Yes, he is a celebrity. Yes, I have never met him face to face, but that doesn't mean I have never met him in other forms. Every single time I listen to his songs, I meet him. Every time I see a picture of him online, I meet him. I feel closer to him than 75% of the people in my hometown. He will probably never read this letter, but if he does, I just want to thank him for the many times he has helped me.

Through the last few years, I have had many struggles. Whether it was family issues, medical issues, or anything else, my idol was there. He made me feel as if someone knew my struggle and could help me with it. Through the many struggles, I have never actually wanted to call it quits. I have come close, but I overcame that through him. Through his music videos, movies, and many interviews, I have never felt closer to another human being. I read his book, "Hard Long Road Out of Hell," during the hardest time of my life. It inspired me to get out there and change the world. It showed me that a teenager who has grown up in a small town, can do great things.

I had the ultimate experience of seeing him in concert. This was one of the best days of my life. August 2, 2016, will forever go down in history for me.The day I saw him in concert, is the day that validated all of my feelings for him. I felt as if he was right beside me, even though he was about half a mile away on stage. I continue everyday with the same feelings, listening to him loudly on the way to class.

I face ridicule every single day of my life because of who my idol is. I wear his T-Shirts, only to be met with the same remarks. Honestly, I am not surprised. I think maybe 10,000 people live here, so I expect to be met with close minded retaliations. I just wish that one person would maybe take the time and get to know the reason why I love him so much. Is it his makeup? No. Is it his "scary" persona? No. I love him because he teaches growing teenagers that in a world of conformation to stand out. I love him because of how thoughtful he can be. I love him because of how intellectual he is.

So with my feelings out on the table, I just want to thank one person for inspiring me to be myself, no matter how weird I may be, everyday. So, thank you, Marilyn Manson. I will forever be in debt to you.

- Lacey