Dear Christina,
We don't know each other, I'm just a girl who goes on YouTube a lot. I remember the first time I saw one of your videos. At the time, I was a huge "Hannah Montana" fan. And I remember coming across your cover of "Don't Wanna Be Torn." You opened up the video by unapologetically admitting that some of the notes you were about to perform were wrong and that you only had been playing for about a week so you were fairly new. Not expecting much, I continued watching the video, already searching for a new one to click on. And before I knew it, I was playing yours on repeat! I was absolutely amazed by the amount of talent you had and wondered if/when you would make it big time.
A couple years passed and I was obsessed with the song "The Only Exception" by Paramore so of course I spent all day listening to it. When I got tired of listening to Hailey sing it, I would click on covers of the song to see if anyone could sing the sing as well as she could... and that's when I came across your video. Before you started singing, I was staring at your hair wondering how you worked so much volume into it and before I figured it out you welcomed your viewers with a friendly "Hey, guys!" and began playing the keyboard and singing the song perfectly. By the end of your video, you said that you were going on tour with Selena Gomez and for some reason, even though I had never met you before and I didn't really consider myself a fan, I was so happy that your dreams were coming true. Just seeing how excited you were and the fact that you took a moment to thank your fans for supporting you so much... I secretly wished you the best and was so excited that you were on your way and heading for something great.
A few more years passed and I was sitting in the living room with my family watching "The Voice." I was on my phone only half paying attention when I heard you start to sing your version of "Wrecking Ball." No one else in the room had seen your YouTube videos before so you can imagine their surprise as I jumped off the couch and screamed, "Oh my God, it's her!" After my family could breathe normally again, I simply explained that I watched your videos before and that you were extremely talented and I was 100 percent sure that you were going to win... I was outraged that you finished third, but I was so happy that you made it so far.
Monday, June 13, my mom and I were on the way to work and as she always does she was informing me of everything she learned from the news. Half paying attention I let her go on about the tragedies that had happened but one thing that snapped me out of my groggy state was hearing your name. Now, seeing that I was fully alert she repeated herself, "Ya Christina Grimmie... such a shame this guy shot her at her concert." I couldn't help but feel like what she had just told me wasn't real. It's so hard to accept that that such an amazing person... a role model... a 22-year-old girl who seemed to be so kind, humble and talented had been cheated a long happy life by a guy who she welcomed with open arms because she thought he was a fan coming in for a hug.
Because I don't know you, maybe I don't have the right to be writing this article. Maybe I shouldn't take your passing so personally. And maybe I don't have the right to be making assumptions... but I think it's safe to say that you will be severely missed and that you will always be remembered by your bright smile, wonderful personality and amazing talent. To all of Christina's family, friends, coworkers, fans,etc. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. The loss of a loved one is unbearable and to lose them at such a young age and so suddenly... I can't even imagine that kind of pain. My heart goes out to you always. Rest in peace, Christina.
Sincerely,
Me
