I met comedian, Nick Swardson outside of Side Splitters, a comedy club in Tampa, Florida just after midnight on the early morning of Saturday August 26, 2023. Nick has been one of my favorite comedians for more than 20 years. I was both happy and disappointed when I randomly checked the Side Splitters website to see which comedians would be performing in the near future. When I checked and saw Nick was there that night, I was shocked! I wish I had checked a week or two sooner, as the show was sold out, which is why I felt disappointed. When Nick came out, I had to share a story with him, but out of respect for his time as he was leaving, I kept it brief. I told him, "My friend passed away in 2002. A few months before he passed, I showed him your comedy special on Comedy Central. After seeing it, he actually tried to get John Stamos to show up at his funeral!" Nick laughed and said "that's awesome"! Nick thanked me for being a fan for a long time and then apologized for the loss of my friend. Nick signed and personalized an 8x10 picture for me. My son was with me and Nick signed an 8x10 for him, too!
