“I affirmably believe in the saying the
impossible is always possible and you don’t need anybody else to
tell you that you’re good.”
– Selena Quintanilla Pérez
Selena has been a big source of inspiration throughout my life. I
was four years old when she was taken from us. Living on naval bases
in Florida and Puerto Rico, I was exposed to Selena’s music on the
radio. My mother and I took a liking to her music despite knowing
minimal Spanish. I vaguely remember hearing the news of her death,
but being so young at the time, I really didn’t comprehend it.
When the movie came out in 1997, I got my first glimpse of what
Selena was really like as a human being. Selena was so far beyond
being just a talented vocalist; she was a woman who wanted to touch
the world. She saw the good in everyone and hoped that everyone
could become the best they could be. Selena really captured me, not
only with her talent, but with her pure, genuine heart.
Even though I only really got to know what kind of person she was
after her untimely death, she has been a role model for me
throughout my life.
Selena’s music and interviews remind me to embrace the things that I
hold dear and to never give up. Whenever things seem hopeless, I
think about Selena and the love and joy she lived her life with,
more importantly, I think about how that life touched so many people
and how those people allow her to live on. Selena was such a pure
spirit and so many people fell in love with her for that. Her
passionate fan-base is proof that there is good in the world despite
all the negativity that appears to counteract it. Selena was one of
the most special people to ever live.
It is hard for me, and most of her fans, to accurately put into
words what she means to me. To this day, it breaks my heart to know
that she was taken from us. In spite of the fact that she is no
longer physically present, she continues to touch the world and gain
new fans every day. I believe that Selena will be one of few people
who will truly live forever through the hearts of those who love
her.
My mother and I watch the movie throughout the year and dance to her
music. After a few years of Spanish classes I am now able to
understand the lyrics to the songs that first caught my attention. I
can really connect with the emotion of her songs and continue to
listen to them as they mirror the events of my life as a young
woman. I am now about to turn 20 and in the process of working on
bachelor’s degrees in Art and Psychology. Wherever I go in life I
keep Selena’s words in the back of my head and love flowing from my
heart.
Dondequiera que éstes, estaré pensado en ti.
- Portia, Maryland
Selena will be gone for 16 years this 31st of March.
No matter how many years go by she will always live on through her
music. Her music will never fade away.
I grew up a Selena fan and I will be a fan of her music until the
end of time.
I wish that she was here today to make more beautiful songs. I wish
she was here to celebrate her 40th birthday with family, friends and
fans.
Selena is my inspiration because she believed in a dream and had the
courage to make her dream come true.
I have loved her ever seen I was 9 years old. I'm now thirty and I
love her so very, very much. I will always love her. I treasure
every single Selena item and CD that I have.
I am planning on naming my first child "Selena Rose" after her.
I love you Selena. I miss you so much Selena.
Where is the music that played...
xxxxxooo Selena 1971-1995
My love that I have for you comes from the bottom of my heart.
- Corinne
Selena you maybe be gone, but you will forever live on through your
music and through memories.
I'm one of the biggest Selena fans.
I love all her music and her family is amazing.
Selena you will miss always.
R.I.P Selena.
I know your up in heaven and your singing to everyone and your
looking down on everyone and your so proud of your family and of
Chris.
Selena, our angel.
- Casey
Tal vez cueste creer que haya pasado tanto tiempo. Tal vez cueste
creer que si hoy Selena estuviera entre nosotros estaría por cumplir
40 años. No puedo dejar de pensar qué sería de Selena hoy, lo feliz
que estaría, no sólo por los múltiples logros artísticos, sino por
todo lo que hubiese obtenido personalmente producto de su Amor
infinito, de su bondad, de su autenticidad, de ser una mujer tan
genuina. No puedo dejar de imaginarme a Selena feliz con Chris y
rodeada de sus hijos jugando con ella. Me imagino a Selena apoyando
a sus niños en todo lo que quisieran emprender, dándoles su Amor y
un ideal de vida que ella aprendió con mucho sacrificio y con un
tesón invalorable …. Selena hoy sería sin duda la mejor artista del
mundo, porque como ella no hubo, ni hay ni habrá. Ella misma lo
sabía y ella misma lo dijo en un video casero dirigido a su banda
que la había acompañado en ese hermoso y paradojal camino al éxito.
Selena era simplemente distinta. Tenía todo para dar. Tenía talento,
ideas, proyectos, ganas de ser mucho más que una simple cantante,
como lo demostró creando “Selena Etc.”, un hermoso sueño personal
hecho realidad…
Más allá de los años, más allá del tiempo pasado, más allá de su
ausencia, yo no puedo dejar de asociar su 40 aniversario con el
regalo de cumpleaños. ¿Y qué sería hoy en día el mejor regalo para
Selena? Yo siempre recuerdo lo que dijo Selena en un reportaje: “Yo
sólo quiero que me recuerden con Amor”. Y como sé que para Selena lo
más importante eran esos gestos hacia ella más que los
grandilocuentes regalos de ocasión, mi mejor regalo hoy y para
siempre a Selena es poder expresarle mi Amor y mi cariño
incondicional. Poder decirle todos los días, poder escribirle cada
semana que ella cambió mi vida para siempre, que dejó una huella en
mi corazón porque Selena estaba llena de Amor, que lo expresaba en
su canto, en sus actuaciones, en su forma de encarar la vida, en la
manera de entregarse a su gente. Selena es todo para mí, ella supo
hacerme ver el valor de la vida, el valor de luchar siempre por los
sueños, el valor de no darse nunca por vencido, el valor de defender
los ideales de vida, el valor de dar todo por Amor a cambio de nada,
el valor de hacer lo indecible por hacer de éste un mundo mejor a
través de los actos diarios de nuestras vidas…
Felicidades, Selena, donde quiera que estés y sabes que no eres sólo
fotos y recuerdos. Siempre vivirás a través del Amor y del cariño de
tu gente. Y sé que mientras ello ocurra, tú siempre serás feliz…
Te lo dice de corazón que sólo a ti pertenece…
- Sergio Ernesto Rodríguez
Buenos Aires, Argentina
English Translation of Sergio's
message
(Translated by Bernie 27/2/2011):
Perhaps it is difficult to think that so much time has passed.
