In the aftermath of tragedy, such as the terrorist attack at Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester on Monday evening that claimed the lives of 22 people and left 59 injured, it's not uncommon for those who escaped the ordeal to experience survivor's guilt – the perception to have done wrong by surviving a traumatic event when others did not.
One such individual is Grande herself who, following the attack, took to Twitter to voice her sorrow about the incident, telling her fans she was left feeling 'broken' and 'so so sorry'.
As a result, a father of three girls from the US penned an emotional open letter to the 23-year-old performer telling her not to feel responsible or guilty for the death of so many fans and their family members.
Patrick Millsaps, who lives in Georgia, US wrote: 'I am a father of three daughters - ages 13, 12 and 12, so you have been a part of our family for years.
'After reading a tweet you posted on Twitter the other night; I'm afraid I need to set to set you straight girl. So listen up and receive some redneck love from a daddy of daughters.
'You don't have a dagum thing to apologise for. If some jackass had gotten drunk and killed someone with his car next to your hotel in Manchester, would you feel responsible? If the night before your concert, a tornado hit Manchester and tragically killed several people who were going to your concert; would you feel the need to apologise?
'You see, you are no more responsible for the actions of an insane coward who committed an act in your proximity than you would be for a devastating natural disaster or acts of morons near your hotel,' he added.
The 44-year-old, who is a film producer, also offered the singer some advice on how to move on from this horrific ordeal.
'Spend time with your God, your family and your friends who will give you space and support when you need it.
'When you and only when you are ready, on behalf of all the dads who love your… um… whose daughters love your music 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.
'So there you go my dear, unsolicited advice from a fat dude in Georgia who loves his daughters and appreciates that there are people like you in the world. Take care of you first. Your fans aren't going anywhere,' he concluded.
Since Millsaps posted his letter to social media, it has been retweeted almost 20,000 times, with Twitter users commenting on the post, praising his kind words to the star.
'We really need more people like you in this world!! You have made more than Ari smile! We all needed to read this for sure! Thank you,' wrote one user.
Another commented: 'This man deserves father of the year award! So sweet, honest and real! We need more people like him in our world!'
Proof that light always follows darkness.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
