September 17, 2001

In this time of sadness for our nation, I have decided to take down my site dedicated to Ricky Martin. For me, this has not been an easy decision to make. I have been a fan for 10 years and I have wanted to help spread the message of the artist and his music to people around the world.

It is in times of deep sorrow and sadness that fans turn to music and to their favorite artists. They look for words of encouragement. Many artists have recognized the fact that their fans are deeply dedicated to them and care for them as much as they care for their own family members. For many fans, these artists are their family. Over the past week, recording artists from every genre have stepped up to let their fans know that they are okay. They have left messages on their "Official" web sites to assure their fans that they are fine and by encouraging them to help in anyway that they can. If you want to see the out pouring of support and pledges by artists to assist in fund raising and relief efforts, you need only to visit MTV.com. The lists of artists who are recording Public Service Announcements for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army is growing every day. Other artists are pledging money from upcoming concerts and special recordings to help the families of those who lost their lives.

And so, I have done much soul searching and I have realized that there are so many more important things in my life for me to focus on. Instead of spending time searching for articles and news across the web about this artist, I will spend that time with my family and loved ones. I will raise money for different charities and volunteer my time to assist them. After all, if this artist wanted his fans to have news on him and his career, I am sure that he would encourage his people to see that his "Official" sites are updated regularly.

As I say goodbye, I encourage those of you who come here to spend more time with your husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Appreciate your life. Live every day to the fullest.

Thanks for all who visited in the past!
RMSC