A reason to sing

For those of you who don't know, I love music. Maybe not just love, maybe survive by music. Growing up that was my drug. I was never even tempted with drugs or alcohol or smoking because I was addicted to my music.
Well, I was a member of the "Show Choir" in high school. We sang AND danced. It was a lot of fun and we were all very close. We had the most amazing teacher. She had actually been my teacher since freshman year.
Anyway, I did end up getting involved with a boy. Dun dun duh!! Oh boy I loved him. We would ride around together and listen to music in his truck, the big bass between us thudding away. Well, one day we were riding around and I had gotten comfortable enough with him that I decided i could also sing to the music instead of just listen. I don't remember if it was just a song he liked and wanted to hear without interruption or what but he said to me, "Don't ever sing again," or something along those lines. He wasn't a bad guy, I honestly think he was just joking around with me but I took it to heart. It broke it! I mean, I know I'm no pro or anything but I was young and in love and really cared what this kid thought of me. So I went to class the next day and was ready to check out. I wouldn't sing and my teacher wondered what was going on . I ended up telling her the story and she was so upset! I think he must have come to meet me after class that day because I remember her stopping us as we went to walk down the hall and she told him "Don't you ever say that to her again! ..." I can't remember the rest but she mended my heart that day and gave me a reson to sing. And I know that I may be just another student from her past, but I feel like she saved my life. What would I have done without the courage to sing, to have my music? I wouldn't be me. I would be nothing.
So i know that was kind of a weird random story, it's just that I found her an Facebook(which is exactly the reason I love that stupid little site so much) and it made me very emotional seeing her again. She gave me my first solos, and not because I had a great voice, but I think she just knew the love I have for music and didn't want me to lose that ever. She is an amazing woman with a lot of insight and I thank her for her wisdom and her belief in me.
Now i sing often, and usually loud enough for people to hear. I don't want to be the center of attention, I just want to do what I love.