Today we honor the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon


Sammy & Ilna, thanks for being the best of everything. / REALMcRollers & Readers we love you all.

This one's for my fellow Jerseyans

Jersey-ness is something special. It's having solid plans to spend Memorial Day weekend 'down the shore' by February, it's stopping at a diner at 2 a.m. while rocking out to Bruce or Bon Jovi. It's knowing,"You good?" has a dozen different meanings and "What exit?" is asking where you live.

No matter how far and wide we go, it's home.


Sounds Like Jersey

The anticipation was palpable as Steve, Catherine, Danny, Gabby, Grace, Angie, and DJ gathered outside at the U of H for the music department fundraiser - a Springsteen tribute band concert. The campus buzzed with excitement as people arrived, ready to hear the familiar tunes of The Boss.

Angie could hardly contain her excitement. "I can't wait to hear Born to Run and Jersey Girl and Dancing in the Dark…" she exclaimed, bouncing up and down in her camo-print shorts and a Springsteen t-shirt that matched her brother's.

Danny bent to lift her into a hug. "That's my little Bruce fan."

Steve, feigning exasperation, rolled his eyes. "I still can't believe you purposely 'Jersey-fied' my kid."

Catherine smirked, raising an eyebrow. "He started when she was in the womb, I don't think that was gonna go any other way." She pointed to the detective and little girl who were a few paces ahead, swinging their joined hands.

Steve chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Payback for Gracie's birthday adventures." He winked at Grace, who looped her arm through his and said, "So Angie and I both win."

As they entered the seating area, the sound of guitars tuning up filled the air. The tribute band, Thunder Road, was preparing to hit the stage.

"There's Kendra!" DJ waved at his cousin's friend and roomie. "She's on stage helping, that's so cool."

"Since the music department's running the fundraiser, she helped organize everything." Grace explained. "That's why the food truck with the best spot belongs to Kamekona." She chuckled.

"Your uncle even let her borrow one of his vintage Springsteen t-shirts," Gabby told DJ with a laugh and Grace added, "He may or may not have asked for her favorite Taylor Swift shirt as collateral."

"We're here!" A voice rose from behind and Carrie and John joined the group. "They may not be Rock Your World, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited with these seats." She indicated the first row as John greeted everyone.

"Actually, every cover band beats Rock Your World, Stagler," Steve teased and lifted a hand in surrender when Catherine playfully smacked his shoulder.

DJ and Angie sat on one side of Grace and as the lights dimmed and the crowd roared with applause, Thunder Road burst onto the stage, opening with Born to Run. Angie was up on her feet in an instant, belting out the lyrics with the enthusiasm of a rock star.

Danny cheered, saying, "Ahhh, sounds like home," while Grace clapped loudly from her spot next to him. When a woman in the second row cheered for the six year old, she told her, "That's my cousin, she's definitely an honorary Jersey girl."

Steve watched his daughter and leaned over to Danny. "Look what you did, she's gonna want to join the E Street band."

Danny grinned. "As long as Uncle Danno gets a lifelong backstage pass…"

As the concert continued, the atmosphere in the auditorium became electric. Thunder Road recreated the passion and energy of Springsteen's music, captivating the audience. Angie clapped, danced, and sang along to every song, not missing a beat.

Catherine and Carrie linked arms as the band performed The Rising, singing along to the song Bruce had written in reaction to 9/11, each remembering their whereabouts on that day, while Danny leaned over and kissed Grace's head as his daughter wrapped him in a tight hug.

DJ and John sang along with Gabby to Born in the USA and as the audience swayed to the music, Danny was in his absolute element, basking in the sounds of his beloved home state.


During the band's break, everyone flocked to the food trucks and hit the restrooms. As they returned to their seats, DJ said, "This is so fun. We saw Michael and his family at the cupcake truck and he said they saw Ms. Lane with a bunch of teachers.

"Everybody loves Bruce, even teachers!" Angie was beaming. "I know it's not really Bruce Springsteen, but they're so good, just like those guys who weren't really Bon Jovi were super good and fun."

Steve shook his head as Danny fist bumped his niece and said, "Atta girl," he pointed to the stage. "They're ready to play, here we go…"


As the band resumed, the lead singer said, "We need a little assistance with this next number." Pointing into the audience, he asked, "Can we get the littlest Bruce fan in the front row up here to help?" His eyes met Catherine's as he mouthed, "Will she do it?"

"Try and stop her," she said with a nod. "Go ahead, baby girl," she told the squealing six year old while DJ cheered, "That's my sister! Go, Angie! Go, Angie!"

