by Kathy Mickelson

I am just a fan. Not a professional fan. I fell in love with U2 in high school 23 years ago. I have lived my life with their musical accompaniment. I willingly made the 6 hour trip from Minneapolis in a snowstorm. The line began forming at 9:00p.m. We, along with 20 or so others, slept outside in the freezing temperatures and bitter wind chills, despite our better judgement. A couple slept on the pavement with their face next to a space heater for warmth. A family of 8 gathered as part of their Christmas celebration. They slept in chairs huddled together under blankets and when the howling wind blew and the snow and sleet pelted, their defense was a plastic tarp. Meanwhile, staring at the warm comfort of the hotel we all had rooms at but dare not sleep in. We survived the night and just as one sister was questioning how she would know if hypothermia had set in, the arena opened its doors to us (10:00a.m.). We began thawing. The difficult part of our quest was over. Our tickets did not scan in to the ellipse, but 1 of the 5 line-jumpers in front of me did. I seized the tip of the ellipse. When Bono walked out of the depths of darkness and into the light and joy of COBL, the symbolism was not lost on
me. He said they were going to start a fire inside QWest Center. A spark ignited and soon the energy exchange between performers and audience blazed in an unforgettable fire. Oh, you look so beautiful tonight, Omaha. Bono mentioned the warmth of the city when he said that they found a new home in Omaha. I heard that the tough woman security guard was moved to tears when the girl sat on stage demanded "No More!" with Bono. The heart is aglow...
Memories that I will have forever are Bono hitting the huge "SIIIIING" note in front of me on SYCMIOYO, crouching in front of us on LAPOE, Bono chasing The Edge around the ellipse on UTEOTW while Edge kept playing, All I Want is You and I Will Follow.
The Desire guy next to me was given a drumstick by Bono after LAPOE (and a guitar pick from Dallas). This meant the world to this new father. To be in the presence of the spirit, heart and camaraderie of the fans outside was a gift. A gift the line jumpers did not receive. U2 draws out what is best and possible in us. Than you for giving US a great life.
Photos to follow.

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