It all started on my families move back to Colorado from North Carolina. We had the radio on and I heard "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for the first time. So began my JD journey. On that journey John gave me so many wonderful memories. The first time I ever met John was after an event called "The Evening for Peace" on June 8th, 1982. A friend who attended it with me had me wait till he came down from the top of the State Capitol steps. When he did I went to him and asked if I could have a photo taken with him. John said yes! So I got my first photo with him taken. The next month on July 4th, 1982 I got to see him play in a Benefit Softball game. Then he did 2 concerts at Red Rocks on July 5th and 6th, 1982. Then on September 12th, 1982 I got to see him sing the National Anthem before the start of the Denver Bronco's game. I decided to celebrate my Birthday early by seeing John play golf in the Jerry Ford Golf Tournament on September 13th, 1982. What a very special day John made it for me. Then on December 20th, 1982 I got to go to Aspen see him take part in a "Windstar Auction" he did with Jimmy Buffett. What a whirlwind start to my John Denver journey. Another special event I got to attend was an exhibition in Denver on August 3rd, 1983 of many of the photos that John took. Not only was JD there that night- but so was his mom Erma and his Grandmother. What a joy it was to meet both of them. John again made that a very special memorable night for me. One of the concerts I got to was the "VH-1 Dreamland Express" concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater on July 6th, 1985. I found out at the reception I went to after the concert that he had seen me dancing. WOW!!! The next 13-14 years of my journey contained more concerts, Windstar Auctions, parts of some Windstar Symposiums, National Wildlife Banquet( JD got an award), Book signing, etc. From the many times I saw John I learned a lot from him about caring about Mother Earth and all the living creatures on her. About how we need to protect and take care of her. John wrote so many wonderful songs that just touched my heart and soul. Another thing that happened on my journey was my JD family starting and growing. Most of them started out as pen pals both here in the states and over seas. I consider them all a blessing and a gift from John. I look forward to sharing more of my stories of my journey with my JD family and all who want to listen. What a wonderful "FAR OUT!" journey John has taken me on.
Peace,
Karen Larsen