at DoubleTree Hotel at 5:30 PM, which was located just across from the Mall of America.
Left the hotel at 6:00 PM to quickly explore the Mall of America. The mall was absolutely mammoth. Over five hundred stores and a seven square amusement park filled the largest mall in the world.
Around 6:30 PM we saw the stage Mariah would be performing at, which was somewhat in the center of the mall. There was a 30-foot by 20-foot poster that hung from the ceiling (above the fourth floor). Some people were working on the stage. It was such a great and incredible feeling!
We ate at the Rainforest Café in the Mall of America around 7:00 PM for dinner. We had delicious meals. The atmosphere was great, as always.
Returned to the hotel around 8:30 PM where we rested for a little bit.
MONDAY
Woke up at 7:30 AM and showered immediately.
Met Leisha at 9:00 AM where we ate breakfast in the hotel and had a delicious buffet.
Began work on Mariah's basket (gift for her) at 10:15 AM. The basket ended up coming out absolutely fabulous. Gifts for her included a moose and maple sugar candy for a New Hampshire representation, a lamb for her collection, flowers, a white and black picture of me with frame from Mount Chocura, and five letters from all of us to her.
Ate lunch at hotel restaurant at 12:30 PM. It was delicious.
Showered at 1:15 PM to prepare for the Mariah meeting.
Left hotel room at 2:00 PM where we met Jodie (another rep). She was going to take us to meet Mariah.
Arrived in the executive offices of the Mall of America at 2:15 PM. We waited for Mariah for 45 minutes. Scott, the Marketing Director and great person, gave us free drinks and supplied us with one dozen Krispy Kreme donuts. They were the best donuts I have ever had because they melted in my mouth.
We were told that Mariah would be one hour late at 3:15 PM because Mariah was so touched and amazed by the letter that was given to her from me. She wanted the experience to be very personal and one on one (instead of being rushed).
Scott came to tell us Mariah was totally ready for us at 4:25 PM. We immediately left for Napa Valley (the restaurant). Reality was finally beginning to sink in as I got teary.
Scott walked us through Camp Snoopy. Towards the end we passed right by Mariah where a lot of photographers, bodyguards and fans were surrounding her. Mariah and her entourage began to walk behind us.
We walked up the escalator where Mariah spotted me. She then walked the opposite direction to give us time to settle down in the restaurant.
We settled down in the left portion of the restaurant. Emotions were flowing!
Mariah, management, and security entered the restaurant where she went to the bathroom.
I was introduced to Jerry Blair, CEO of MonarC Records, who was excellent. Mariah's manager, Louis McKnalley, was also there. Jerry said how touching the letter was and wanted to be at the meeting. Tons of security was present 20 feet away.
I was then introduced to Mariah and stood up. I cried and hugged her for 30+ seconds. I kept saying "thank you". She was incredibly gracious. She wored a red top with jean jacket and pants.
Mariah shook hands with everyone in the family. She then pulled up a seat right next to me. She was incredible.
I began the conversation by asking how she was and if she had been to the Mall of America before.  I then told her what she meant to me and how her music had impacted me. I cried at times. I talked to her about the new album and how amazing it was. She asked what were my favorite songs and I mentioned "Clown". She laughed. She was incredible with me. She asked me how I was feeling, what the prognosis was, etc. I talked to her about my mom and our relationship and how she has been impacted as well. We then talked about "Sunflowers For Alfred Roy" where I mentioned Mount Washington. Her eyes blew up and confirmed that the verse of the song was indeed referring to "Lake of the Clouds" and New Hampshire. She said she always hiked up there every year. She also said that her father hiked up there last year (before he died of cancer). She mentioned how she loves reading the Bible and how she read out of Psalms. I mentioned how she put Bible versus in the new album and she said she truly began reading the Bible last year. We went back to my illnesses where we continued to talk very deeply. I cried when we got into deep issues. She was on the verge of tears during that time. I could tell she was really trying to hold it back. One of the last comments to her was that I told her that she was a jewel and to never forget it. She said "Likewise". Mariah was absolutely amazing and compassionate. Her and me connected right off. We talked a deep conversation. She was incredible. She said how I was an inspiration to her. She told me what an amazing person I was and how I was blessed to have such an incredible family. She seemed to have been deeply touched. Mariah and I talked about 40 minutes.
