This is the story of six women and their dream of meeting David James Elliott in person.  Having loved him as Harmon Rabb, Jr for many years, we felt the need to meet the man who made the character come alive.  Obsession one might call it. 
   Actually, the story begins with a Harmy lunch in Springfield, MA where Kris, Heather, Cathy F., Arlone,  Deemus, and myself met to discuss the attributes of one man we all love.  We had a grand time and talked about our mutual admiration of DJE.  Cathy F. and I invited Kris to stay over night with us (she hadn’t planned on going to Boston) and head to Boston for the Marathon, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man.  Arlone had made reservations at a hotel near the finish line and we would all bunk together.  The following day, we all headed into Boston, but Deemus had to go camping in the new camper and didn’t come with us.  Sad, but true. 

Now, let me tell you that Boston is a very busy city on a normal day, but when it’s marathon time, it’s a zoo!  People from all over the place are there and it’s also Patriot’s Day in Boston, elbow to elbow.  The chances of seeing this man was a monumental task, to say the least.  We hurried to get to the tent where they serve a brunch for the athletes…no DJE. 

We were talking about getting an issue of the Boston paper because of an article discussing DJE, Nanci and a visit she would make to Harvard with their daughter.  Seems Stephanie thought she would like to go there some day.  We heard from another fan that he had been seen getting on the elevator.  Now we knew he was there, on the same floor we were staying, just down the hall.  Try to sleep with THAT in your head!!  

We got up early to see if we could catch sight of him getting on a bus to go to the starting location of the race.  When we arrived back at the hotel, we found two special buses in front taking runners and with their daring determination, Cathy F. and Kris (I think) went right up to the buses and asked if he was on one.  Of course they are sworn to secrecy, but the driver asked if there was a David James Elliott on the bus, and from the back area, a hand raised.  We wished him well with a wave and away he went.  Talk about heart palpitations.  Cathy F. and Kris proudly displayed their Harmy t-shirts, so he knew we were fans. 

We followed his progress in the race, clocking him all the way.  He had finally crossed the finish line and would be coming back to the hotel.  Heather was outside and met them first.  He and Nanci agreed to a picture and then headed into the lobby of the hotel where the rest of us had waited so patiently since very early that morning.  Would it really happen? As they approached the main lobby, it was an awesome sight to see him.  He is so tall that you cannot miss him.  He is a stunning looking man, much younger looking than what we saw on TV.  Our brave Cathy F. went right up to them and told him she was with a group of fans and would he have time for a picture.  His concern was that he was all sweaty and needed to take a shower.  Maybe we could do it after and he would meet us.  My statement was: “We really don’t care about your sweat.”  With that, he opened his arms and asked if we were ready.  We all gathered around him and the picture was taken.  We thanked him for his time, added good luck JAG wishes.  Then brave Cathy F. went right up and got a kiss.  You go, Cathy F.!!