Wow..
just read your entry regarding "Youth In Concert with JPJ II.. Yeah, I lived in Dutchess County (public School). Our parish held a "lottery" (which I didn't know I entered) and I was fortunate to be at Madison Square Garden as well..
Man! that was incredible. I have never been in a louder coliseum!
PJPII was a fantastic Pope, and he will surely be missed.
Anyway, I happened to know some of the presenters and one of the Guitarists that were on the floor! (I had been active in CYO).
One slight funny thing.. I had my "Kodak instamatic" camera loaded with 12 shots with me. My dad (who also was present, but sat in a totally different section from me) had "lectured" me about not taking all the pics at once.. He told me to spread 'em out when taking them...bla bla bla.. Anyway, As soon as the Popemobile pulled out, My dad ran over in hysterics, grabbed the camera and dissapeared.. My 2 friends thought it was a stranger taking the camera.. Anyway, we got the pictures back. The Pope never made it around the arena (but the pictures make a great flip film!)
My dad and I still laugh about it to this day.. and we've certainly cherished the moment,
As you have, I've got my ticket stub. It will remain in the family!