Dear Mr. Hicks,
I know it is perhaps unusual for a fan to pen a letter to you, but I feel compelled to share my personal journey thus far with you and your Soul Patrol, which is highlighted by the kindness that has been extended. I do believe this kindness is a reflection of you, Mr. Hicks, for without your wonderful music the Soul Patrol would not exist.
Taylor Hicks shouting out to his collective fan base during American Idol is what first encouraged me to research you and your Soul Patrol. Therefore, I visited your fan sites. Instantly, it was evident that you and your wonderful music brought great joy to others. I realized something keenly unique was happening within the hearts and souls of your fans. I believe to the bottom of my soul that YOU and YOUR Soul Patrol are setting examples of kindness, thoughtfulness and charity that are having profound effects globally. Your music has uplifted millions of fans around the world. An uplifted spirit, even one fan at a time, will eventually influence another human being one person at a time. For this I offer you my deepest admiration.
Having recently returned from a summer vacation and seeing the neighborhood children make their way back to school, I am reminded of the past few months spent at a summer cottage. My summer was bittersweet, for a variety of reasons, and all too personal to mention, but I must admit that in some of my darkest moments it was thoughts of all the fun I had sharing your good music with the kind and caring souls that are your Soul Patrol that helped me emotionally. You have inspired great communities throughout your Taylor Hicks sites.
I never came to the Soul Patrol to make friends but it is impossible not to befriend your devoted fans. After reading their comments daily, you begin to know them in some small way. As actions speak loudly in our everyday lives, I see that it is our words that best express our person on the internet. And with mention of the internet, we come to your fan sites without boundaries. We bring our words, our thoughts, and our person to the screen without knowing country of origin, race, color, creed, economics, physicality ...and yet together because of you, Mr. Hicks, we are unified with a wonderfully uplifted spirit.
I will forever remember a group of women who befriended me by offering to purchase me a ticket for your first concert in Cleveland, Ohio. I cried for two days before I could even respond. I had never been offered anything from total strangers just because they sincerely wanted to make someone happy. I am still in awe of their kindness. Of course, I did not accept something so generous. There were other fans more deserving than I, but that gracious offer did indeed allow me to eventually see you live in concert. So, I guess in a way, their act of “Taying it forward” really did have a profound effect on me.
Around Christmas, I requested prayers from the Soul Patrol. Three of my aunts were dying and my mother was ill. I truly believe it was their prayers and kindness that helped me through those difficult days. One aunt passed away, but it was a glorious day full of sunshine and I believe that God and the Soul Patrol were with me that day, as I felt a strength that I had long forgotten.
When in despair, I looked to the Soul Patrol for comfort and I was never disappointed. I soon started corresponding with several ladies and still do to this day. Their kind words are forever etched in my soul and I know that we will remain friends throughout our lifetime.
Your Taylor’s Angels’ inspirational blog, Mr. Hicks, is a Godsend to all of us who need comfort, encouragement and inspiration. Many months ago, these same angels gifted me a membership for your headquarters site. These angels know the reason why. It is not necessary to go into that here but rather just to tell you that once again, they, your Soul Patrol, recognized and helped someone in need. You are probably seeing a pattern here and I hope that you are smiling!
I will forever be a fan of Taylor Hicks and your wonderful music. I had the good fortune of seeing you perform live during your spring tour, where I met friends from the various fan sites. I cried upon meeting them all. In this world of internet and email, I met these really wonderful and real people. It was an awesome experience. As privacy is a personal right for all of us, I have found a true sense of loyalty and a wonderful base for real friendships.
As for your concert, Mr. Hicks, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and those memories will remain with me forever. I should add that I was one of the fortunate fans that had a CD so graciously signed by you after your concert. It is now framed and hangs proudly in my office. It is a treasure I will cherish forever. I suppose the best way to express my awe is to compare it to how you must have felt in Ray Charles’ Studio. Now, you might better understand the impact you have on your Soul Patrol fans that have been graced by your presence. You are an inspiration to us all.
So, last but certainly not least, Mr. Hicks, I share that your music, passion, kindness, compassion, and spirit has been an inspiration to this one lowly fan. I can only say from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you”. May God Bless you and keep you strong and successful so that this circle of fans and friends collectively called the SOUL PATROL may continue forever. Because of it, the world is already a better place.
Sincerely,
graciecat
Edited by Tina (DidNotExpectThat)
Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels
I know it is perhaps unusual for a fan to pen a letter to you, but I feel compelled to share my personal journey thus far with you and your Soul Patrol, which is highlighted by the kindness that has been extended. I do believe this kindness is a reflection of you, Mr. Hicks, for without your wonderful music the Soul Patrol would not exist.
Taylor Hicks shouting out to his collective fan base during American Idol is what first encouraged me to research you and your Soul Patrol. Therefore, I visited your fan sites. Instantly, it was evident that you and your wonderful music brought great joy to others. I realized something keenly unique was happening within the hearts and souls of your fans. I believe to the bottom of my soul that YOU and YOUR Soul Patrol are setting examples of kindness, thoughtfulness and charity that are having profound effects globally. Your music has uplifted millions of fans around the world. An uplifted spirit, even one fan at a time, will eventually influence another human being one person at a time. For this I offer you my deepest admiration.