Perhaps it is painful to imagine that today Selena would be among
us reaching her 40th year. Nonetheless, I can't stop thinking of
what Selena would be today, how happy she would be, not only on
account of multiple artistic successes, but for all that she would
have wrought personally as the result of her infinite Love, her
innate goodness, her authenticity, her being a woman of such
genuineness. I cannot but think of Selena happy with Chris and
surrounded by and playing with their children. I imagine Selena
helping her children in whatever endeavor they might want to
undertake, giving them her love and the way of life which she
learned herself through great sacrifice and dogged tenacity. Selena
today would without doubt be the greatest artist in the world,
for there was no one like her, is not now, and never will be. She herself
knew it and she herself said it in a home video of her band, which
had accompanied her on that lovely and paradoxical road to success.
Selena was simply different: She had everything to give; she had
talent, ideas, projects, hopes to be much more than a simple singer,
as she demonstrated creating "Selena, etc.", a beautiful personal
dream realized.
Beyond all the years, beyond all the time which has passed, beyond
her absence, I cannot visit her 40th anniversary with a leaving a
birthday present. And what would be the best gift today for Selena?
I always remember something Selena said in a news piece, "I only
want that you all remember me with Love". And as I know that for
Selena most important would be these gestures towards her, far more
than bombastic gifts for the occasion; my best gift for Selena today
and forever is to be able to express to her my unconditional Love
and caring-- to be able to tell her every day, to be able to write
to her each week of how she changed my life forever, that she has
left a mark in my heart because Selena was full of Love, Love she
expressed in her song, in her performances, in her way of living her
life, in the manner in which she gave herself to her people. For
me, Selena is all: she knew how to make me see the worth of life,
the worth of always fighting for one's dreams, the worth of never
giving up, the worth of defending life's ideals, the worth of giving
everything for the sake of love selflessly, the value of doing
countless things unspoken to make this a better world through the
daily acts of our lives.
Congratulations, Selena, wherever you may be and you know that you
are not merely "fotos y recuerdos" (Photos and memories, a Selena
song). You will always live through the Love and caring of your
people. And I know that as long as that happens, you will always be
happy...
I tell you this from my heart, which is yours alone...
Selena was an amazing person.
I never knew of her till the movie came out in 1997.
I wish she was still here with us so we can experience more of her
wonderful talents.
I love her music she is and always will be my favorite singer/role
model.
She's amazing wonderful and very talented and will always live on
through her music.
We all miss her and love her.
- Heather Osborne
I cant believe it has only been 16 years since the great Selena's
death because to me it has felt like much longer.
If Selena would still be alive today she would have shared so much of
her talent with us, her fans, and the whole world.
I keep believe that she would have been 40 years old because
Selena's spirit was filled with so much youthful joy.
We love you! Happy Birthday Selena R.I.P.
-Sarah
Palmatier
Selena was a beautiful person in and out.
I love her music and her dance moves and what she stood for.
She never forgot her roots as a Mexican American and my biggest
dream is to follow in her footsteps and sing Tejano and American
music.
Selena was the best without a doubt and she will be forever missed.
Siempre en mi Corazon
- Christopher R.
How can I put it in just a few words what Selena means to me?
She was a beautiful smart talented Hispanic woman!!
I remember I was in middle school when I heard the news! I was
shocked there would be someone so evil to want to harm her....not
Selena!
My whole school wore yellow ribbons and had ribbons on their cars in
support of her family.
I love her and her music -- though my parents never had the money to
take me to her concerts or even buy me one of her CDs.
You always hear about singers and actors doing bad things: drugs
drinking etc.
Selena was one of those you could look up to that was clean.
She had no need for that stuff. She lived a very well rounded
life.
Selena showed me that you can do anything if you just try believe in
yourself!
SELENA FOREVER ALWAYS ALWAYS WE LOVE YOU AND THE BEST WISHES TO YOUR
FAMILY......
-
Guadalupe Gonzalez
To the family, to this day every time I hear one of Selena's songs
it truly inspires me to go on further.
I recently lost my mother, and I have my good day's and
bad.........so when I hear Selena's song's, I cry, I think, and
honestly her song's help me in ways you can't understand.
I am a stronger woman because of her songs.............I pray for
Selena's family and I am still and always will be her biggest fan.
Much love to the family and I appreciate the family for keeping her
website in such A+ condition.............May God Bless You.
- Stephanie Jackson
I
became a heartfelt fan of Selena in August of 2010 after seeing
"Selena" the movie and spending the entire day on this site and
others watching historic videos of Selena.
I have had her "Last Concert" video playing in my DVD player at
least a hundred times and also have the Johnny Canales DVD along
with "Ones".
