A break from the story to be real.
I'm finally processing the loss of Liam. I have a lot of complicated feelings about what has gone down the last month or so and I think it's important to talk about. As a fan, I feel his loss so deeply, I can only imagine how his family and friends feel. Like many of you, I've grown up with him since I was 9 years old. I'm an adult out of college now, but I've always held the band close to my heart.
I know a lot of negative things have come to light recently about his relationship with Maya and some of his "cringe" moments around the boys. I think his faults are clear and it was valid for us to criticize his abusive actions towards Maya and hold him to a higher standard. Despite loving him and growing up with him, we did not know him. And he was an abuser. There is no denying or overlooking that. I pray for Mayas recovery and I stand with her because this has all gotten very complicated.
His openness about his mental health and struggles with drugs and alcohol sheds some light on the entire situation. It is not an excuse for his behavior, but it provides more context. As someone who has recently lost a friend due to an ongoing battle with drugs, there is no simple answer on how to feel. We'll feel Liam's loss forever.
They say time heals all wounds, which is true to some extent. With victims of addiction and mental health, we can also find peace knowing his battle is over. It was over way too soon, and I desperately wish he had the chance to live a long life, fully recovered. I wish he could've turned his life around and accounted for his wrongdoings. The reality is that there is not a perfect ending. It will always be full of anger, sadness, confusion, and guilt.
I hope this opens peoples eyes to the realities of addiction and mental health struggles. It should not cloud our judgement of them- they are still human and worthy of love. Without a doubt, there is someone in your life struggling with the same things. Please consider being a helping hand in any way you can. Just know, while you can help, be cognizant of how it impacts your life; take care of yourself, too. Don't blame yourself if things don't go the 'right' way. And if you yourself struggle with this, know that you are so loved regardless of how 'well' you're doing. We are all rooting for you to be your best self.
Please take care of yourself and your friends. It's understandable to take his loss to heart- he was a huge part of forming our lives. It hits especially hard being so familiar with addiction and seeing the course of his life mirror the lives of others we've lost.
I don't know if you believe in an afterlife, but I like to think I do. I like believing that his suffering has ended and he will be waiting for his loved ones to eventually join him. This is not the end of the story.
Sending my love to you. <3
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You Were a House on Fire | Harry Styles
FanfictionHarry always told himself he could date "normal" people. After all, he's a normal person too, right? {Two complex souls find even more complexity in each other and decide maybe that's alright.} ~~ also found on ao3 with the same title by flower_feas...
