So, as a fan I’ve been lucky, I think. Actually this whole fandom has been lucky.Our group is still together, happy to be together and thriving! I love it. I try to support them these days in the small ways I can, with my little fan blogging corner of the internet and twitter. It’s not a lot, but it makes me happy. But when it comes to AJ, I’ve wanted to tell him things I’ve never had a proper moment to. And I’m using his birthday as a reason to, because it feels so personal. Hopefully, in a way, I’m speaking for all of us.
That’s why I’m posting this two days early.
AJ if you ever read this, I have so much respect for you. Most of us do. I think about how much things have changed over the last decade and it blows me away. Your struggles were out in the open since 2001, long before the days of social media where it became the norm. You’ve slipped up, sure. But that’s okay. You’re human. But as someone who’s had a family member struggle with your issues, I know first hand you have to want to turn it all around. So the fact you’ve kept getting back up, you’ve kept trying…that’s everything. You work your ass off for the life you deserve, and words fall short in how amazing that really is.
There’s so much to you. Like your voice…it’s funny cause I always thought it suited you so well. That sounds cheesy but it’d true, at least to me. We can hear the soul that comes out when you perform, so strong and deep, one that’s fought to be where he is today. We can feel how passionate you are when you sing. Everything you are comes out when you do.
You’re an inspiration to so many. You battled your demons to come back to be the healthy and happy father you are now. Ava and the baby McLean to come are so lucky to have you! You’re proof you can hit the bottom and still manage to rise all the way back to the top. You are an example to many.
You deserve the best birthday possible with your family and friends.
So happy birthday AJ. Thank you for your talent. Thank you for always being so kind and sweet to every fan you meet. Thank you for being so strong. Thank you for fighting.
Thank you AJ McLean, for being everything that you are.
Here’s to many more birthdays ahead!
The Dark Side 