Well, the weekend was amazing!!.

My family and I arrived at the Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. on Friday evening at around 8:30 p.m. We were then driven to our hotel by Colleen (little Erica’s mother), and Dustin, (Patricia’s son). They are such wonderful people!

When we arrived at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Virginia (which was beautiful I must say), we settled in for the night, as we were in for a long day of practicing the following day.

On Day 2 of our trip, we met up with all the finalists, as well as others (John Anthony, Jimmy Greenspoon, William Ferrarini, Giovanni Lamanna, Sammy and Sasha Nelson, Julian Sage and little Erica (Patricia’s poster child). WOW, how exciting that was that we finally all met. So many pictures were taken, which we will share with you all shortly. We practiced until 5:00 p.m. that day.

My special friend Lu, which I met for the first time (and many of you know of. She has set up many street team and fan club sites for many artists) met at the hotel and took my family and I out for a wonderful dinner to this amazing Japanese Restaurant, and toured us around Washington, D.C. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to meet after so long. Lu is truly a beautiful person!.

On Saturday evening, we were all invited to Patricia’s home for a reception. It was there that we all had the opportunity to finally meet Patricia in person. Patricia is such a beautiful woman and her health did hold out that evening, enough that we all were able to share some time alone with her. Meeting Patricia after all this time, was my ‘DREAM’ come true. Many of us shared a song or two that evening as well.

From there, we returned to the hotel to get some rest for a very busy day the following day.

On Day 3, many of us met for breakfast and then we proceeded to the Embassy of France for a full sound check and practice. The day there lasted a little longer than expected, which was until 4:00 p.m.. We then had 1/2 hour ride back to our hotel to get ready for the concert at 6:00 p.m.

We arrived back at the Embassy around 6:15 p.m. to a wonderful reception and silent auction, prior to the concert. I had an opportunity to mingle and meet some wonderful people. At 7:15 p.m., the concert started and all of the performers were amazing!! Such talent!

My highlight that evening was having the opportunity to sing “The Prayer” with John Anthony and having Patricia there to watch. She was very sick that day, and we were unsure as to whether she would be able to make it to the concert. BUT SHE DID!.

Day 4, was a sad day when we all said our goodbyes and everyone left for their return trip home. We exchanged email addresses and phone numbers and hope we all keep in touch.

I look forward to the next concert, where we can all meet again.

My trip to Washington, D.C. will always be remembered, and I am so thankful for having this opportunity.

_{Much Love}

Michala