Mariah's manager told me she had to go, but before she did, we presented her with a basket that she absolutely loved. She was so touched with it.
Picture time! A professional photographer took pictures of my family and me with Mariah, as well Mariah and me alone. Mariah said she wanted the basket with the pictures. Aaron and Ben also took pictures.
I gave Mariah a final hug and good-bye. Dad also hugged her, too. She was off to eat with her entourage in a private room.
My family and I ate supper at the restaurant after the meeting with Mariah. We were all amazed and in a high.
Jerry Blair came over to say "hello" while we were eating and said he would be contacting the Today Show for an inquiry on me. He is a great guy who is Italian. He said Mariah was so impressed (and by an article that the Conway Daily Sun completed because of the occasion) that she wanted to correlate me into the Today Show on Wednesday.
A Today Show producer and Mariah's Public Relations person came up to our table and said that they wanted to use me on the Today Show. Tentative plans were that after Mariah performed one of the songs, Matt Lauer would interview her. Afterwards, the camera would pan towards me where Matt would interview me about Mariah's impact on me, weather, and my illnesses. They said they couldn't confirm it because they could not contact the crew in New York City. They said they would let us know for sure in the morning.
As we were leaving, which was at 6:45 PM, the manager of the restaurant came up to me and gave me a gift from Mariah. The gift was her wineglass that she drank out of. It had her lipstick smudge on it with some wine left over. We also were told that Mariah payed for our dinner.
We went around the mall at 7:00 PM for about one hour. We walked two of the top floors.
Returned to the hotel at 8:30 PM after a day of something that was more then what I expected.
TUESDAY
Woke up at 7:45 AM and watched a Mariah interview with Matt Lauer.
Went to the Mall of America at 9:00 AM. We went straight for the Krispy Kreme donuts. We got one dozen delicious donuts!
Saw Scott and some other management people of the Mall of America around 9:30 AM. We said 'hello' and asked him to give a message to the Today Show producer (she called the night before).
At 10:00 AM the family departed to go on a "shopping spree." Aaron and Ben went together, me and dad went together, and my mother went to do her own thing.
Dad received a call from Jennifer, the Today Show producer, at 11:30 AM. She told us that we would have to get to the set by 4:45 AM tomorrow. She said that Al Roker would be interviewing me and that further details would be known when we arrived.
 The whole family reunited at 12:00 PM. Me and dad went to Abercrombie and Fitch where I got a couple of long sleeve shirts and a winter jacket. Mom got a nice painting on a couple of cards, Christmas Tree music box, and black pants. Aaron got some sort of dart board. I am not sure what Ben got.
Arrived at Jillians, an entertainment complex in the Mall of America, shortly after we reunited. We got a free 1 hour and 30 minutes to bowling and some free time in the arcade. We also got free lunch. The place was amazing. I never had been in such a place like it before because it was not ordinary.
Left Jillians around 2:00 PM. We then went to the rotunda (again) and watch the producers, Mariah's band, etc. prepare for the show.
We decided to complete more shopping around 2:15 PM. My mom and me went together, my father went alone, and Aaron and Ben went together. This time mom and me walked all levels of the floors.
At 4:15 PM we met up by chance. Aaron, Ben, and Dad went to Hooters while me and mom went to the rotunda to watch everyone prepare for the Today Show.
Aaron, Ben and Dad met up with mom and me by 5:50 PM. We then went to Twin City Grill where they specialized in steak and fish.
At 7:00 PM we were finished eating. Aaron and Ben returned to the hotel to go to the gym. Dad went to Apple computer to email Jerry (Mariah's 'boss').
