Has anyone you've met before changed your life?

Answer 1

I was born on June 20th, 1960. The night Floyd Patterson
regained the heavyweight boxing championship of the world against
Ingemar Johansson. My mom has told this story many, many times:
that she went into labor with me during the fight, but my dad
refused to take her to the hospital until he knew the outcome.
After the fight ended, mom was rushed to the hospital and I was
born at 11:45pm that night. In the early 1980's, I was living in Las Vegas
with my husband Steven, our daughter Philicia and Steven Jr. who was
newly born at the time. Floyd Patterson made an appearence at
opening of the the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino to meet his fans
and autograph pictures. When I mentioned this to my mom, she
convinced me to go there and tell him the story of my birth.
I was in line at the hotel for atleast two hours. "Mr. Patterson",
I said. "I promised my mom, I'd tell you a very special story." He
smiled, so I continued. "Do you remember the fight you had on
June 20th in 1960?" "Was it the one I lost or the one I won?" was
his reply. "The one you won", I said and continued my story. "It
was the night that I was born. My mom went into labor but my
dad refused to take her to the hospital until he knew the outcome of
the fight." He smiled. "What's your name," he asked. "Cheryl", I
said. "Well, Cheryl", he said. "I knocked him out in the second round cause
I knew your mom had to get to the hospital. We both laughed.
That made my day. It also made my moms day because he wrote, "1960 was
a good year for both of us", on a picture he autographed to
my mom and signed it. "Love, your friend, Floyd Patterson.
Mom treasured that picture for years. It had a permanent home on her
living room wall amongst all her family pictures. Unfortunately the picture,
along with her home and every possession she owned was lost in Hurricane Katrina.
But, eleven years later, I'm still telling everyone...Floyd Patterson
said he knocked out Ingemar Johansson for me.
also...........
I have been carrying this note written from John Schneider,
dated June 10, 1997.
It has been in my purse since the day I recieved it.

It was sent to me by a ex who is also an actor in Hollywood
and worked with John on the set of "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman".

I met John in 1979. I was a runaway teen trespassing on the
Burbank Studio lot. I mistakenly walked on the Hazzard County
set during filming. By the time I got to the
"Courthouse", John was taking a break, sipping on a cup of
coffee and walking in my direction. Behind me was a motorcycle
security guard fast approaching me.
My stomache was in knots as I knew trouble was following me.

John and I crossed paths just as the guard pulled up to me. I was so scared,
I couldn't look in the direction of the motorcycle when he yelled for to me to stop.

I'd guess the look of desperation on my face gave John the quick thinking idea to save me.
John spoke fast and yelled to the guard , She's with me."

Those were the nicest three words I'd heard in a very long time.

I'd been in Hollywood for only two weeks. Left my home and family in New Orleans.
Caught the Grayhound bus with a one way ticket and seven dollars in my pocket.
Ofcourse if my parents had known this they,would never had let me go.
My eldest sister Angie and her husband drove me to the Grayhound bus station thinking
I'd only be gone for two weeks. Little did they, or anyone in my family know, I had no
intentions on going home soon.
I was in search of Shaun Cassidy and my American dream.
I had the crush on Shaun Cassidy that gave me the wild urge to plan this trip to Hollywood
since I was sixteen. The Hardy Boys was a staple on my television. I worked at a local Pizza
resturant to afford his records and played them over and over again til it made the rest of
my sibling muffle their ears with pillows or hum loudly their own favorite tunes.
At age sixteen I also joined a "The New Orleans Police Law Enforcement Explorers" I,
along with other teens volunteered and worked side by side with the Police Personal of
their Community Relations Division. We assisted Police with croud control at the Superdome,
the Mardi Gras and other City Wide functions and road with them to simple community calls.
At age seventeen I won the nomination for President of Explorer Post 560. Was award at a Police
Banquet as "Explorer of the Year" and "Most Outstanding Explorer".
At age eighteen I resigned my position along with my job to go to Hollywood.
It was a very long, and scary three day bus ride. I was cold at night and hungry most
of the time. Afraid to spend my money as I didn't know when the next time will come
that I'd have any again.I felt alone, I missed my family, and visions of being homeless
and begging for food entered my mind more than once.
All those feeling changed when I saw the sign on the freeway reading "Welcome to California".