I believe that the people of the world lost someone who not only
gave amazingly passionate performances for a women so young...
...but that we had stolen from us someone who would have produced, I
truly believe, some of the most meaningful songs and performances of
our lifetime.
I miss Selena every day and listen to her music over and over
without fatigue, and this from a 53 year old white guy.
Happy 40th birthday to you Selena in your permanent home in God's
side in heaven.
Love Barry.
- Barry Goldkind
10+
Sadly Selena has been gone 16 years this March
31,2011.
No matter how many years pass since Selena died, she is still loved
and remembered by her fans and others.
Selena's music will last forever. It will never be forgotten nor
will she be forgotten. We love her to much to let that happen.
I have been a fan of Selena's since I was 5 years old in 1995.
I will be 21 next month. I will always be a fan of hers no
matter what. Selena is my all time favorite singer in the entire
world.
No one can ever change my mind on that.
I wish I had the chance to meet her and go to one of her concerts.
But I was to young to go to one when she died. At least I have
videos of her concerts to watch. So I can kind of say that I have
been to a Selena concert.
Selena has inspired me in many different ways that I can not put
into words. She will always be my inspiration and my idol.
Because I love her so much I buy anything I can find that has to do
with Selena. I could not tell you how much money I have spent on
Selena.
To me it does not matter. I would spend all my money on Selena no
matter what.
Also I listen to Selena's music every single day and I never get
tired of it.
If or when I have kids, if I have a girl I will name her "Selena".
YO TE AMO forever Selena!
- Love,Jessica Thomas, Chico California USA
I live on a tiny island out in the western Pacific Ocean and growing
up I did not know who Selena was.
I first heard of her when I was seven when the movie "Selena" came
out.
Seeing the movie just showed me how she lived -- her life and the
beautiful music she shared with the whole world.
Years went by and Selena's last concert DVD came out.
I bought it...sat down and watched it. As soon as the show
started, my jaw dropped and my eyes and ears were wide open.
I felt the power that came from her voice and the energy that came
from the screaming fans.
I felt as if I was there.
After seeing that concert I went further into searching "anything
Selena."
I found lots of videos that made me laugh...smile...dance...and cry.
I came to realize how much Selena had touched me deep inside my
soul. It was a feeling that I can't explain and that feeling
is still embedded within my soul.
Selena's death was a tragic thing I can't and still don't
understand.
But other than that, it is not something that I
remember her by...
When I think of Selena I think of the beautiful person she was --
she had a heart like no other. She had the sparkle in her eyes
and the sunshine in her heart, but most especially she had the
passion for music and performance.
Selena is the number one artist of all time
no matter what anyone
says. She beats the rest with all that she showed.
She will always be remembered and always celebrated.
SELENA FOREVER!!!!!!!
-
Alma Nunez Saipan (CNMI)
I was three years old when Selena
passed away.
I discovered her a few years ago, and I am now a huge fan.
It breaks my heart that she is no longer on Earth, but I feel as
though one day in Heaven I will somehow get to tell her 'thank you
for inspiring me.'
I am listening to "No Me Queda Mas" from her concert at the Houston
Astrodome right now and I can't help but want to cry, even though I
am in English class with fellow high school seniors.
Selena was just beautiful.
Her smile was contagious, and still is -- in our thoughts, in
pictures we see and in our hearts.
"Amor Prohibido" just came on; I wish I got the chance to meet
Selena.
But in my heart, she is an angel that is very much alive.
People I know and people around me don't understand how deep my
heart can feel, and I feel hurt for Selena having left us; she was
nothing but kind to everyone.
I see Sel in Jennifer Lopez and Karen Rodriguez on American Idol;
two ladies inspired by Sel...one famously played her, the other
sings her songs on national television.
I love you Selena; I miss you.
You still shine.
"Como La Flor"
-Holli P.
I think every single day about Selena.
It's hard to believe she would have been 40 this April 16th.
We lost so much, but that goes without saying.
I became aware of her when I first watched the movie Selena. The
first time was kind of "in and out" for me. I became aware of
the sad ending and wondered how that could have happened to someone
so beautiful, talented and young.
I did not actually know who she was at that point in time.
The second time I watched it with my daughter and it left an
impression on me that made me want to know more and more about her.
I rented the Last Concert DVD and, to be honest, was kind of
embarrassed because I don't know a lick of Spanish.
I was totally taken with this beautiful, talented, humble person who
had so much energy along with a smile that could light up the night.
I purchased CD after CD along with Spanish translators so I could
sing along with her music.
To this day I am still trying to learn the words and have even
thought about ordering Rosetta Stone to learn the language. I
ordered the books "Selena's Secret," "Justice for Selena," "Como La
Flor," the Johnny Canales performances on DVD, posters, dolls, etc.
To this day I can't get enough of her.
I think the reason she means so much to me is that in spite of the
fact that she was a female in a male dominated genre, she never gave
up. I feel the same way because I run a business that is mostly men
and I just keep trying and trying and have been able to keep it
going since 2003 when my husband, who started the company, passed
away.
She was so perfectly beautiful, talented and kind. There will
never be another like her.
I always think of the time at Olive Garden when she ordered a cake
for a little old lady dining alone and paid her bill anonymously -
who else but Selena would do that??
I went to Corpus last September for my 50th birthday present to
myself. We drove from Maryland. I could feel her spirit in the
air. It was really hard to see her grave and it brought me to tears.