Mom and me spent two hours at the rotunda where we got to talk to a lot of Mariah fans. Lots of them were from Chicago and were very nice. I got a very cool Mariah painting, too!
Dad, mom, and me returned to the hotel at 8:30 PM. We ordered more desert and got ready for a six hour and less sleep.
WEDNESDAY
Woke up at 3:00 AM and showered to prepare for the Today Show. We watched hundreds of fans run towards the Mall of America.
Met Jodie in the lobby of the hotel at 4:15 AM. We then took the shuttle to the Mall of America.
Waited outside of the north end of the mall for the Today Show personal to let us in. By 4:30 AM they arrived. We then entered the building.
Watched Mariah rehearse the songs she was going to sing for the Today Show for about one hour. It was great! Cam'ron and crew walked right in front of me.
Jerry (Mariah's boss) came up to us to say 'hello'. He hugged all of us and said it was great to see us.
Met with the Today Show producer to get the final details as to what would be occurring with the interview at 5:25 AM. Only change from the previous chat was that it would take place one hour earlier.
Entered the V.I.P. section at 5:35 AM where my family and I were placed front row. We were in front of the stage towards the right. Upon entry, Jerry introduced me to Randy Jackson (Mariah's co-producer/writer and judge of American Idol). He totally rocked and was extremely friendly. Afterwards, I was introduced to Lyon Cohen, President of Universal Records, who was also very nice.
We waited one hour and talked to amongst each other and other fans.
It started to get intense at 6:45 AM. We screamed and waved to the camera as time drew closer to go live.
The first one half hour of the Today Show was mostly from New York City. However, Matt occasionally talked with Katie and the fans did their part of the 'job' as well.
Jennifer came to get me, mom, and dad for the interview with Al Roker. We went up to the second balcony to where they were doing the live shot. Al was a very nice guy. The interview was delayed a couple minutes to 6:37 AM. We talked about my illnesses, the meeting with Mariah and how I felt, Mariah's music, the new album, and meteorology.
We were taken back to our front row spots at 6:45 AM. Fans congratulated me and said I did an awesome job. Mariah's manager waved to me and said "Thank you, great job." We asked Jennifer when Mariah was going to appear and said that it would be around 7:30 AM.
Mariah appeared at 7:35 AM about 30 feet away from us where she did an interview with Matt Lauer. Three fans got to ask her questions. Afterwards, they escorted Mariah away and brought her back minutes later through a back way.
Time had finally arrived! Matt introduced Mariah where she then came up to the stage through the center of the fans. It was incredible. She was absolutely beautiful, too. I screamed and clapped in complete overwhelming joy!
Mariah reached the top of the stage and looked around. She started the opposite side, but when she saw me, her eyes and face blew up and said "Hey [Caleb]! It is so good to see you!"
Mariah began with Through The Rain. It was absolutely phenomenal. Her voice was so pure and hadn't sounded this good (live) in a long time. Trey, Mary Ann and the rest of the back up singers were behind as they added a soulful sound. At the peak, Mariah's voice belted it out for 15 seconds. The combination of that and the backup singers was indescribable. I got huuge tingles up and down my spine and cheered her on. Everyone, including Mariah's team, was absolutely amazed.
The second song Mariah sang was Boy I Need You. It was fabulous. She brought the house down. Cam'ron was there where he did his rap. Her voice continued to soar.
Mariah took a break and did some CD signing. She began over in our area and came over to say 'hello' to my family and me. She was so genuinely happy to see us. She signed Charmbracelet for me, too!
The third song in a row was an absolutely fabulous rendition of 'Bringin On The Heartbreak' from Charmbracelet. She brought the house down with this one. The back up singers was absolutely amazing [as always]. Mariah's classic 'whistle' was mesmerizing. The song gave me tingles.