After the guard left, John and I shook hands in an official introduction. He invited me to
watch the Dukes of Hazzard being filmed. He introduced me to the cast then offered me his
directors chair.

I remember sitting in it proudly, like I was suddenly crowned Queen of Hazzard County.
The chair had John Schneider monogramed on the back and pockets on each side that hung
halfway to the ground which housed his script.

I don't think I laughed as much in my life as I did watching Bo and Luke being chased
by Roscoe in the General Lee.

When they broke for lunch I decided to say goodbye to John and thank him for his kindness.

John invited me back and said if I had any trouble at the gate just call for him on the
set and I'd get in, no problem.

John, really had no clue what he had done for me. I was a lost soul when I walked on that
studio lot.

I had no friends, I was home sick and lonely. Depressed from an interview I had with Actor
Cornel Wilde when I went on my first casting call the day before. And to top it off, I had
a big fight with a live-in relative of my new boss just that morning.
While waiting for the bus to Hollywoodland where I lived as a housekeeper and nanny for the
family of Director Robert Lieberman I met a runaway. His bed just happened to be the bench
I was occupying. He was a teen about the same age as I. Eighteen or nineteen. He told me
how to sneak on the studio lots without getting caught. That was how my mission started
at Burbank Studios.
Most of my day was spent watching television and game shows being filmed.
I was a regular at tapings of "The Dating Game", "The Newlywed Game",
"Hollywood Squares", "The Love Connection", "The John Davidson Show", "That's My Momma",
"The Facts of Life","Sanford and Son", "Good Times". If there was a free ticket to be gotten,
I was there. Bright eyed and bushy tailed.
There I sat, in each of the shows, smiling and laughing and having a jolly old time.
As soon as the tapings were over and the laughter stopped
I had to go back to reality. I followed the crowd outside of the studio doors. My question to
myself was always, "What am I going to do now?"
I'd take a walk to the Farmers Market behind CBS Studios just to droll at all the goodies
for sale to eat. I had no money to buy any so I convinced myself that the smells would
suffice. Then, I'd walk to the corner looking left and right down the four way street on
Sunset Boulevard, wondering which one of the four directions I should walk next. It really
didn't matter which one I chose. Atleast three of them would take me to another new place.
Left was Beverly Hills, right was downtown Los Angeles,behind me was the Wilshire District.
In front of me....The fourth was the way to my Uncles apartment on Argyle. The only home
I knew at that time but the last place I wanted to go.
I didn't like him and he hated me. He was a stranger, a cousin to my mom.
I had never met him, nor spoken to him, nor heard my mom talk of him til I
decided to go to California. When mom told me she had a cousin in California,
I had a one track mind. He immediatly turned into my favorite relative. My ticket
to a warm bed. My only connection to Holywood.So I was willing to meet him, live
with him (after all it was only for two weeks).
To him, I turn out to be just an intrusion. A homesick teenager who ate all his
food and took away his privacy in his small one bedroom apartment and ran up his
phone bill calling long distance to New orleans.
My only solice, my only friend, was in Burbank on the Warner Brothers Studio lot.
John showed me compassion that I had not had in years. I was a stranger in trouble
and he came to my rescue.

The next time I went back to the studio I went straight to the guard shack and had
them call John to ok my visit.

This time they were in a big wharehouse like studio. Not outside as they were the first time.

