You Remain an Ever-Unfolding Mystery

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I can’t recall what I was doing five years ago tonight. It must have been a typical New Year’s Eve, perhaps spent with a few friends or some members of my family. The year that was passing had been a challenging one, but all of my loved ones had made it through. I must have been hopeful for that bright new year --- 2003. That was the year that I found you. 

Somehow, with the inexorable nature of the passage of time, it has now been five years since the moment I first saw you. 

You made me laugh, but there was something endearing about you. And then you opened your mouth, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

There was something special about you then, something beyond my power to articulate, and time has shown that you remain an ever unfolding mystery. There is so much more to you than I imagined. 

I like the truth of you. 

I have to laugh when I recall those who said you’d be done in fifteen minutes. You are now in your 2,629,743th minute of fame --- but I’d call you a timeless talent. 

Just look what lies ahead in 2008. You’ll start by making good on your promise to help the children of Chiapas and Tabasco, and you will continue to advocate for the rights of children of all abilities, through UNICEF and through The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. You’ll star on Broadway in “Spamalot.” You’ll continue to work on Album Four and, God willing, you’ll surprise a few people when it is released. You’ll sing, and I will sit in the audience and feel blessed that you and I share this glorious green earth in just this moment of time. 

You will be The Singer. 

The Ambassador. 

The Teacher. 

The Activist. 

The Actor. 

The Artist. 

The Entertainer. 

The Touring Machine. 

The Snarkmaster. 

The Man of Character. 

And so much more, beyond my imagining. 

My mind lingers a moment on the things you have accomplished this year, but the clock is relentless. It does not move in reverse and, though the past is to be treasured, I look ahead to the moments to come. 

2008 is yours, Clay. Embrace it 

You are and will always be my favorite gorgeous goofball. 

So step into your future with confidence. And may you be loved, as the grace of God shines down on you. 

Real life calls me, so it’s time to go. Until tomorrow… 

I love you, Clay Aiken, always and forever, and I mean it.

~berkeley
 
 

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