Heaven Sent & Heaven Stole

        

June 25, 1963 - December 25, 2016

The week leading up to George Michael's birthday was abuzz with activity from the release of Gerri Horner's tribute song, "Angels in Chains," to the thousands of fans who flocked to his estates in London and Goring-on-Thames from near and far to pay homage to their late, pop idol.  The proverbial icing on this bittersweet occasion was the birthday celebration and schedule of events organized by the local, Goring villagers which brought together fans of all ages, races and ethnicity.

June 25, 2017 would have marked Michael's 54th birthday but God called his angel home to him on December 25, 2016 and so instead we were forced to celebrate his 1st birthday in heaven.  The notion that six months have lapsed since his passing is inconceivable as the loss still feels surreal and raw for so many.  The truth is that life has to go on and George Michael would want his fans to celebrate life because it is fragile and nobodies time on Earth is guaranteed for any specific length of time.

Although, our time with George Michael was shorter than we would have liked it to have been he lived a life that most can only dream of and so few actually attain.  He truly lived a full life in the 53 years that he was given: a life where he felt the warmth of true love and lasting friendships.  I have spoken with fans who traveled to England to partake in the festivities and the consensus among them was that the experience was very emotional yet surprisingly uplifting as it was a celebration of life!

Thanks to the wonders of social media one need not make the trek to England to have stayed connected to what was happening in London and Goring.  Social media sites were flooded with photographs, videos, updates, posts and tweets by fans who were there and/or just sharing their love for their idol especially for all those they left back home and for all of you!  The #georgemichaelday social media campaign gave every fan a way to pay tribute and celebrate the day. 

What could be a more fitting testament to Michael's impact on all of our lives than a celebration of his life and the coming together of his fans?  Prior to launching this blog I did a great deal of soul searching: as I wanted to ensure that this effort would be one that honored Michael's memory as well as provided a place where closed minds could be open to knew thought processes and ideas.  A place where differing opinions could be received with civility and respect towards one another.

When I read through my follower's comments and direct messages I know that I'm making an impact with the message that I'm imparting to them.  When I've softened someones view on a topic or have presented something in a manner that gives them pause to think that feeling of accomplishment is what inspires me to press on with this process.  I chose to author this blog anonymously in order to present my story free from the influence of others: in order to stay true to the person that I am.  

This blog writer is humbled by the overwhelming support and acceptance from all of you; however I'd also like to cast a spotlight on the efforts of those who have taken it upon themselves to run fan pages, tribute pages and support groups.  Your  efforts give George Michael's fans a safe environment to: share memories, lol, chat, grieve together, support one another and make new friends.  We truly believe that George Michael is sending down angel kisses from heaven to all of you.   

We celebrate you George Michael by sending up to you the comments of a few of our followers whose messages are our gift to you.  

(Names have been omitted to protect their right to privacy and the views expressed are those of the individuals and may not necessarily be the views shared by the blog writer)

If you could say one thing to George TODAY what would it be?

"Sposami!   (Marry Me!)"

" I'd say thanks Yog for being you!"

"I'd tell him to never feel bad about depression because we don't choose it: it chooses who it wants.  I'd tell him that he should look at the inner Georgios and see what a beautiful person you are. He is gifted, well mannered, handsome, loving and caring.  Just one big SPECIAL man in more ways than 1!!  STOP GIVING so much because most people won't respect or care about you anyway!  Give ONLY when there's a GREAT NEED!"

"I would ask him if he knew how loved he is by his many fans."

"You were, are and always be the greatest love of my life."

"Mein Lieber George, ich hoffe es gecht dir gut, da wo du jetzt bist. ich bin unendlich traurig das du nicht mehr bei uns bist seit 1984 gibt es nur einen fur mich, bis Mensch und Kunstler mit einer begnadeten Stimme, so verehre wie dich,  Wenn ich nur einen Wunsch hatte, ich wurde dich zu uns zunick holen." 

"That battling depression is hard to do alone and it's o.k to seek help.  I would also thank him for sharing his generosity and talent with us.  So many great memories throughout my life."

"I love you George Michael you were the best artist in my lifetime.  You brought so much love and caring.  To all of your fans so handsome and beautiful you are the greatest man.  I thank God that he made you."

"Je te remercie de tout ce que tu as fait ta generositepour tes chansons ton incroyable talent je te remercie encore je be pourrait jamas t effacer de ma memoire je t aimerai toujours tres belle personne et je pourrait encore oarler de toi pendant des heures." 

"Always love you!"

"I would ask him, "What's your favorite ice cream brand?  And, what flavor?"

"George, when the stars shine bright under velvet skies, I'll make a wish and send it to heaven ... no more tears lovely man. (some words  borrowed, re-arranged and added to)"

"You helped me through some of the hardest times of my life and you helped me celebrate some of the happiest times in my life!  34 years of George!  You have been loved ... you will forever be loved."

"Sweet George ...  you have been loved.  I miss you terribly.  Thank u for the gift u haven given all of us.  Sleep in peace my angel. xoxoxo"

"Something about your incredible voice touches something so deep inside of me.  I always tear up listening to your down tempo tracks."

"I would thank him for his music, healing my heart many times, tell him he's the only man I'll eva truly unconditionally love and how proud the world is."

Truthfully, I would "Will" him strength.  Wouldn't want to intrude ... probably acknowledge with small smile of Hi, look into his eyes & dash!

George thank you for writing, producing and recording your music which has been a significant part of my life.  Thank you for your humility and generosity.  For setting the example that if you HAVE you should GIVE.  Thank you for your courage and tenacity when fighting for your career in 1998 and forward as an openly gay artist.  You spoke up and out letting others know things will be alright.  Thank you for giving a voice to those who would otherwise be unheard.  Thank you for your advocacy and philanthropy: you've changed lives.  You are brilliant and beautiful inside and out.  I'm sorry for the times you've felt sad or alone.  Please know that you are loved.  Addiction is a disease it's not your fault: we need to erase the stigma so people will understand better what you went through.  Lastly, thank you for being you."

* Gerri Horner's tribute single for George, "Angels in Chains" is available for download on iTunes and Spotify.  Proceeds from the single will benefit Michael's charity of choice Childline.