Meredith

When people talk about Linkin Park's legacy, they usually mention album sales or sold-out arenas. But one of the band's biggest turning points came in 2002.

Chester Bennington passed away nine years ago today, on July 20, 2017.

Today is your birthday. We should be at the beach celebrating together, feeling the warm sun and listening to the gentle waves, but you are no longer here. We used to talk for hours about anything and everything that came to mind, without judgment, with pure-hearted honesty. I remember every birthday when I surprised you, watching your face light up with a radiant smile, loving every moment as you eagerly waited for the Happy Birthday song to finish so you could make your selfless wish. Every year, you wished for the same thing: "I wish that anyone in the world feels loved, never alone, and cared for." I soon realized the tragedy in your wish—you never once asked for anything for yourself, always for others. How could I not love you, after all the hardships life brought your way? It seemed like all that was in your heart was unconditional love for those who hurt you, for those who loved you every day, and even for strangers. I have learned so many things from you that helped shape me into a better person. You opened my eyes to so much more than the surface. For that, I will always thank you, because you loved me even when I didn’t love myself. During my darkest times, you held my hand, smiled, and repeatedly reassured me that everything would be okay. When I was ready to give up on life, you gave me hope, reminding me that I am not as bad as everyone perceives me to be. I was just a young girl trying to survive the unthinkable, with no help or care from anyone in the world—enough to save me.