When John and mine eyes met he was way across on the other side of the room finishing
a taping. He looked at me and smiled. Then he raised up his arms and held them high across
the room til we were face to face. John leaned over and gave me a hug. The tightest bear
hug I had ever experienced. He literally lifted me off the floor and he said hello to me
and how nice it was to see me.
I didn't like him and he hated me. He was a stranger, a cousin to my mom.
I had never met him, nor spoken to him, nor heard my mom talk of him til I
decided to go to California. When mom told me she had a cousin in California,
I had a one track mind. He immediatly turned into my favorite relative. My ticket
to a warm bed. My only connection to Holywood.So I was willing to meet him, live
with him (after all it was only for two weeks).
To him, I turn out to be just an intrusion. A homesick teenager who ate all his
food and took away his privacy in his small one bedroom apartment and ran up his
phone bill calling long distance to New orleans.
My only solice, my only friend, was in Burbank on the Warner Brothers Studio lot.
John showed me compassion that I had not had in years. I was a stranger in trouble
and he came to my rescue.

The next time I went back to the studio I went straight to the guard shack and had
them call John to ok my visit.

This time they were in a big wharehouse like studio. Not outside as they were the first time.

When John and mine eyes met he was way across on the other side of the room finishing
a taping. He looked at me and smiled. Then he raised up his arms and held them high across
the room til we were face to face. John leaned over and gave me a hug. The tightest bear
hug I had ever experienced. He literally lifted me off the floor and he said hello to me
and how nice it was to see me.
The feeling I got from that hug was powerful to say the least. I had awakened on the wrong
side of the bed that day but after that hug I was dancing on air.

When they started filming again, I watched them til the next cut and had to leave
to find the bathroom.

Walking in the bathroom I recognized actress Jane Wyman at the sink washing her hands.
I recognized her from the television show "Falcon Crest" and followed her to the set
in hopes to get a glimpse of Lorenzo Lamas.

He was more handsome then I ever imagined him to be. I was too scared to talk
to him but I'll never forget the chill I felt when he smiled at me.

I didn't feel comfortable inside that set so I quickly left.
That day, I also watched a filming of "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island".
Actor Mark Harmon whizzed by me on a bicycle and I wondered what he was doing
there. I thought about chasing after him but decided not to.
After chasing James McNichol the week prior, my running days were over.
(Well, except for the day
Andy Gibb recieved his star on the Hollywood Boulevard "Walk of Fame".
That day I was amongst hundreds of "Shadow Dancing" fan sprinting down Hollywood
Boulevard after Andys limo.

I was window shopping on the boulevard when I saw James McNicole.
"Family" was one of my favorite television shows back then and I had
not long ago sat in on a live taping. Kristy McNichole, James' sister, was
top on my list back then.
Just getting a glimpse of him walking in my path was not satisfying
enough for me so I decided to follow him. I had never followed a famous
person before, just the thought of it excited me.

It was as if I were in a Pink Panther movie, da dum, da dum, ...my adrenaline
sky rocketted. After a half block or so he caught on to me. I know this because
his pace doubled after he looked back in my direction. And my ducking into a
nearby store peaking out one eyed didn't help my situation.

His doubled pace went from a fast walk to a slow sprint. I kept up with him alright.
But when his sprint became a full blown Olympic Gold Medal chase I lost him when
he short cutted in a alley behind one the the stores near Highland Boulevard.