I went back later that day alone to her grave and a small bird
appeared in the mesquite tree and started singing.
I know that it was her. She was telling me to never give
up.
I also suffer from alcoholism and Selena was against all that.
I use her for my higher power to keep me strong and sober. She has
inspired to me go back to my religious faith, which I lost many
years ago when my husband passed away at 45 from lung cancer and I
was angry and bitter.
When I visited the museum, I wanted so badly to see Mr. Quintanilla,
but he was not there. I left a card for the Quintanillas to
thank them for such a wonderful gift that they gave to the world.
Even though I did not meet them personally, everything I wanted to
say was in my letter and I hope they know how much Selena has
touched me and my life.
How hard it must be for her parents, but I know they are strong in
their faith that they will see her again.
If she had lived to celebrate this birthday, she would have had a
bunch of beautiful children and be a part of every organization that
was worthwhile.
She has taught me to be more patient and kind to people.
I have several framed posters of her in my home and everyday I ask
her to help me be a better person.
I will never be the same after visiting her home in beautiful Corpus
and she will always live in my heart. I try to let everyone
know what a special person she was and try to live my life according
to her example.
I know she is singing with the angels. I love you Selena. I
hope to see you one day in heaven.
Happy Birthday and I love you.
-
Michele French
Where do I begin?
In 1991, I was introduced to Selena simply from hearing her on the
radio. Soon after, I purchased the album "Entre a Mi Mundo."
It was so astounding to me how much this album meant to me and how
simply fun it was.
Back then, I was a young teenager who had no worries in the world --
just young, innocent, vibrant and full of life.
I remember rewinding the tape over and over and wondered when this
idol of mine would come to television where I could feel more
intimate with her.
Little did I know, Selena had been appearing on television way
before then. I would turn to selected Spanish channels because
I had an opportunity to see her or her videos.
I'll never forget the first video I saw, "La Carcacha". She
was everything I imagined her to be.
Along with beauty I soon learned of her vibrant and unique
personality. At that point, I was a FAN.
As the years went on I saw how much she was evolving and in a
strange manner felt I, myself, had been evolving because of
fatherhood at a young age. I was 17 with two children.
When I received the devastating news regarding her death in 1995, I
simply could not believe she was gone.
I certainly felt really bad, but in 1997 with the release of her
life documentary I found myself getting into a depression and I
realized that her death had affected me more so than I had ever
imagined.
It was then, I started engaging in many turmoils and things just
spiralled out of control for me. It wasn't that Selena was
gone, but it was that I had made some dumb decisions in my life.
Now, I'm 32 years old and I often find myself reminiscing of the
90's and how her music spoke to me in so many ways.
Honestly, I currently use her music and image as a part of my
recovery on a daily basis.
I laugh, cry, dance and smile whenever I hear or see her and I'm
grateful for
sites like this that allow me to express myself and at the same time
continue to heal myself.
Selena, for me, ended up being more than an entertainer; for me,
she became my angel.
Along with other spiritual guidances, I use her to continue my path
of righteousness.
Gracias Selena from my whole heart and I hope one day to see you
soon in the afterlife.
- With Love, Ray Cruz Jr. Mesa, AZ
Selena is such an inspiration to me.
Not just as a singer, but as a person.
She had a big heart that loved everybody no matter what.
Everything that is happening in Japan right now. Selena probably
would be there helping a lending hand.
When Selena said, “Be
strong minded and always think that the impossible is possible,”
I think that was the best advice she could have ever gave, because
every time I read that quote, I never give up on myself. I believe I
can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
I love you Selena. Happy 40th Birthday. You will always be
remembered.
- Omar Sanchez - Lubbock, TX
Selena is amazing.
I knew from the start who she was. But recently when I had
some spare time, I decided to watch her movie for the first time.
I was amazed, shocked, confused.
I was amazed what incredible talent Selena had. She is my role model
I can't believe someone in a small town like Corpus Christi could
actually make it to the big time especially since she's a female and
she's a Mexican American.
Anytime I see something of Selena I smile and think "no
one can replace you girl, no matter how similar they are...you cant
be replaced your unparalleled beauty."
I am Selena's biggest fan and it's so very painful to see a young
star die in a tragic way.
- I
am unknown but proud of Selena....Corpus Christi
TX
I wish I could have met Selena because I've heard all her songs and
I've seen all her dance moves.
I like them a lot.
Almost every day I dance to Selena's moves.
- Roselee M Carrizales
Hi name is P. J. and I'm from Rialto California.
I'm 23 years old, the same age Selena was when she passed away. I'm
also a singer and aspiring record producer myself, and have been
working at developing my talent since I was about 16 years old.
I recently became a huge fan of Selena last year in 2010 after
hearing my cousin watching one of her music videos in my living
room. I've been a big fan ever since.
I have known about Selena since I was about seven or eight years old
when I saw the movie with Jennifer Lopez. I guess now that I'm
older, I can fully understand how beautiful and brilliant a person
she was.
I want to say that SelenaForever.com has helped me learn more about
her, not only as an entertainer, but the person she was in real
life.
Seeing videos and documentaries of her has inspired me and makes me
want to be a great person in life just like her.
I also want to say that writing stuff about people I admire is very
uncommon to me, but seeing other fans of her saying such nice things
makes feel obligated to say something -- also since she means so
much to me and inspires me so much as a person.
I wish she was still here so I could one day have met her because
she has now become one of my role models in life.