Having recently returned from a summer vacation and seeing the neighborhood children make their way back to school, I am reminded of the past few months spent at a summer cottage. My summer was bittersweet, for a variety of reasons, and all too personal to mention, but I must admit that in some of my darkest moments it was thoughts of all the fun I had sharing your good music with the kind and caring souls that are your Soul Patrol that helped me emotionally. You have inspired great communities throughout your Taylor Hicks sites.
I never came to the Soul Patrol to make friends but it is impossible not to befriend your devoted fans. After reading their comments daily, you begin to know them in some small way. As actions speak loudly in our everyday lives, I see that it is our words that best express our person on the internet. And with mention of the internet, we come to your fan sites without boundaries. We bring our words, our thoughts, and our person to the screen without knowing country of origin, race, color, creed, economics, physicality ...and yet together because of you, Mr. Hicks, we are unified with a wonderfully uplifted spirit.
I will forever remember a group of women who befriended me by offering to purchase me a ticket for your first concert in Cleveland, Ohio. I cried for two days before I could even respond. I had never been offered anything from total strangers just because they sincerely wanted to make someone happy. I am still in awe of their kindness. Of course, I did not accept something so generous. There were other fans more deserving than I, but that gracious offer did indeed allow me to eventually see you live in concert. So, I guess in a way, their act of “Taying it forward” really did have a profound effect on me.
Around Christmas, I requested prayers from the Soul Patrol. Three of my aunts were dying and my mother was ill. I truly believe it was their prayers and kindness that helped me through those difficult days. One aunt passed away, but it was a glorious day full of sunshine and I believe that God and the Soul Patrol were with me that day, as I felt a strength that I had long forgotten.
When in despair, I looked to the Soul Patrol for comfort and I was never disappointed. I soon started corresponding with several ladies and still do to this day. Their kind words are forever etched in my soul and I know that we will remain friends throughout our lifetime.
Your Taylor’s Angels’ inspirational blog, Mr. Hicks, is a Godsend to all of us who need comfort, encouragement and inspiration. Many months ago, these same angels gifted me a membership for your headquarters site. These angels know the reason why. It is not necessary to go into that here but rather just to tell you that once again, they, your Soul Patrol, recognized and helped someone in need. You are probably seeing a pattern here and I hope that you are smiling!
I will forever be a fan of Taylor Hicks and your wonderful music. I had the good fortune of seeing you perform live during your spring tour, where I met friends from the various fan sites. I cried upon meeting them all. In this world of internet and email, I met these really wonderful and real people. It was an awesome experience. As privacy is a personal right for all of us, I have found a true sense of loyalty and a wonderful base for real friendships.
As for your concert, Mr. Hicks, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and those memories will remain with me forever. I should add that I was one of the fortunate fans that had a CD so graciously signed by you after your concert. It is now framed and hangs proudly in my office. It is a treasure I will cherish forever. I suppose the best way to express my awe is to compare it to how you must have felt in Ray Charles’ Studio. Now, you might better understand the impact you have on your Soul Patrol fans that have been graced by your presence. You are an inspiration to us all.
So, last but certainly not least, Mr. Hicks, I share that your music, passion, kindness, compassion, and spirit has been an inspiration to this one lowly fan. I can only say from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you”. May God Bless you and keep you strong and successful so that this circle of fans and friends collectively called the SOUL PATROL may continue forever. Because of it, the world is already a better place.
Sincerely,
graciecat
Edited by Tina (DidNotExpectThat)
Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels
7 comments:
An absolutely beautiful and heartfelt letter! I'm so glad the writer shared this with us. Her thoughts and feeling echo so many of my own. Thanks for sharing!
What a fantastic letter! Mr. Hicks should be proud. This has put into perspective what alot of us feel.
Thank you Graciecat and Tina for bringing this to us!!!
Teri (cydter)
Taylor is without doubt smiling!! What a wonderful letter! Thanks for sharing it! Soul Patrol forever!!
DJinKC
A beautifully written and inspirational letter to Taylor.
The words express the feelings that many of us are feeling.
Thank you Graciecat and Tina.
graciecat, I read each and every word you wrote and I know that each syllable comes from deep within your heart. I smiled as I read it and there were times when I could feel your sadness but I want you to know that you are a wonderful lady who has so much "soul".
Your words reflect the feelings of many and I am so very proud to call you my friend.
Thanks Angels for posting this thoughtful letter to Taylor. It is truly inspirational.
From GracieCat:
Taylor's Angels blog is always a great source of joy, comfort, encouragement and inspiration. It's about people helping people.
I have often wondered what our world would really be like if the nice people stopped being nice, the sharing people stopped sharing, the caring people stopped caring ... you get the idea.
This blog is a wonderful affirmation that people still care about bringing joy to others. Therefore, I am both honoured and humbled by the sight of my words on your blog.
I can't really find the words that best express my gratitude to the help Taylor's Angels have given me except to simply say,"Thank You".
May your good works continue in ways you could never imagine. May all the hopes and dreams of Taylor's Angels be fulfilled. People helping people.
God bless!
graciecat
This is a wonderful letter and I believe we are seeing God working through Taylor and his music. Thank you for writing that open letter, I know it probably took a lot of courage to put your deep feelings out there for everyone to see. For some reason, when Taylor and his music touches our souls it gives us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and make a difference in the world.
God bless you and God bless Taylor Hicks.
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