The fourth song and favorite performance was so incredible for me. She began the song (Make It Happen) with the soulful drum intro always done. In the meanwhile she was talking about persevering over difficulties and that what no matter anyone says or does, to just believe in yourself. During the time she said all that, she was looking straight at me and when she was finished she winked at me. It was so touching that my mom was crying with joy. During the time she was talking, I looked at her and continued to nod my head and gave her a sign to let her know I agreed, loved, and thanked her.
During Make It Happen, my father notified me that we had to leave to go to the back of the stage. The time was now 9:30 AM. I was then told that I would be completing an interview with Mariah for Access Hollywood. They loved the interview with the Today Show so much that they wanted me on the show.
The producer put a microphone on myself and placed me for the interview.
Mariah finished Make It Happen shortly after I arrived backstage where she met up with me after she had new make up put on her.
She greeted me with great glee and went beside me. The interview began with her. They asked about her breakdown, notified her about the great success of the new album, and then went into me.
The reporter first said how I was her biggest fan, how I met with her, and asked me why I wanted to meet with her. During the interview, Mariah took my hand and held it.
When the interview was over, me and Mariah talked and I told her to have lots of fun today and enjoy every moment of it. She said thank you for everything I had done. We hugged and said good bye. She told me she would be in touch.
After Mariah left, her manager came up to me and hugged me. She said thank you for everything I had done for Mariah.
My family and me thanked Jennifer and Scott for everything they had done for us. We also thanked Jodie. This was around 10:00 AM, before we had gone to get one dozen Kryspy Kreme donuts.
Aaron and Ben departed to go to the hotel at 10:30 AM because they were tired.
My parents and I decided to call my aunts and uncles, grandmother, and cousins. This lasted slightly over one hour.
At 12:00 PM my parents and me went to Camp Snoopy. We got complimentary passes and a stuffed snoopy.
We left Camp Snoopy around 1:00 PM because we were about to 'pass out' because we were so tired. We returned to the hotel.
The whole family napped for about one hour.
It was time to pack to leave the hotel and take a shuttle to the airport.
We arrived at the airport in Minneapolis around 4:00 PM. We then ate supper at its food market.
The airplane took off around 6:00 PM. The flight was fair short as we arrived in Chicago O'Hare airport one hour later.
Had a very quick stop over at Chicago, which lasted about twenty minutes. We quickly got some McDonald's food and went to board the airplane.
Around 8:00 PM the airplane took off for Boston/Logan Airport.
Over New York State the airplane encountered moderate air turbulence. It dropped an unknown number of hundreds of feet and then rose back up. It repeated the step a few times.
I started to cry because (1) I thought my life was over and (2) I could feel a monstrous seizure begin. I tried to stop the seizure but it eventually over-powered me.
My breathing became rapidly difficult as my jerking, mumbling, etc became more fierce.
The flight crew got a resident doctor from Massachusetts General Hospital where some medicine was administered. It didn't really help, but it was better then nothing.
I was starting to loose conscience 30 minutes into the seizure. My breathing was so difficult.
I drank some water to the best of my ability, which helped me from not dying. In the meantime, I waved to my family to say good-bye. I seriously thought my life was over. My eyes rolled back and felt a weird sensation.
We arrived in Boston after one hour of the severe seizure. The paramedics said to my parents that they didn't think I would make it to the hospital. If I did make it, they thought I would have brain damage.
Ben and Aaron went home via limousine.
THURSDAY
I was in the emergency room for the first 6 hours of this day.
 I don't really remember much except that my brother, Ben, drove the car to us. I opened my eyes for a split second and saw him. I also remember my cousins Donna and Diane appearing.
FRIDAY
I awoke during the midday hours to a monstrous bouquet of flowers that Mariah had sent me. There was a note attached. The note said "Dear Caleb, I hope you are feeling better. My thoughts are with you. Love, Mariah."
Left the hospital during the evening.
There was a front-page article on the following day from the Conway Daily Sun that talked about the ordeal. A lot of people at home were routing for me.
From here on out I began a slow recovery that will hopefully go towards a positive direction. I am just thankful that the seizure occurred after my life-long dream, meeting Mariah Carey, was fulfilled.
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