Submitted by Sarah from USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:44:41 2001
AJ~~~ I love your voice and I pray that you get through this. I also want to say that I appriciate what the Backstreet Boys did. They told the fans the truth, instead of doing what others wanted them to do, LIE!! They seem to believe that their fans are most important, other than AJ and the rest of the members of course. I also want to say get well to Nick cause he broke his wrist. Get Well to AJ and to Nick and I love you both! KTBSPA!!!!
Submitted by Chrissy from Brooklyn New York USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:41:55 2001
I am 15 years old. I have been a Backstreet fan since they first started. Like AJ, my parents divorced at a very young age. That brought a lot oout of me. I underwent counciling for a long time. Also my father was a very heavy drinker.
I am happy that AJ came out now and got help. Only God knows what could have happened to him if he didn't. I am not wishing anything but he could have turned out like my father who died due to drinking.
When I heard the news I cried with the guys. I was watching TRL and when I saw everyone crying before they can talk about it I was hysterical. I feel horriable that this happened to a great guy like AJ. Seeing only four guys gave me a reason to think, what would happen if something worse happened? It would have hurt the whole world more than it did now.
AJ is trying his hardest and I wish him the best of luck. He deserves all the well wishing in the world. It is better that we support him and stick by the Backstreet Boys through this time of need. This is a really hard thing to overcome, let's do what we can to help him.
Submitted by Marieke from Netherlands
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:40:38 2001
Dear AJ,I want you to know that you are in my thoughts right now and that I'm praying for you!!!! I'm so proud of you, for admitting your problems and saying you need to get help. That's the first step and you're on the right way, AJ! I want you to know that I'll support you, no matter what happenes and no matter how long you need to get better. Think of yourself first! You need to get better and that's all that matters.
And I want to thank you all guys, for being honest with us and letting us know what's going on! I really appreciate that and I love you for it!!!
AJ, I'm thinking of you and I'm praying for you. Take all the time you need to get better!!!
With all my love and support,
Marieke
Submitted by Mimi from West Seneca New York USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:33:15 2001
---A.J.,
I want you to know that I am very concerned for you and that you are definetly in my thoughts and prayers at this tragic time in your life. I am so proud of you for realizing that you need help and reaching out for it. And I am proud of your fellow bandmates for approaching this matter so maturely and responsibley. I look foward to seeing you on tour on September 18th *maybe earlier if i am lucky enough and win a contest* when you are better. I really hope that this rehab works for you and that you try really hard and that you don't relapse to these problems ever again. (I grew up in a bubble where nothing was bad and the world was perfect...i invite you into my bubble for the rest of your days where you are strong enough to not even consider all the bad stuff out there.... did that make any sense!?) I can't image the pain that you had to be feeling to get so abusive with alcohol. I am so greatful that you realized you needed help without having a visit to the hospital (*at least as far as i know*). I really and truely hope that this therapy works wonders and that you become a truely happy and cured man at the end of all of this.***prayers to you and lots of love and hugs!!***
Love,
*~Mimi Torres*~
Submitted by Renee from Buffalo NY USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:30:13 2001
I'm a 26 year old who has been a fan of BSB since the time when no one would give them the time of day and AJ has always been my favorite.But when I heard he was going into to rehab I was not surprised I was sad.Over the years I've seen the pain he experienced from not having an father in his life and he hid the pain by being the life of the party of the group.
I hope that you find inner peace AJ and I know how hard that is when you have to deal with darkness that is inside you for I had to learn how to deal with having a father who caused me pain(he drank heavily until I was 18) and that pain came to a boiling point when my only living grandparent passed away(he did stop drinking right before she died but the damage was done) and to the rest of the world I seemed fine but I got help and I am proud to say that for the past 4 years the darkness hasn't gone away but I learned how to live with it and not let it consume me and I have to support of friends,family,and my faith in Gods gives me strength and I hope you will come to that place of contentment in your life.
Submitted by Maureen from Houston Texas USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:30:12 2001
When I first had the news i was shocked and took me a minute or so to belive it. This all Seems unreal.I must say that A.j. Is a very good actor. When i saw him on the Today Show, he looked fine. but I had no idea how hurt he felt in side. I am very glad that he admited that he needed help. That shows how manly he is and also gives me more faith in him that he will get better. I am very thankful that the Backstreert boys did not keep this a secert from the puplic. that shows how much respect they have for us the fans. I will keep A.J. in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him all the best and hope that he get better.
Submitted by Eline from Atlanta Georgia USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:28:45 2001
AJ,
I'm so sorry for what you are going through and i hope things get better really soon. All the fans are behind you 110% and we will all help you get through this though time. Best wishes!
Love,
Eline
Submitted by Melissa from Battleford Saskatchewan Canada
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:26:10 2001
AJ,
You are one of the most strongest guys i know!! It takes a "real man" to do what you did.