- P.J. Overton, Rialto California
Selena, a bright beautiful angel.
Selena is special to me because she always took time out to help
others...her tireless efforts with the poor and the underprivileged
children of the world. Plus she had an undying love for her
fans.
Selena will always be remembered in my heart. I love her very
much. I have been listening to her music for years, and I
cherish her music and DVDs.
Unlike other artists, Selena never forgot who she was or where she
came from. She never refused an autograph...she never gave up
and she always reminded us that life is precious.
Her powerful messages such as "nothing is impossible" and "stay in
school" and "keep off drugs and alcohol" teach us how to make the
most of our short time on earth.
As Johnny Canales once said, "she truly was an angel sent from
heaven."
- Julie
20+
Selena is my all time favorite.
She made me look at the world differently. To be nice and help out
because any thing is possibly.
I'm 17 and ever since i was little to what I can remember I've
always wanted to sing like her and get to meet her one day.
Her spirit still lives on and so does her music. I LOVE
SELENA! She's my idol. Always keep going at it, no matter what
happens she is with us all.
-Sandra Carolina Solano
It's hard to believe that this Thursday will be the 16th anniversary
that our beloved angel was taken from us. It will be a very sad day
for a lot of people including myself.
I try to imagine what the world would have been like if Selena was
celebrating her 40th birthday next month. I believe it would have
been a much more caring and loving world had she filled it with her
music and her smile over the past 16 years. When I listen to
Selena's music, I like to think of it as she is still singing to us
from heaven.
It's funny, although I know very little Spanish, I love to hear her
sing her Latino songs. Although I love all Selena's songs my
favorite by far is "Dame Tu Amor." I find myself hitting
replay over and over whenever the CD plays that song.
I for one will be very sad this week, but come next month I would
like to send Selena a great big birthday wish from all the way up
here in Massachusetts and say "Thank you Selena for giving us such
great beautiful music even if it was only for a short time". Your
music will live forever in my heart.
"Happy 40th Birthday my Queen". I will light a candle for you on
your 40th birthday. I hope to make it to Corpus Christi someday
soon.
God Bless the Quintanilla and Perez families.
- Shelby66
Tomorrow will make 16 years since my idol departed.
Even though I'm not Mexican, I was raised the only white child in a
Mexican-American family. I grew up listening to Selena and am
still a huge fan of her. I will always remember her.
Tomorrow I will definitely take a moment of silence for Selena, and
I will make sure everyone else does the same.
Selena...SIEMPRE TE RECORDAREMOS!!!
-Billy Kimble
Selena,
Hace 16 años le quitaron. Tan joven y lleno de vida, aliste para
tomar en el
mundo. Aunque yo nunca le encontrara, yo siempre sentí una conexión.
Su
herencia vive encendido a través de su música, familia, amigos y
ventiladores.
Gracias tanto por su música hermosa, su vida pero sobretodo, sus
memorias que
guarden por siempre su estrella el quemar brillante. Usted es verdad
una
inspiración. Gracias.
- Kelli, Pennsylvania
English Translation:
Selena,
16 years ago you were taken away. So young and full of life, ready
to take on the world. I never got to meet you or know you, but
somehow always felt a connection.
Your legacy lives on through your music, family, friends and fans.
Thank you so much for your beautiful music, your life but most of
all, your memories that will forever keep your star burning bright.
You are truly an inspiration.
Thank you.
- Kelli, Pennsylvania
Selena is a great role model for young girls. She's certainly
my role model.
She may be gone, but her spirit will always live forever whether in
music or life.
Happy birthday Selena and we miss you.
- Shaquala
I love Selena so much!
I wish she was still here with us today. She would have been a huge
success in the English language market. I can only imagine what
great music she would making today.
My favorite Selena song is "Dreaming of You." I think it's one of
the best love songs ever.
I love Selena for her talent and beauty. She was and still is a
great role model. She was so famous but always remained down to
earth and personable with everybody.
Selena will never be forgotten. She was and still is, truly special.
Thank you God for bringing somebody like Selena to be with us even
if it was only for a short amount of time.
- Laura, Kansas City
i
Hello to all of Selena fans, friends, families.
Today should be a day to be thankful. Thankful for a wonderful
person who brought happiness into all of our hearts.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez music is amazing to me. I'm a male and I
listen to her song a lot. She has a wonderful voice and she always
carried herself with grace.
I respect her music a lot. I read a lot about her personal life just
to get a more in-depth feeling to her music.
The first time I heard about her death is when I was 8 years old. I
didn't know who she was, but my mom was real sad, and I was clueless
at the time. Years later, I came to realize what a big impact she
left in many of our hearts.
It really pains me to even think about it. Reading all the
stories...but in the end, I just focus on the impact she left, not
how she passed away.
Selena's
soul will always live on. I just want to thank her loved ones for
bringing a super person into this world. It's been a fun ride, and
it's not going to stop.
Here's a Selena poem I did for today.
Death is not the end
Some think it's the end.
Her soul lives on.
From all her songs.
There is no corner, no dark place.
Only Joy and happiness in that bright place.
Always speaking with honesty and truth.
Her love caring heart keeps out the rain and builds the ultimate
roof.
You must come from heaven, because you have those pretty little
angel eyes.
When I gaze at them, my heart begins to fly.
So I thank you Selena Quintanilla-Pérez for all the love you bring.
One day I will meet you and together we will sing.
Thank you.
