While most youth will idolize a singer or musician whose art speaks to them on a personal level, few of those people will ever get the chance to meet them in person. Buchanan’s Makayla Pointer is an exception.

The 12-year-old got the opportunity to meet country music idol Blake Shelton through a foundation called Do It For the Love.

The organization grants wishes of those with special needs. Makayla has down syndrome. She is a student at Blossomland School in Berrien Springs.

Her grandmother, Tammy Pointer, said her granddaughter is exceptionally kind and she wanted her have a chance to meet one of her heroes.   

“She is very kind hearted and giving,” Tammy said. “She is always trying to help the other kids at school.”

Last year, Pointer decided on a whim to send an application to Do It For the Love.  She said she did not expect to hear back.

“Things like that do not just happen. I mean we are from Buchanan [of all places],” Tammy said.

Three months ago, Do It For the Love contacted Tammy and told her she would receive an all expense paid trip to see Blake Shelton perform with five other bands in Fort Loramie, Ohio. But the family did not yet know that she would have the chance to meet Blake Shelton until three weeks before the concert.

When Pointer found out that she would have the chance to meet Shelton, she cried tears of joy, Tammy said. Pointer then proceeded to write a letter to her idol, thanking him for the opportunity to meet.

Lucky for Shelton, the country star may have had the chance to meet his biggest fan yet.

Pointer’s passion for Shelton’s talent started with a TV show called “The Voice,” where Shelton helps to judge different aspiring singer’s talents.

“She never misses ‘The Voice,’” Tammy said.

Then, Pointer discovered that Shelton himself was a singer. Since then, his music has been some of her favorite.

On July 5, Pointer set out for Ohio with Tammy and grandfather, Rod. After a roughly three and a half hour drive, the family arrived at an all expense paid suite.

On July 6, the concert took place and Pointer got the chance to meet Shelton. Upon meeting, Shelton opened up his arms for a hug. The country singer spent several minutes getting to know Pointer and said he would read her letter. He also gave Pointer a signed T-shirt, which read: “I love you, Makayla. – Blake Shelton,” and a guitar pick.

“She has liked him for so long it was like she got to meet a friend,” Tammy said. “He was so kind and genuine to her. It was amazing.”

At the end of the meet and greet with Shelton, Pointer blew a goodbye kiss in his direction.

The next day, the family headed back to their home in Buchanan, after singing and dancing until 1 a.m.

“It was magical,” Tammy said. “She is still on cloud nine. It was just a fun time to forget about everything else. You just smile all day long.”

Tammy encouraged other parents to seek opportunities for their children through the foundation.

“It was unreal,” Tammy said. “They [the foundation] made it possible.”