I know how you feel with your depression. I was very depressed last summer, and i almost
killed myself. But listening to your music helped me alot! And i did get the strength and courage
like you did, and told someone about it. You guys are an inspiration to me so much. Especially
you. You helped me in so many ways. Because of you, im going to forfill my dream of being
in a pop group. Whenever i feel discouraged, i just go to my room and crank one of your cd's
and i feel 10 times better, and i feel like i can do anything. I support you all the way!! I hope
you get better fast. I can't wait to see your concert in Edmonton on Sept 28! It will be my first
and im soo excited! I love you!!!
Melissa
Submitted by Marieke from Netherlands
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:24:58 2001
Dear AJ,The chance that you read this is very small, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, and no matter what will happen, I'll support you. You've done so much for me, making me feel better when I felt sad, making beautiful songs, now I want to show you that I'm thinking of you and that I'll support you!! Take all the time you need to get better!!!! Remember that we love you!!!
With all my love and support,
Marieke
Submitted by candace from Flint Mi USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:23:00 2001
AJ,Do you realize how proud I am that you've made the right choice for getting help? Well in case you didn't know, I am really proud of you! You know that all of your fans are behind you 101%.At first it made me sad but you really impressed me.for the rest of the guys, you really made me proud because you stood strong and came out with the truth before we heard all of the lies. Aj, may god watch over the whole way
Submitted by anna lenting from enumclaw wa USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:21:53 2001
AJ babe i luv u soo much! i am soo proud of you and the guys for telling the truth to the fans and not lying to us about all this. i just want you to know that i am behind 200% until this is all over. you are in my prayers. i cried for you. i am scared right now i dont know why. you're in my prayers. get healthy and better than ever . we all love you. i love you to pieces babe. much love, GOD BLESS, get better luv anna lenting :) :(
Submitted by Amarylis from Aguadilla Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:20:51 2001
Dear AJ: I just want you to know that you are very special to me, you have helped me a lot in my life and I thank you for that. Take care and always think positive, God is with you, so is your family and the guys. Us the fans are very proud of you because you admitted having this problem and looked for help before it was too late, I congratulate you for this act of bravery, it takes a real man to accept what you have just accepted and remember that all your fans and your family and friends are always going to be there for you 120%, we believe in you and you can make it, take care and God bless you, luv you forever!!!!
Submitted by Chris from Campbell Ohio USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:18:28 2001
Hey. It's me again, Chris. I'm gonna write you a very nice story. One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back at the footprints in the sand.He noticed that many times along the path there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times of my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
AJ I love you and God loves you. Even in the depths of loneliness and in the darkness of despair, there is someone who'll love you nomatter what..God. He wants you to live a happy life without those clouds of darkness. Being depressed is like all those dark shadows, those dark demons are closing in on you. You feel as if there is no room to breathe. Many insecurites envelope you and you feel alone and mesirable.God is trying to help you. He wants the best life for you. When you get help from God, all those demons and clouds in your life are slowly leaving you.
You chose the right decision to get help for yourself. Now, let God enter your life. With a little time and effort, you'll pull through. Pieces of your life that have fallen apart will come together with a lil' help from God and us, your fans. We love you AJ and want you to pull through. Why? Because we care about you. I care about you. Like I said before I DO NOT want to see you hurt like this. You care about the fans..now it's our turn to care about you. I was in tears over your story of depression & alcohol abuse and I hated..HATED to see you hurting like this. I wish you well on everything. You're my angel and will always be. I love you baby & I'll stand by you all the way until my death. I vow to it. You mean soo much to me and all the rest of your fans around the world. I'm proud of you for admitting your problems. Remember, God will ALWAYS be there for you, and I'll be there too. Recover Soon Baby!
Lots o' love and kisses
Chris
Submitted by Mariana Luna Santander from Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:15:20 2001
I just want you to know that no matter what we always be with you, we are praying for you and youŽll be ok very soon. DonŽt give up A.J you are so important to us you know that we love you so much and we hope to see you like always again soon.
WE ARE WITH YOU A.J!!God bless you.
Submitted by Jackie Sangco from Seattle WA USA
Date: Wed Jul 11 16:08:52 2001
Hey trooper! I don't even know if you'll even get to read this, so many other people love and care about you that you have already received millions and millions of letters since your fans heard the news. But, I'll express what I feel despite that fact. AJ, do you know how strong you are? Most people -- especially those in the entertainment biz would never find the amount of courage that it took to admit that they needed help. The fact that you had the strength to admit that you did need help should be your motivation for your recovery. The first and best person to help you get better -- and I'm being truly honest here -- is YOURSELF. You had the drive to pursue what you wanted to do in life -- simply make beautiful music, and I know you will use that same strength to once again continue that dream. Music is what makes you happy -- it makes the Backstreet Boys, well, the Backstreet Boys. As you go through this VERY confusing time in your life, please remember that your family, your friends, and your fans need you to continue to make beautiful music -- not just by selling records and and going on tour, but by simply showing them that you have the strength to do this. We are all behind you AJ -- keep singing!
All my love and support,
Jackie