Rest in peace Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995
- Mike
Me again... I wrote a poem for you, Selena. I faxed it to your
mother and father already. I don't know if they got it yet or not.
Well here it is...
I cannot understand,
Why you were taken away,
By some crazed fan,
Suffering disarray.
It wasn’t always like that,
You had it well for years.
You always deserved a pat on the back,
For the conquering of your fears.
It was alright…you were successful,
With all your number ones.
For twenty three years you dominated full,
Your title soon to be won.
From Como la Flor, to Amor Prohibido,
You overcame the others.
From Se Me Hace, to Se Acabo Aquel Amor,
You celebrated your Hispanic culture.
Now it is okay,
Even though you had a violent end.
Because to everyone, everyone,
You will always remain a friend.
Forever you’re remembered,
In old euphoria,
In us you’re still rendered,
As our only Selena.
-Billy Kimble
hola me da muchisimo gusto que aun la gente se acuerde de selena. es
una lastima que se haya muerto nuestra reyna innolvidable, que con
su gran voz nos regalo lo mas bonito que nos pudo haber dado, su
musica.
-
Erick Ordoñez
Selena was beautiful and talented woman.
I'm a 17 year old black boy. I love rap, but I fell in love
with Selena and her music.
I was only 1 years old...a baby when she died, so of course I was
unaware. I have seen the movie growing up, but it always bothered me
and it seemed sad when I saw it.
But I will never forget on the night of Christmas of 2009 last
school year, when I was 16, I finally watched the whole movie with
my older sister and officially saw how big Selena was going to be.
Now that I was old enough to finally understand the movie, I was
able to see how talented she was and how far she was going to make
it.
But now that I was old enough to understand the movie it felt like
my heart was broken and that I had just learned that Selena was dead
(even though I knew she had been dead for years.)
Immediately I went and start googling about Selena and listening to
her music. I fell in love with her music. Since then I have
just been in love with everything about Selena.
Much love to her and her family.
R.I.P. SELENA
-
Addison Sarter
30+
I became a Selena fan after hearing "I Could Fall In Love" and
"Dreaming of You" on my friend's CD. I immediately fell in love with
those songs.
As time went on, I began researching more and more on Selena and who
she was. Today, I listen to all her songs.
I'm just a white girl from Florida. I never grew up listening to
Tejano--it was something I discovered on my own.
Selena is truly a "legend" -- the epitome of the word. She proved
that even the impossible is possible. Her death is a tragedy,
but what a gift her life was.
I was only 3 years old when she was taken, but she is someone I look
up to in all aspects. Without ever meeting her, Selena changed my
life just by being alive and by being the person she was.
I love Selena and I cannot wait until the day I can finally meet her
and tell her how she changed me.
To think that this year would have been her 40th year is crazy to
me.
It reminds me of how fragile life can be and how everyday is a gift
and therefore should be lived to the fullest. I think Selena
lived her life to the fullest and I think she set the perfect
example of how we all should too.
Thank you Selena, for everything. And thank you to her family
for never giving up to keep her and her music alive.
Sometimes it feels like she's never even been gone.
Happy 40th Birthday Selena! I love you. :)
-
Caitlin Willard
What a beautiful & loving spirit Selena was!!!!!!
Everyone that I've heard & talked to has the most dear & cherished
things to say about Selena & righteously so & so it shall forever
be. It's exactly how I love, cherish & adore Selena with all my
heart. For she may not be here, but never forgotten, in that she
lives on forever.
Her voice is now quiet, but in her music & in our hearts she sings
forever. Her spirit calm is so deeply felt in our souls. If there is
anyone so alive it's for sure our divinely beautiful Selena. She was
simply pure love.
It still causes great hurt & sorrow to be without her in this world,
but we can still see the light and love in her eyes when we watch
her videos. She will shine in our presence forever.
To all that see this, I have created a birthday event on Facebook.
Please attend my
Selena Quintanilla Perez Birthday
Remembrance on April 16th to
honor Selena & her family on her birthday. To attend just click "I'm
Attending" on the event. All I'm asking is to play her music on her
birthday.
- Love Lee Montgomery, Pasadena, Maryland
I remember her music and loved it. I have watched the movie Selena
many, many times.
I am very sad that the world was robbed of this beautiful person. I
feel so sorry for her family in their loss.
She is an angel now and continues to live through the people who
loved her.
I think she would be very touched by how many people still think of
her today and wish she was still with us.
May this beautiful soul rest in peace.
Miss you Selena.
- Terry
Hi, okay so I'm kind of nervous because I feel like I'm talking to her,
but "Hi"...oh I already said that, okay umm...
First of all, you are BEAUTIFUL, more
beautiful than anyone I've ever known. From the music you sang to the
help you gave everybody.
I watch videos of you all the time. Sometimes
it makes me sad, but sometimes it makes me happy.
I don't know Spanish,
but I've learned your song in Spanish, Como La Flor (Like The Flower).
It's my favorite.
I was only about three when that tragic day came. I didn't
know about you until I saw your movie. Your music makes me want
to get up
and dance. It makes me want to sing...you make me feel happy.
You were an
angel on earth trying to find your way back home. Save me
some space up there Selena.
Your number fan,
- Steven Childs
Selena was everything a well brought up, beautiful-inside-and-out
woman should be.
She worked hard for her fame and never once let it consume her and
distract her from her family, friends, and fans, who mattered the
most.
She was the role model for Mexican-Americans, as well as people of
all ethnicities and backgrounds with her loving attitude and
positive lifestyle in promotion for D.A.R.E. and other charitable
causes.
