Dear Taylor,
This moment was special in ways that you may not have understood in our brief encounter. See, we met in 2014. You invited me and a few of my (now very good) friends to your New York City apartment for pizza after the 1989 live stream! We danced our hearts out to ‘Shake It Off.’ You opened your home and your heart in such a way that resonates with someone for years to come. You asked me about where I went to school, laughed that my degree required math and science, hugged me and told me how happy you were that your music has helped me through the anxiety and stress I was facing at the time. I shared the insecurities going on in my personal life, subjects I wasn’t ready to speak about ... but you encouraged me to that day. Your speeches, your music, your grace has inspired me for over a decade.. but that day in 2014, I saw the extent of how much you care for people and that is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
I’d like you to know, I’m happy now. I moved to Brooklyn. I have an engineering degree. I’m employed at one of the city’s top engineering firms. I have wonderful friends and an incredible significant other and I’m fearlessly open about my colorful life. Chatting with you this week almost brought me full circle. I’m so thankful for your humility and kindness. You didn’t have to come talk to me but you chose to. It was a moment that I will never forget. It’s amazing how much can change in 5 years. I wish I could go back and tell myself what I know now. I can’t, but that’s okay because the journey was worth it.
Please keep sharing your voice and wisdom with the world. It’s truly a gift that makes everything shine a bit brighter! We will always have your back, T.
Love always,
Marco Z.
@marcooozz