Dear Austin Carlile,

Words cannot convey properly the thank you that is owed to you. I remember being seventeen, standing on the dirt covered field outside of my local concert arena in the scorching heat, just to hear your band, Of Mice & Men, play. Your voice had made me happy, even six years ago.

I was nearly eighteen when I met my first love. He dedicated numerous lyrics of yours to me in the span of our relationship, evoking the most joyous of emotions within me.

And then I was nineteen. Alone in my room sobbing the lyrics to Another You, following one of the hardest breakups of my life. Matching your screams and feeling the depth of your words healed my heart.

I am sorry that yours is strained. When I found out that your illness would be taking you away from Of Mice & Men, I was overcome with emotion. Not because I was losing an essential part of the band that I loved, but because of your hardships. For years, you have included fans in your personal struggle with Marfan Syndrome. We have watched you endure surgery after surgery. Most of all, we have watched you fight.

Leaving Of Mice & Men is not the end. You have impressed the world with your talent. Your fans know that you will fight each day to do what you love. And we will be by your side watching.

From Attack Attack! to Of Mice & Men, we have known that you are as powerful as your screaming vocals. And we will be here to cheer you on, no matter what comes next.

Austin Carlile, thank you. Listening to your music is a pleasure. Watching you fight is an inspiration.


Sincerely,

Not only an Of Mice & Men fan, but an Austin Carlile fan.