So young and full of life, she lit the stage when she sang, full of
raw emotion and feisty energy that was contagious for all her fans.
There is a multitude of wonderful attributes about her, but what was
most beautiful was her sheer love for people - and her love for
life.
Selena will remain etched in time as one of the most profoundly
influential Tejano artists to ever perform.
She has been impacting lives of fans around the world since she
began singing -- and it is still astoundingly present today.
Through her family, friends and fans, she still lives on and will
forever.
We love you! Selena Vive!
- Emily Mayhew
There are so many things I would love to say about Selena, but it
would take me a century to write them all down.
I grew up listening to Selena, I first heard of her from my aunt. My
aunt had all her CDs, T-Shirts, videos...everything.
I wondered why my aunt admired her so much. When I turned six, I
found out why my aunt loved her so much -- it was because of the
message she was sending out to young Latino American girls
everywhere:
Never give up on your dreams. Anything is possible.
That alone was enough to explain my aunt's admiration for Selena. I
wanted to grow up to be just as good as a person as she was. I don't
remember listening to any other artist growing up, but her. Her
music was beautiful and genuine. You could just tell that she
sang from her heart.
Her death was truly a tragedy, and such a loss not only to her
family, but to all of us around the world.
I was four years old when she passed, I didn't really understand
what happened until a few years later, when Selena, the
movie, came out. As I was watching the movie and I could not believe
why anyone would want to hurt her. It was just really
saddening to me.
I am now 20 years old -- living in this new modern generation.
Yet I haven't forgotten about Selena.
I was six years old when I last saw her movie due to the fact that
my aunt lost our only copy of it. Well that changed last night.
After many phone calls and research, I finally found and bought the
Selena movie at this little movie rental place in the barrio.
I was so excited to go home and watch it with my partner who is
white Caucasian.
I remember the day I was telling her about Selena and she stopped me
and asked "who is that?"
I looked at her with my jaw dropped and I said "how can you not know
who Selena is!?!" So I asked her to watch the movie with
me.
Last night as we were watching the movie -- it was such an
incredible feeling -- I felt like the little six-year-old girl again
sitting in her gramma's living room watching Selena for the
first time.
Truly amazing.
The ending brought tears to both me and my partner's eyes. I am so
glad that I gained another fan for Selena, and this just proves to
me that she is not gone, her soul will live on forever.
I am going to hold onto this tape so I can share it with my future
kids and grandkids. I want to make sure they know what an
amazing person Selena was and how lucky their gramma/mom was to be
able to say that she grew up with Selena's music.
R.I.P. Selena Quintanilla Perez.
May your soul be as free as ever. Your family misses you...we,
your fans, miss you.
You will never be forgotten, your spirit will be carried through and
your music that will continue to be played for many generations to
come.
I love you Selena.
- Crystal Aguila, Paramount California
Selena will always be in our hearts.
I was not quite four when she was killed. I don't remember it
all that well. I knew who she was from a very young age though.
I remember one day I was in the car with my dad and he asked me
whether I wanted to listen to Celine (Dion) or Selena and I started
screaming "Selena!" I really don't recall my age then.
I've watched her movie throughout the years and have always listened
to my first CD, which was Dreaming of You, the CD my dad asked me if
I wanted to listen to.
From years of being played, the CD is now having problems playing.
The problems even show up on the songs when I try playing them on my
IPOD or on ITunes. It broke my heart when I discovered it.
I was lucky enough to meet a very nice young man from Lake Jackson,
who happens to be my boyfriend now, and over this past spring break
discovered he lived right around the corner from the last house the
Quintanilla family lived in.
I was also able to see where the family restaurant used to be.
It is now a day care.
It is sad to say that most Lake Jackson residents probably don't
know of the great talent that came from their town. It's
something that needs to be changed.
Selena has always been a very important part of my life. I am
proud to share such a wonderful heritage with her. I intend on
naming one of my own children after you in your memory.
We love you Selena, and we miss you.
Your music and legacy will love on forever.
- Bianca
There are innumerable biblical passages that elucidate Selena. Not
just the renowned public figure; but even more eternal Selena
Quintanilla Perez the woman an intricate creation of the Heavenly
Father.
Here are some powerful verses of scripture which encapsulate
Selena’s well-being:
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not
parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not
seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in
iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things hopes all
things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ”
-- I Corinthians 13:4-7
“And now abide in faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of
these is love.” -- I Corinthians 13:13
Would it be reasonable to think of Selena as a saint?
No.
However each rich preceding biblical passage from the book of
Corinthians to me reflects not only the high-spirited Mexican
American, but also her loved ones and her beloved Chris.
In terms of Selena today, I can envision her by the love and grace
of God along with Chris gorgeously formulating their family; as is
the aspiration of many young couples. Whether or not she and Chris
would have been blessed with five children as was her dream only God
knows for sure.
Faithfully I believe though that Mr. and Mrs. Perez would not only
be immersed in their journey as a couple but also as resilient,
loving and attentive parents.
At 40, I also harbor faith just as was and is still the case with
her mother, father, A.B. Marcella and Chris her wisdom on life would
wonderfully amalgamate similar to a lush tree of life in a garden.
What would be special is seeing her warmth; love and her sparkling
smile easily shielding and clothing the oppressed.
In terms of her artistry beyond the statistics and
numbers (with which this world is at times grossly obsessed), her
musicianship is revealed by her quality, not quantity.
