I hope this helps you find closure.
Take a break if you need it.
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It's been one hell of a journey, hasn't it? A storybook so far-fetched it must have been a fairytale. We've seen love, adventure, the top of the world and a thousand perfect moments.
He has too.
Liam James Payne was born 31 years ago, just a small boy from Wolverhampton with big dreams and an even bigger heart. He lived, he breathed, but he did so much more than that.
Remember when Harry told us we could choose to live or exist?
The truth is, many people breeze through their lives without leaving a footprint. They don't risk, they don't fall, but they don't feel pure joy either. Yeah, they laugh, but they never experience the pinnacle of emotion where the world suddenly becomes something beautiful. They don't run on the edge, and that's fine.
But living on the edge has it's rewards.
Throughout his life, Liam has achieved the impossible. He's experienced more than most people have in a lifetime, and the journey's been extraordinary. He topped the world in One Direction, he fell in love, he raised a son, he developed friendships, he experienced pure exhilaration, he took a break and found himself somewhere along the way.
Liam knows who he is. He's been through highs and lows and everything in-between, but all of those roads have led to his self discovery.
At 31, he was already wizer than the rest of us.
You've lived your life already, haven't you Liam? You took all the risks young and then felt the calm when you went solo. You truly are complete, and it hurts, but you don't have to hurt anymore. You've done it all and now you can relax. Really, what more did this world have to offer a complete man?
But you never left, did you? I was grieving but then I listened to your words and I realised that you're still here with us.
You still take all the pain away when you sing, and you do it the same as you did a week ago. Your smile fixes everything the same, you're here with us because you built a safe space where we could always go. I go there when I think of you. It tells your story: a begining. Hopes, dreams. A climax. Love, adventure. An ending. Contentment, discovery. But the comfort and the sanctuary are always there.
Liam, before I found you I never thought a smile could mean so much. I can still feel you grinning with that one haircut and those crinkled eyes, and it feels real. You feel real. And I know you've never met me but you've done so much and I just want to say thank you. Stars don't last forever, but the ones that burn up burn bright.
And when I look to the sky, you're there. Your same smile and warm eyes watching over me when all the other lights have gone out.
You're watching all of us, probably getting stressed at Louis for staying up too late. When I see a bird it reminds me of you, and I think I know why. Because when someone has changed lives as much as you have, you become more than just a man. You become a feeling and an emotion - and that state of mind is our safe place. Because even if you're not conscious, your spirit can never leave.
We hear your heart's words every day on a stereo.
We know that you're with us the same.
Is Liam a person? Is he a place? Is he an emotion? I guess now we know. You're a hero, you're home, and you're comfort.
Thank you, Liam.
Always in our hearts,
-Directioners.
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(If you would like to leave any messages for Liam, please send them on this thread).
(If you want to talk, we can talk on this thread).
Of course, you can say anything anywhere. This is just a designated spot if it feels right for you.
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I will add to this extract, but I wanted to post a tribute straight away. I will edit the words and add pictures and blast music but I wanted to say these words as soon as I could. This isn't a book - it doesn't need to be perfect, it just has to mean something.
This is a tribute. And after everything he's done for us, I can't slow the release of a tribute.
Take care of yourself, love. Drink water, go outside, talk to someone. It's what he would have wanted.
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I'm more than happy to add sections with other fans' comments. If you create an edit for him, or simply have some words you want shared, tell me. I'll add them to this. This is Liam's page.
#RedForLiamWeek
Every day this week, we'll all wear something red. It doesn't have to be much, a hair tie or bracelet is more than enough. We can do it in his memory.
