With Ariana Grande at home with her family in Florida – laying low while trying to deal with the aftermath of a suicide bombing at her concert this week – someone who has never even met the singer has reached out to offer assistance.
This is yet another example of humanity’s best shining through during a time when we’re always forced to grapple with its worst.
Patrick Millsaps, a father of three young daughters, wrote a lengthy open letter to the Grammy nominee on social media in which he urged the artist to "take care of you first."
The singer, of course, is at the center of the news this week for the most horrible of reasons.
On Monday night in Manchester, an ISIS-connected attacker detonated an explosive that killed 22 attendees at Grande’s concert.
The blast injured dozens more, prompting the world to stop and mourn – and, to a far lesser extent, prompting Grande to cancel portions of her upcoming tour.
Insiders have told multiple outlets in the days since that Ariana is "devastated" by what happened.
Which is what led Millsaps to address the star in this unexpected message.
"You have been a part of our family for years," wrote the father, adding in humor:
"On occasion, your songs may have stayed on the radio AFTER I have dropped the girls off at school."
Millsaps then urged the 23-year-old not to blame herself for the deadly attack that transpired.
"You are no more responsible for the actions of an insane coward who committed an evil act in your proximity than you would be for a devastating natural disaster or acts of morons near your hotel."
Upon calling off various European tour dates in the weeks ahead, Grande said the following:
"We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence.
"Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you."
With unexpected time off on the way, Millsaps offered a few pieces of advice to Grande.
"Spend time with your God, your family and your friends who will give you space and support when you need it," he wrote, explaining later that he does think Ariana should return to the stage.
When the time is right, that is.
"When and only when you are ready….SING AGAIN. Music is the international language of peace. Every time you open your mouth and share that incredible God-given gift to the world, you make this crappy world a little less crappy
"Your fans aren’t going anywhere."
Patrick signed the letter “Sincerely, Morgan, Alison & Kendall’s Daddy.”
Grande has received messages of support from strangers, family members and friends over the past few days.
Some, such as this one from Kim Kardashian, got the sender in trouble.
But most clearly came from a place of sympathy and affection.
“It’s really been an eye-opener and for my friend Ariana it’s just beyond me,” Miley Cyrus said on Today this morning, adding:
“And I can’t wait to I get a second and give her a big hug, for sure.”
Cyrus also dedicated a song to Grande on The Voice this week (above), writing on Instagram shortly after the attack:
“Wishing I could give my friend @arianagrande a great big hug right now… love love love you …. so sorry you had to be apart of such a tragic event!” she wrote alongside an Instagram photo of herself and Grande.
“my most sincere condolences to anyone and everyone affected by this horrific attack! all I can do is send as much HOPE & PEACE your way!
"This MUST end! No more war …. no more innocent lives taken …. L-O-V-E."
We feel the same.
We send our best wishes to Grande and to everyone who has been affected by this terrorist act.
