If we have the privilege of living long enough, we're so very fortunate to meet a few beautiful souls who touch our lives in some amazing way; when they do, we don't ever forget them. Sometimes, it's someone we don't ever meet in person, but a famous person - a singer, an artist, a musician, someone like the loved one - our dear Michael. Since that shocking day 17 years ago when Australia, then the rest of the world learned Michael left this life, so much has changed.
However, the one thing which remained constant all these years in my life has been a constant love for Michael and his band brothers, INXS music. For that, I thank you all. For so many years, Michael's voice, his written words transformed to beautifully sung lyrics set to music, have been an anchor in my life - celebrating in good times and helping weather bad storms as well. I never was able to see INXS perform live with Michael fronting my favorite band. I was never able to see INXS at all until I dealt with some health issues and a lifelong desire to travel to Australia gave me the opportunity to see the band live seven years ago, then again in the USA three years ago.
Yet, I am grateful for you bearing your soul to the world on stage and on camera so people like me could hear you sing on MTV, watch interviews, see concert clips, etc. Never in my wildest dreams did I think two days before my first-born son's 10th birthday, I would be up late planning a party, watching MTV when I heard the news. Shock, grief, devastation, denial, even anger were normal emotions felt over the next few days, weeks and months until I, like so many fans, in many ways, learned to accept what still seems so hard to believe - that we lost someone we loved - Michael. And over the years since this horrific day 17 years ago, we have moved on but never forgotten him. His voice is eternal through the music, through the recordings Michael so generously gave us.
Thank you for that, Michael Each year on this date as well as his birthday, so many fans, myself included, pause to celebrate and pay tribute to his life. And although Michael is thought of fondly more than I ever thought imaginable, I want to think of him with gratitude and positivity. Thinking of his family and closest friends, his band of brothers, and all my fellow INXS fans around the world today as we collectively think of Michael. You are truly missed and forever loved, Michael. xx
However, the one thing which remained constant all these years in my life has been a constant love for Michael and his band brothers, INXS music. For that, I thank you all. For so many years, Michael's voice, his written words transformed to beautifully sung lyrics set to music, have been an anchor in my life - celebrating in good times and helping weather bad storms as well. I never was able to see INXS perform live with Michael fronting my favorite band. I was never able to see INXS at all until I dealt with some health issues and a lifelong desire to travel to Australia gave me the opportunity to see the band live seven years ago, then again in the USA three years ago.
Yet, I am grateful for you bearing your soul to the world on stage and on camera so people like me could hear you sing on MTV, watch interviews, see concert clips, etc. Never in my wildest dreams did I think two days before my first-born son's 10th birthday, I would be up late planning a party, watching MTV when I heard the news. Shock, grief, devastation, denial, even anger were normal emotions felt over the next few days, weeks and months until I, like so many fans, in many ways, learned to accept what still seems so hard to believe - that we lost someone we loved - Michael. And over the years since this horrific day 17 years ago, we have moved on but never forgotten him. His voice is eternal through the music, through the recordings Michael so generously gave us.
Thank you for that, Michael Each year on this date as well as his birthday, so many fans, myself included, pause to celebrate and pay tribute to his life. And although Michael is thought of fondly more than I ever thought imaginable, I want to think of him with gratitude and positivity. Thinking of his family and closest friends, his band of brothers, and all my fellow INXS fans around the world today as we collectively think of Michael. You are truly missed and forever loved, Michael. xx