I met Keelyn at Christopher Columbus High School int he Bronx around September 1988. She was in a music class, I think. I was recruiting for the Improv Olymics. A group that introduced kids to Improvisational theater, that I had been a part of before I graduated CCHS a year earlier.

I noticed her right away. In a room full of mostly Italian, Latino, and Black student, this platinum blond haired, alabaster skinned girl stuck out like a sore thumb. At first site, I wondered to myself if she was an albino.

I made a little presentation for anyone who was interested, and in a room full of dull eyed teens, the cute little blond raised her hand and waved it widely at me. Even though she didn't say the words, her whole body screamed "OH OH OH!!!!" She just couldn't wait to sign the paper that was being passed around. To be part of my little insane adventure.

I remember thinking "Who IS this girl?" to myself. That was the day I learned the true meaning of the word AWESOME, because I was in AWE of her.

I caught myself and repeated the question to myself more forcefully… "WHO is this girl?" I realized I had been so focused on her that I lost track of who was signing my sheet.

Thinking quickly, I waited till she signed, and then counted those who signed after her. Committing to memory the order of boy girl so I could have a good guess at which was her name.

As I walked from the classroom, I found her. Keelyn Ward.

When I started calling people, I saved her for last. I wanted to be able say "Do you know 'so&so'? They said they're coming."…

One by one though, they all bailed out. Parent's wouldn't let them, or they just weren't interested any more. I was ready accept defeat when I called "the girl", and was just getting it over with.

There was a polite reservation in her voice when she answered the phone. I explained who I was and the reservation turned to something else. I must have smiled like the Cheshire cat. Not only was she still interested… but she actually was excited to be getting my call.

There was now a moment of panic… how the hell was I going to explain to her she was the ONLY one who said "Yes!"

Once again… this brilliant young girl refused to let me down.

"Would it be ok if my Brother came?"

She solved my problem for me… "Great! we need everyone we can get!"

I loved Keelyn from the day I met her. Not romantically. I had nothing approaching the self esteem for that, and for a soon to be 20 year old guy, this 16 year old girl was clearly off limits.

But I still knew that I had met some one special… some one I would always want as my friend.