It grew quiet on the cloudy, humid night in Kansas City. People began to whisper and others began to shout. 

The lights grew dim as the black curtain waved back and forth in the wind. 

The rain paused for a moment as if time stood still. Then it happened. 

The curtain dropped and out ran Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge playing “Dumpweed” with Travis Barker smashing his cymbals behind them. This was the second most exciting day of my life. 

I didn’t discover Blink-182 until my junior year of high school in 2006. 

At that point they were on their “indefinite hiatus” and I thought I would never get to see them. 

Then Travis and five other passengers were in a fatal plane crash. At that point I realized if there was ever a chance to see them, it would be soon. 

On February 9, 2009, I heard the news I had been waiting three years to hear. 

Blink was back. The band announced its reunion on the Grammys the night before and I couldn’t believe it. So for the next two class periods I was on my phone searching for videos and news stories. It was true.

When the tour dates came out and I saw Kansas City, I bought my tickets a couple hours after they went on sale and started counting down the days. 

At 8 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2009, my brother and I rolled out of my driveway and headed for the show. 

We arrived at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater eight hours before Blink performed, but it was well worth the wait.  

Today they will be back in Kansas City and so will I, with a new guest. 

I mentioned earlier this was the second most exciting day. The first was my wedding day. This year my wife will be attending the concert with me. 

At first, I was hesitant, but the more I thought about it, the better it sounded. 

My two favorite things coming together in one night of loud, passionate fun—how could I resist? 

There will, however, be a couple awkward moments to get through. The first would be their potty-mouthed humor. She has always been a “good girl” and never has never been too fond of vulgar language or the discussion of the male anatomy. 

I’m the same way, but there is just something about Blink that sucks me in, then holds on.

The second awkward moment will be that moment I look to my left and to my right and realize I have forgotten Ash is there with me. 

Ash Lynn is my wife and Blink-182 is my love affair.

I’m so excited she is going with me, but she better not ruin it.