Thinking about her especially reaching 40; it’s heartbreaking
because it is an everlasting what-if question when you feel it
should be palpable.
However I am thankful to the Lord for bestowing this earth with His
precious child for 23 years.
Even though her stay with us was much too brief; as with the
persevering Jesus Christ rising on the third day; Selena
reverberates in each child, in each mom, dad, young man, young woman
and each grandparent; who naturally open their hearts and minds to
her.
It is because of the Lord, to me Selena remains such a sunny
inspiration symmetrical in words and deeds. We may not all be
blessed with the same artistry in which the Quintanilla family and
Chris were bestowed but; we are each consecrated His breath of life
to make this existence meaningful not only for ourselves, but
looking deeper into the kaleidoscope reaching out to others.
Selena thank you.
- Randy
It's been 16 years since that tragedy and there has not been a year
I don't take the time to remember what you accomplished or how you
lived.
My heart still hurts and I wish your family well during this time of
year.
I hope people remember to include the family as they felt this
impact harder than anyone. I truly hope this finds them so
they know another is thinking of them as well.
- Sincerely Tad
I recently discovered the music of Selena and fell in love with her
sound, her energy and her ability to transcend her whole being into
the words of a song.
Selena unique ability to bring a song to life allows me to enjoy her
music without knowing the meaning of the words, I just feel the
words.
May Selena never be forgotten.
- Mary
40+
Selena was a beautiful and talented young lady with the voice of
angel.
It was through the movie Selena that began my love for her music.
I will light a candle for her on the 16th.
- Marie O'Driscoll
I love Selena Quintanilla so much I was even named after her I was
was born 3 years after her death and had only just learned about her
a few months ago.
She was such an amazing and wonderful person who shared a very
special gift with the world. Her songs touch my heart
especially "No Me Queda Mas." That song is very beautiful.
I just wish I had a chance to meet her or see her in person, but I
was too late. She had been taken away from us.
I watch the movie like everyday and it gets more and more amazing
every time I watch it. She was an angel sent from god.
Oh I miss her so much.
I'm planning to take a trip to Corpus Christi this summer to see her
grave, her statue and, of course, her museum.
I absolutely fell in love with her songs such as "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,"
"Como La Flor," "Baila Esta Cumbia," "La Carcacha," "Dreaming Of
You," "I Could Fall In Love" and many, many more.
I wish Selena was still alive. No other celebrity could top
Selena.
She was perfect
Te amo selena R.I.P.
-Selena Sepulveda
Selena... means the world to me.
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I was
only two years old when she passed away. I listen to her songs
every day.
She was just such an inspirational person. She was beautiful,
talented, caring and generous. She put everyone else before herself.
She didn't let anything stop her from going after her dreams. She
put so much effort and hard work into being the very best... and she
surpassed that and more.
Every year on the 31st of March, I light a candle in her memory.
I do the same on her birthday, April 16th.
I always dance and sing to her music. She was so amazing and, in my
eyes, she still is and always will be.
I plan on naming my daughter "Selena" when I have one. The good
thing about it is, my boyfriend loves Selena as well so we share the
same love for such an incredible person.
Selena has inspired me to keep moving towards my dreams and to have
always have a positive impact on people's lives - just like her.
My best wishes go out to her family. Selena will live in the
hearts of her fans forever
-
Elizabeth Gonzalez, NC
I
cant believe its been that long. I never knew
her, but as I grew up I began to love her music...
SELENA I LOVE YOU!
- Fanlisa Thomas
Los Cumpleaños 40 felices mi Reina dulce. Dios Bendice
- Shelby66
Selena means a lot to me because she really is a very special
person. Not because she can sing beautifully (she does), but
because she is genuine.
It's very rare to find someone who is honest, kind and who truly
cares about everyone else. Selena was always thinking about
how to help others.
She is my role model because she put her heart into everything she
did, whether it involved her career or her everyday life, she
treated all people the same.
Selena has a strong effect on people because they are inspired to be
their best because she was her best.
She inspires me to open my heart and show as much kindness as I can
to other people.
Whether it's been 16 years or 100 years, Selena will be loved and
remembered forever.
Happy Birthday Selena, I love you and miss you.
-
Dominique
Selena was a very special person, not only through
her music but how she treated others. Always giving and always
caring.
She lives on in the hearts of everyone and she is missed each and
everyday.
There is no one that can come close to Selena.
I fell in love with her music and still love it to this day and
always think about Selena how she was and how great of a person she
was.
- Karen Woods
[Selena] is one of my inspirations in life.
I can personally relate to her, because she was a Mexican-American,
but did not grow up speaking Spanish and I am Mexican-American, but
I didn't grow up speaking Spanish either.
People have told me that I am not Mexican, because I wasn't born in
Mexico or don't speak much Spanish. Both Mexicans and non-Mexicans
have told me that. I feel this is an ignorant way of thinking.
Who are they to tell me what I am and what I'm not?
It still hurt to hear people say that to me, but seeing how Selena
became a fluent Spanish speaker, inspires me. I am slowly learning
and hope to became fluent in the future.
I think that everyone can see that Selena was such a beautiful
person both inside & out. What she brought to this world was a song
to sing to, a beat to dance to, and a down-to-earth personality.
A beauty so breath-taking and a smile so contagious. The old and the
young naturally fall in love with her and people still fall in love
with her 'till this day even though she is no longer with us; and
because of this I feel that her legacy will last [Forever].