Dear Christina Grimmie,

I remember first listening to your covers in middle school. From 6th to 8th grade was the prime time I discovered my favorite type of music. The first cover I listened to was "Just A Dream" by Nelly with you and Sam Tsui. The style of your voice and your ability to produce music by playing the piano amazed me. It's crazy to think that my cousin also knew who you were. We would watch your videos whenever we would hang out. We both were on #teamgrimmie with you.

I love how even though you were around twenty years old (at the time I discovered you), you were a kid at heart. The love you had for the Legend of Zelda made me know that you can still be a kid. When I heard your mash-up covers of Paramore songs, I was so impressed. You had a beautiful soul when you sang, and the best part was that you sang every song with passion. Every. Time.

On June 10th, I saw that you were trending on every social media platform. I thought it was maybe because of an album release or an announcement of a tour or that you won an award. But, unfortunately, all I read was that you were shot during a meet and greet in Orlando, Florida. It was the last thing I wanted to read, about any artist for that matter.

I thought this was a joke, some sort of hoax, but no, it was just a nasty reality. June was such an awful month to watch innocent people, including you, get shot because of some stupid idiot who decided to plan a nasty act of hate. I wish the doctors could've saved you. I wish I had a chance to meet you. I wish there was one more chance where I could tell you how beautiful, talented and charismatic you are. I knew you were an introvert, but when you sang, Christina, you owned the stage. You were such a natural at what you did. Your faith in God amazed me. There was so much about you, if not most, everything about you was beautiful.

You were one of my biggest inspirations. Not only because of your music, but because of your driven goals and aspirations. You had a spark in you that made my day even better by watching your videos. When you announce that you're going on tour, you had a positive energy in your voice, always. You had a spark that just kept going, and when you had your moments, you were a beautiful set of fireworks.

When your family decided to release your music videos, it reminded me of how much I adored you and how much I wish I listened to you a lot more often than I did. It also reminded me why I fell in love with you as a musician.

You inspire me to keep playing guitar and I even want to play the piano again as well. I haven't played in about four years. Even though other things such as math or science may not be my strongest suit, music always will be. It is my own way of a positive escape for a stress relief from the day. I want to continue, and you're one of the reasons why.

Thank you so so much, Christina. Thank you for inspiring and impacting everyone. Thank you for showing your talent and bringing your prescence into the world, even though it was only for a short time. I know you're staring down at us from heaven. Team Grimmie will always be here. We will always remember you. This is one last goodbye, from one of your fans.

Love,

Katrina