Thanks to Mr. Kelland Hutchence for providing this outlet for the many dedicated fans like myself. Few people could understand the impact that Michael had on my life, probably including Michael himself. I'd always grown up a skinny child, always far thinner than my peers, which presented a huge self-image problem for me, especially once puberty hit. I was always self-conscious about my body, not having developed all of the “curves” that my female friends acquired. I barely filled out my clothes. Needless to say, boys never looked my way, not until college. I came across an opportunity to go to an INXS concert when I was a sophomore in high school. I quickly became an avid fan, joining the fan club, buying all of their albums. I found Michael to be BEAUTIFUL, I was extremely attracted to him physically and spiritually. It began to occur to me that we had something (however minute) in common. Michael and I were both extremely thin, yet I found him to be the most attractive man I'd ever seen. This realization gave me the ability to re-evaluate my opinion of myself. If he could be thin AND attractive, why couldn't I be both too? This new perspective was an extremely positive change in my life. As high school drew to a close, I'd established a better self-image than I'd ever had. I became a stronger person. Though most may view this as a bit of a stretch, Michael is partly responsible for this. Just by being who he was, he'd improved my life. I'd always wanted to simply thank him in person some day, and my dreams of doing this passed away when he did. I just wanted him to know how special and dear he was to me, a person he'd never met. He and INXS were also responsible for introducing me to one of my best friends, a pen-pal who I contacted through the fan club. Though she and I have never met, she has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout the 10+ years we've been in contact. Michael, I have you to thank for this and so much more. Your role in my life was and continues to be a blessing. You'll always hold a special place in my heart and spirit. Someday, I'll tell my grandchildren all about you. Rest in peace, my love.
Dawn
Dawn