"I can sing on the stage?" She whipped her head around to confirm with her parents, laughing with delight when Steve lifted her and hoisted her up past the footlights.

The crowd erupted in applause as she ran to the lead singer and took the mic in his outstretched hand.

"What's your name, sweetheart?" He asked. "And do you know the words to Dancing in the Dark?"

"Angie McGarrett and yes! I know all the words and I know the dance!"

The crowd laughed and applauded the adorable girl who was so enthusiastic and as the song began, she did a perfect imitation of the dance from the video while singing along, charmingly off key but with her usual gusto.

"How about one more before we give you back to your family?" The bass player called out as the strains of Jersey Girl began and Danny whooped from the front row.

"That's Uncle Danno," Angie pointed. "He's from New Jersey and he taught me all the songs."

Danny beamed as the singer gestured a bow in his direction, saying, "Bravo, Uncle Danno!" Before beginning the lyrics with Angie singing along.

Steve shook his head and turned to his partner. "I can't believe my kid is singing with Thunder Road."

Danny clapped him on the back. "This makes it official. Our kids are a blend of Jersey and Hawaii." He grinned at Grace. "Best case scenario."

As the song came to an end, the crowd erupted and the family cheered as Angie went to the edge of the stage to be lifted into her daddy's waiting arms.

"I sang two songs!" She squealed over the music as soon as she reached her seat, and flung herself into a hug with her brother."

"See, Jersey brings happiness to the island," Danny lifted Angie and together they began to sing along to Hungry Heart.


After the concert and euphoria of Angie's performance, everyone gathered backstage. They were invited to meet the members of Thunder Road, who were thrilled by Angie's enthusiasm, even if she definitely didn't inherit Deb's singing voice.

The lead singer smiled at Steve and Catherine. "Your little Jersey girl stole the show. Are you going to take my job someday, Honey?"

Angie giggled while squeezing Catherine's hand. "I can't be in Thunder Road when I grow up cause I'm going to be on the team and help my daddy catch bad guys."

Danny chuckled when Steve said, "That's probably a good thing."

DJ laughed as Carrie playfully nudged Danny. "You gave the crowd what they wanted in Angie. A New Jersey-Hawaii crossover hit."

Danny smirked. "If you want a real crossover hit we'll have my beautiful goddaughter do a Bon Jovi-Springsteen mashup. Give me a couple of days we'll have Living on a Prayer meets Born to Run."

Grace joined in the banter. "Don't tempt him, he'll absolutely do it."

DJ, raised an eyebrow at his uncle. "I think you should throw in some Hawaiian hula moves…"

The playful comments continued until they left backstage and were on their way to the parking lot.

As they walked, Angie tugged at Catherine's hand. "Mommy, I love concerts, they're so fun and happy!"

"Just like you, baby girl," she said with a return hand squeeze. "Everything's more fun with you and your brother around."

Danny agreed wholeheartedly, "Let's hear it for Bruce's biggest fans on the island."

Angie hopped as she walked, excitedly turning to DJ who was walking hand in hand with Steve. "That's us! We're the biggest fans!"

Danny nodded. "Just remember, you guys can be the head of the Hawaii fan club, but I'm designated international president."

Angie widened her eyes dramatically. "You can't be the president, Uncle Danno. You gotta help Daddy catch bad guys."

DJ interjected, "Uncle Danny doesn't mean the President of the United States, he means the president of Bruce fans."

Grace raised an eyebrow at her father. "What's that do to your position in the Bon Jovi fan club?"

Danny barked a laugh. "Well, obviously, I'm the chief navigator through the Bon Jovi songbook, guiding lost souls to the land of Jersey rock and roll."

DJ chimed in with a grin, "You know, we can be fans of everybody 'cause Ms. Lane always said music brings us together, no matter our differences."

Catherine placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're absolutely right, sweetheart. Music has a way of uniting people and making everyone smile."

Danny leaned over to Steve and marveled, "I still can't believe they let Angie get on stage. Watching her may be my favorite concert memory ever."

Steve glanced at the kids who'd moved ahead to walk between Gabby and Carrie. Sure they were out of earshot, he said, "Knowing her, she'd have found her way up there, even if they didn't invite her. She's got Catherine's brains, charm and my …" A smirk crossed his face, "…determination." His wife sidled up, looped their arms and chuckled.

"That charm and determination are good things, Commander, because she's also got your voice."

# End thanks for reading


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