When you're a fan of someone, you'll go to extensive lengths to meet your idol.
That's definitely the case for Adrienne Patterson, who made a long ride to get close to her favourite pop culture figure, American weatherman Al Roker.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a fan as an "ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)" – and pursuit she did.
What a Charming 65-Year-Old Woman Did to Meet Her Idol, Long-Time Host Al Roker
For her 65th birthday, Adrienne Patterson travelled 655 miles for the chance to meet Al Roker, the Today Show journalist and television personality who's been with the publication for 44 years.
During the pre-show open, one of the Today Show anchors asks her co-hosts, "you know sometimes when you go to a show and you wish you could see 'so and so?'"
She walks over toward Patterson and initiates a conversation that would lead to a heartwarming surprise.
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Unbeknownst to Patterson, the meteorologist Roker had taken the day off to help his son pack his bags before leaving for college.
"I'm so sorry Al wasn't here today," says the host. "Are you having fun today?"
The birthday woman can be heard saying "yes" before getting interrupted with a fun treat. "We thought that wasn't good enough — we might as well get Al Roker on the line."
A Touching Interaction
The crowd begins to applaud and Patterson starts smiling ear to ear as the long-time NBC journalist and weatherman introduces himself to the 65-year-old.
"Well Adrian, I would love to be there, we're getting ready to take out son Nick to college — I took the day off," says Roker into the camera.
"I wish you were here," replied Patterson.
But Roker tossed in a birthday compliment, "you look like a million bucks," he added as the crowd exclaimed, "happy birthday!"
He also added a quick joke: "35 more years and you earn a Smucker's jar."
Considering Patterson travelled 655 miles — the equivalent of an 8-hour drive — it's not bad to get a personal phone call, compliment, and joke from the popular meteorologist.
Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. was born in August 1954 and is a celebrated weather presenter, journalist, television personality, and author. He's still the meteorologist for NBC and in 2018 was honoured for his 40th year with the network.
The Today Plaza was officially named "Rokerfeller Plaza" in his honour.
One 655-mile trek to be able to say you once connected with your idol — solid trade.
At this pace, maybe Patterson has a 700-mile adventure planned out for her 70th...
