I discovered Michael through my uncle. He gave me his HIStory CD to listen to and from the first time I heard the first song on the first disc,I was instantly hooked. By doing more research and becoming a member on here and MJNO (R.I.P. to that great forum) really opened up new windows for me in becoming a fan. In such a short amount of time,Michael became a really big important part of my life (like Janet did and Lady Gaga would in 2009) and I started watching and studying him more and more. Before I knew it I became consumed as a super fan (or a stan if you prefer that term). Obviously being a fan caused a lot of people grief (this was before his death) and I was bullied without mercy,not only by kids at school,but adults as well. I had nowhere else to turn besides Michael. He was my only sanity (besides my family of course) from the noise. The day he died started just like any other day. I was with my sister and her (now ex) boyfriend at his house. We had gotten McDonald's for breakfast that morning. As the day progressed my sister (for whatever reason) turned on the news. She called for me and said that Michael was in the hospital. I had a panic attack and I was hoping he would pull through. A short time later she told me he died. I collapsed to the floor and burst into tears. How could someone so close to my heart vanish in the blink of an eye? She drove me home and I was awaited by my mom who gave me a big hug and cried with me. My dad had also left work early to console me as well. I got several phone calls over the course of the day from family and friends concerned about me which was very sweet,but it obviously didn't heal the hole in my heart that his death gave me. I was frozen in time after that terrible day. It took a very long time to truly come to terms with it. I've managed to live with the fact that Michael will never return to us,but it's definitely something I cannot and will not get over. Fast forward to seven years later (2016) and Michael has done so much for me. He (along with Janet and several other musicians) has given me strength and confidence to pursue my dreams and overall be a caring and giving person. I've auditioned for America's Got Talent in 2011,won first place at my high school's talent show,performed at an MJ fan event two times,and I plan to pursue a career as a celebrity impersonator,which I couldn't have done without Michael in my life.