Me and Mr. Jones

I knew this day would have to eventually come. I was still ill-prepared. I knew it would be pretty unrealistic, but a part of me hoped I would go before him. I woke up this morning to all kinds of notifications on my phone. I didn't want to believe it, but knew it had to be true. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I was still in shock, and felt numb. All I could do was post some of my favorite Bowie clips on social media. It hit me that I felt like this after my dad passed. I was just 19 years old and a 1,000 miles away from home. I then too was too numb to cry, and focused on getting back to my family. Once I realized I was comparing my dad's death to Bowie's, I felt silly. Bowie's just a pop star, right? But he was so much more than that to me and many others. He made it okay to be different, a little weird. I was fan since seeing the Labyrinth​ when I was 8. It wasn't until my late 20s when I got as obsessed with him as I am now. I started getting into Bowie and music more. For the first time, I felt comfortable and happy with myself. I am flawed, but for the most part, I can honestly say I'm pretty happy with the person I have become. Maybe to some Bowie is just a pop star, but not to me. He helped me discover who I really am, and most be okay with that. I am positive many others could say something similar about Bowie's influence on them. Mr. Jones you are larger than life. You have left the world with so much beautiful and strange work. You have left an amazing legacy. All I can say is THANK YOU!