I used my 19 year old psychology on the next star I got to see close up. It was
Willie Aames. I decided I'd do the opposite. Be calm, not chase, or act like I was crazy
mad to see him. It turned out to be a pretty inmature stunt though. I felt really bad
afterwards but there was no way for me to appologize for my yes, stupidity.
Willie Aames had a small concert at Disneyland. I was there, front row center.Perfect spot.
I can see him, he can see me. The screaming in my ears were deafning.I remember the
floor of the stage opening, girls yelling to the top of their lungs, pulling at
their hair and dancing to the sudden beat as if there were at a Beatles concert.
The noise of the crowd was at it's max by the time the stage was at it's peak.
Willie started singing to his hearts content, girls pushing in every direction
trying to get closer to the stage. They were singing along with him, beepbopping,
swaying to the beat. Then, there I was,a stick in the mud. Making my own statement.
I just stood there, like a bump on a log. Front row center.Not singing, not dancing,
not even smiling. Staring straight up into Willies flaring nostrils.
Making him uncomfortable and loving the moment. I knew, without a doubt he noticed me.
During each song he sung, our eyes met. I could tell I was making him
uncomfortable. That gave me power. I had his attention.Between his sweet
singing words and his foot tapping he was secretly mores coding,
"and what the heck is your problem?"
From the start of his first note to the end of his last song I stood there.
Like Kroptonite to Superman. Taking some of his power.
He had a second concert that night, I was still in the park but I know
he was happy he didn't see my face when he rose again.
My high only lasted til I got in my car. It was a long drive home that
night and as I replayed the concert in my head I felt bad for my actions.

Mr. Cornel Wilde wasn't impressed with me during our interview that day
and told me to go back to New Orleans.
He told me, I'd never become an actress.

I decided to join an acting school. The Theatre of Performing and
Related Arts on Wilshire in Los Angeles.

Within a month I was cast to work in a Coca Cola commercial with Ray Parker.
Soon after I was cast to be a roller skater in the movie "Roller Boogie"
with Linda Blair. (I had a lot of fun working in that movie.)
Jimmy Van Pattern
taught a bunch of us extras how to juggle) and within a few months I had a
character role in the movie "Fullmoon High" with Adam Arkin and worked several
episodes of the television show "Making a Living " with Actress Ann Jillian.

After my last day of filming "Making a Living". I wrote a note to
Mr. Cornel Wilde telling him how I had become an actress and told
him of all my accomplishments since our interview.


During the time I was cast to work in movie "Beastmaster" I recieved a letter
personally from Mr. Wilde. It was a letter of apology. He also congratuated me
for jobs well done.

I turned down the work in "Beastmaster" because I was really acting to prove
a point. After Mr. Wildes letter, I did not continue my studying at Theatre
of Arts nor did go on anymore casting calls.

In the beginning I would go to the studio to see John and the Dukes film two
or three times a week. Whenever I was feeling down and I had a bad day. I'd
go the see John.
No matter where he was when he first saw me he'd hold up his arms and keep
them raised til we were face to face and he'd again give me a big teddy bear
hug lifting me off the ground.

The more I started liking myself, the less I was going to the studio. The more
love I felt, the less I needed that hug.
The one hundred plus stairs
that led from the bottom of Beachwood Drive to the top which was Hollyridge.
One day after visiting John and having my (Last bear hug theropy session) I decided to
take the steps. The only view up the long steps were the wooded back yards of the homes on Hollyridge.
I was half way up the steps and heard someone crying further up in a yard near me. When I looked through the
trees I could see a figure of a man kneeling, crying near a newly covered patch in the ground.
It was getting dark so We could
see eachother . I asked him what was wrong? He told me that his favorite cat just died. I told him
that I was sorry to hear it and went on my way. By the time I was almost to the top of the
steps I was still thinking about the
crying man and started to cry myself. I had held back tears for a long time, trying
to be stronger than I was, but that really set me off. I started crying so hard I couldn't seeing
the steps in front of me. So I just sat there, balling my eyes out for the stranger and his cat.
Then I started thinking about my parents and sisters and brothers and started crying even harder
because I had missed them so much. My "poor homesick me" cries soon turned into cries of
guilt and I cryed out loud for all the people I had hurt in my life and all the people I was mean to.I cried about
chasing Jimmy McNichol and playing the staring game with Willie Aames at his concert at Disneyland.
I cried so much my eyes hurt and my nose was running with no tissue at hand. I can imagine I was a sore sight to see.
By the time I regained my composure and made it to the top of the steps I felt so many burdens were lifted from
my shoulders during that cry. I felt, to say the least, reborn. I felt an incredible happiness come over me.
I sat at the top of the steps I found myself thinking about the guy again crying for his cat. Out of the clear
blue I heard myself say, "Why can't he be as happy as I am?" Those words really shocked me. I never though
of my self as being really happy.
I remember the last time I went to see John and the Dukes being filmed Enos
was getting ready to film his own show. He invited me to watch his show
being filmed as well.

