Thread by @ThyConsigliori

Jim and little Pasquale. 1969. No kidding.

I met Jim, and the entire band at Chicago's O'Hare airport and spent about 20 minutes together. It's an incredible story, and 100% true.

https://twitter.com/JuanFerrerVila/status/1336226871940435970

2) The band was in disguise, but my 16-year old sister spotted them, knew them, and ran right up to them. She bribed them on the spot. She said, "You can talk to me and my mom and brother, or I'll start screaming that you're you." It was the coolest thing she ever did.

3) Geniuses that they were, they knew their gig was up, and complied with my mighty sister. Then, a problem arose. Jim started talking to me as opposed to her. I was 9, and dressed up like the complete square that I was. Wrong plaids combined. Short hair. Etcetera.

4) At first, she just hung out with the other 3 guys, but then she got pissed off. "Don't, talk to him," she commanded Jim. "He's a square." There was a truly long, pregnant pause. Eyes locked at first, Jim broke off, and then turned to me.

5) "Kid," he said, "there's nothing wrong with being a square. When I was a kid I was a square too. Don't ever let anyone tell you what's right or wrong for you. Being a square can be just as cool as anything else. Don't forget that, kid."

6) "Look," he said, "you can do anything you want to do in life. Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can or can't do. No one ever believed I could be anything, and now I'm a rock star. You can do anything you decide. I did. You can too."

7) I've always loved him for that moment, obviously. I've never been a huge fan. The Doors are not on my top 20 or 30 list of best bands. But that moment left a mark on me, and I'm here to thank him, and share it with you.