By: Gina Dewar
I must confess I was sad when my daughter told me about the death of Liam Payne, one of the members of the British boyband ONE DIRECTION.
One Direction was and still is (with Harry Styles) a big part of my daughter’s life, and to tell you the truth, the whole family’s life. We traveled to see them in several cities and enjoyed doing it.
As the day passed, I kept reading all the posts on social media, expecting a post from the other four members of One Direction.
Suddenly, I saw a post from Anne Twist, Harry Styles’ mother. It was a simple picture of a broken heart, with the following caption “Just a boy.”
It then hit me. As a mom of young adults, there is always this fear that something can happen to them because you are not always with them.
I am trying to imagine what Anne felt when she heard about the news. There are so many memories of these kids being together in One Direction. I think she thought “It could’ve been my child,” as most moms do. I even felt that way.
Liam was only thirty-one. “Just a boy.”
(Photo by Official «Liam Payne» Facebook Page)
I know that it’s okay to feel sad or upset. The loss of someone we admire can feel very personal, even if we didn’t know them in real life. We need to validate our emotions and express them in our own way.
As we intend to celebrate his legacy, it also makes me a bit sad, as an adult and as a mom, that he was struggling with addiction and felt he had no other choice than to escape his reality. He felt the world was against him, and I can’t imagine what he felt like that day. Even though we all make mistakes, there is always an explanation of why this happens.
But we must focus on the positive impact that Liam Payne had on his fans and the world. Listening to his music, watching his videos, or even creating a small tribute in his memory. Celebrating his life and achievements can be a comforting way to honor his legacy.
Grieving can take time, and emotions may come in waves. I met Liam’s parents at the line for a beer in Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego when One Direction was touring. It was a funny story because the concession stand was not selling them alcohol because they did not have any IDs. I bought them the beer and did not realize they were Liam’s parents until I noticed they were sitting next to us at the concert, and everyone was greeting them and taking pictures with them.
I feel my heart broken just thinking of what his family is going through. He leaves behind a young son and millions of fans mourning his tragic death.
Liam Payne sang “It seems to me that when I die, these words will be written on my stone” (Story of My Life)
Rest in peace, Liam.