An entire year had past and what a diffence a year made for me.

The first time I walked on that lot I was lonely, alone, depressed and homesick.

The last time I saw John and the Dukes film I was happy, still working for the
Liebermans, seperately this time. I was still living in Hollywoodland with
Mrs. Lieberman and her two kids and working as a housekeeper for Robert and
his partner Ed Shapiro.

I was also working for Director John McTiernan at the time as a housekeeper
for he and his wife and volunteering at three different places helping the
poor, sick, elderly and runaways.

On my last day at the studio as I was about to enter the exit gates I recongized
actor Sidney Poitier walking across my path.

When I stopped to say hello he invited me to watch him direct the movie
"Stir Crazy" with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder.

What an adventure I had that year. I also met Greg Evigan and Jack Klugman
at the Universal Studios and watched B.J and the Bear and "Quincy" being filmed.
I met Richardo Montalban and many, many famous people in that industry.
I went to Hollywood right after high school in 1978. I was working for actor
LeVar Burton in 1984 when I quit my job to elope in Las Vegas with my now
husband Sgt. Steven Alexander.
Steven was a diver in the Canadian Navy when we met.It was definately love at
first sight. We got married on our third date.It will be thirteen years this August.

After we married he joined the United States Army.He has served our country in Bosnia,
Aphganistan, Korea and will soon be serving his second one year deployment in
Iraq. We live on a military base in Louisiana and have four beautiful children.
Philicia, Steven Jr., Stephanie (whom I named after LeVar Burtons wife) and baby
Christina.
Living in Hollywood was a one in a life time experience for me. I loved going to
the studios and watching the shows being filmed.

But..............
Nomatter what show I watched or what actor I met. Nothing or no one compared to watching
Boss Hogg, Crazy Cooter, Uncle Jessy, Enos, Daisy, and the Duke boys and getting bear hugs
from John Schneider.

This has got to be the longest answer ever written for Yahoo Answers.

Answer 2

As a matter of fact I have had a female that came into my life 5 years ago and changed everything that i thought I should be just by openig my eyes to life itself. The right person can change anyone's life!!!

Answer 3

My other half whom I was with for 6 yrs plus. Breaking up with him was the hardest thing to do and after I did, my philosophy about life, men, education, me, family, people (everything) has completely changed.

Answer 4

I had a one night fling and got pregnant. I never even thought of having an abortion. I am glad I didn't because my son is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He is the best and I am so proud of him for all his great accomplishments.

Answer 5

My first real gf's parents...they were so cool and respectable, always wanting me to stay for dinner..hang out...I was not used to being so welcomed by persons of other ethnic background than mine...it truly presented the best of conditions that could have happened in comparison to prejudices that others of that same ethnic background could have...because of them I could not stereo-type any particular group.

Answer 6

My best friend.

I used to be a lot more to myself, but ever since we talked we've been close.

Though I hate feeling lonely.

I wasn't when I was alone.

Now I am.

Answer 7

yes i have met some one that has really chage my life it is my current boyfriend
if it wasnt for him ill still be ina state of depression and suicidal thought. i love him!!!

Answer 8

Yes, Jesus changed my life and He can change yours too.

Answer 9

Yes. My kids. And my wife ... soon to be ex-wife. I guess she changed my life twice.

Answer 10

Yes, many people have helped shape who I am today

Answer 11

3 YEARS AGO I GOT BULYED REALLY BADLY. I STILL CAN'T FORGET AND IT STILL HURTS. I USED TO HAVE A PERFECT SELF ESTEEM, NOW IT'S REALLY LOW. EVEN AFTER 3 YEARS