Every fan has a different reason for why they love you. But my reason comes from the heart. No one has ever been able to keep my hopes up as much as you guys have. I'm 18 years old and I've already been through so much. I was born with an underdeveloped heart. I've spent most of my life in the hospital and the threat of surgery occurs over and over. Just when I thought no one understood, I learned about Brian. Knowing that Brian knows what I've gone through made me feel more confident about my life. Everyday I reminded myself that I wasn't alone. Whenever I'd get discouraged about my health I would just pop one of your CD's and close my eyes. The sound of your sweet voices always made me feel better.

I saw you all in concert for the first time during the summer tour in 1998. I had gone to the Milwaukee, WI show with a friend of mine. It was the greatest day of my life...and the scariest. I missed the last ten minutes of the concert due to the fact that my heart rate had sped up too fast. I don't remember much after I blacked out except taking one last look at the stage and seeing Brian staring straight at me as the paramedics wheeled me away. I never thought a single glance could make a person feel better inside. In October of 1999 I was to attend yet another concert in Chicago. Needless to say I had the time of my life.

I'd like to take this time to thank each and every one of you individually. AJ....what can I say about you that someone hasn't already. You're presence alone makes me smile. Your sense of expression when you sing sends chills down my spine. Keep singing and keep your funk. No one could ever be like you. You're one of a kind Bone. Howie... you have got to be the sweetest thing on the face of this planet. You definitely live up to your name....Sweet D. Your kindness and sincere personality gives me hope that there is still good in the world. After all you've been through, you still keep a smile on your face. That's very admirable. Don't ever change. Kevin ... you are like none other. Your faith in yourself is encouraging to me. No matter what anyone says, you still go on being yourself. That takes guts man. Keep looking straight ahead and you can conquer the world. Nick...you're adorable hon. You always make me laugh. Like you I wasn't very popular in school. I was always the outsider. Knowing that you've been through the same thing helps me walk with my head up. I'm not ashamed of who I am and I don't let anyone tell me I'm something I'm not. I wish you the best in the future. Don't ever change you're special they way you are no matter what anyone says. Last, but certainly not least...Brian. Brian your strong faith in God our heavenly Father has been the biggest inspiration to me. Knowing that you know what it's like to be me keeps me taking on each day with ambition. When I get discouraged and I feel like giving up I remind myself that you never gave up. You've been through the exact same thing and look at where you are. You're achieving your goals, and so can I. Thank you for your inspiration and for being who you are.

I want to end this letter with a final note. All of you guys hold a special place in my heart. I'll never forget my days of being a BSB fan. You aren't just a popular band, or a group of good looking guys...you're so much more than that. You're all the big brothers that I never had. I hope I will be able to meet you all someday and tell you how I feel face to face. But until then...keep performing and keep smiling.

An Inspired Fan,

Rachel Crawford