Music

This is for you Poppy.

You were my first best friend, my mentor and the only father figure I ever had.

You taught me everything I know. You poured the foundation that my love for the arts was built upon. You introduced me to the greats. When I complained about Pavarotti and Bocelli because I just wanted to listen to The Spice Girls already, you smiled and said someday I would appreciate classical music. You were right. 

You recognized my gifts and applauded them while others were condemning them as defects. You fed my curiosity, challenged my mind and encouraged me to become the artist that I longed to be.

When no one else believed in me - you did. And when I finally started getting recognition, you said “I always knew.” You never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself.

Poppy, I’m sorry it took me so long to heal. You never really got to see me shine. And right before I got ready to take the stage and show you what you helped me become… you left this world.

In a life filled with so much darkness, you were my pillar of light. You will always be my hero.

This next chapter of my life, the one where I live my dreams, is dedicated to you. And it starts right now with this song, if it hadn’t been for you I may have never known it.

I love you beyond the stars!