I’m a Justin Bieber fan. Yes, this 48-year-old mom of two (and a half) is, in fact, a “BELIEBER.” Now, before I immediately fall into the “creepy” category, let me tell you how I came to “Be-LIEB.”

Last night my daughters and I were watching his “Around the World” tour on NBC. Of course, 9-year-old Sammy was all about his hair and smile and love songs and “cute-ness;” 7-year-old Alex was mimicking his dance moves and overly concerned about the logistics of so many concerts in so many cities in 12 days. But what stood out, over and over again, to me and my girls was Justin’s sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the people – from fans to parents to musicians, dancers and road crew – who make it happen. His going out of his way to spend time talking to the fans who stand for hours just to see him walk by, sign autographs, do impromptu concerts from hotel windows. And his relationship with that little girl, Alanna(?), who has spent most of her young life in the hospital and whose life wish was to “marry Justin Bieber.” As soon as he knew about her, he was there in her hospital room, visiting with her, making her laugh, and agreeing to “get married” by exchanging pretend rings. He brought her to his concert. This didn’t go unnoticed by my daughters – or by me. Someone who clearly knows and appreciates that he is “living the dream,” but also realizes he now has the ability to make dreams come true for others.

One more thing. As you may have noticed, I have not written in a while, which for me is like not breathing for a while. It’s been a tough couple of months; in fact, there’s no sign that the toughness will be letting up anytime soon. But last night, Justin kept emphasizing the word “Believe.” And the show ended with his voice saying something like, “You can do anything, if you just believe.”

I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that right then. When those around you may be in a place of doubt, or be consumed by life events that don’t leave room for anything but daily survival, you still need to stand firmly on your island of belief. In yourself, in whatever you believe is out there managing all this craziness, in the miracles that are sure to come in its wake. It moved me so much that I actually (wait for it, wait for it….) TWEETED Justin Bieber, just to say thanks, for re-awakening the believer in me.

I hope you’re all well, and if you’ve gotten this far…I’d love to hear from you and what keeps you believing in miracles. Love!