OMG I don't even know where to begin. There is so much I want to say. Michael Jackson. I can't believe this legend, this person, this talent has left us.
I have great Micahel Jackson memories, like my mother making me a glitter glove so I could be like him. I remember seeing the Motown 25th Anniversary special and being blown away and feeling like what I was watching was magic. I remember sleeping with my parents and that Thriller was soooo popular that every single morning when the radio alarm went off, that song was playing (I was terrified of Thriller, it took years for me to finally watch the video). I remember the Jackson 5 cartoon re-runs and wishing Michael was still that young boy because then we could be boyfriend and girlfriend, but in reality he was a grown man performing Beat It and Billie Jean.
I can't believe my parents listened to his music as young people and that I too loved him in my coming of age years. How in the world did he speak to multiple generations that way? Although the Thriller album was the best and most memorable for most his Bad album was very special to me. It was the first record (yes RECORD) I had ever asked my parents to buy and I LOVED it. I even performed a dance to Another Part of Me in a third grade talent show.
I remember seeing those world tours on TV and watching all those people crying because they wanted to get a glimpse of Michael. I would cry, too. I remember world premieres of his music videos and being so amazed by that wonderful choreography. I would learn the moves and like every other parent in the world my mom would make me perform to his songs in front of guests.
And if you visit this blog regularly you probably remember me mentioning my summer visits to Gary, IN, Michael's birthplace and home in his very early years. I saw the little house he lived in. I met people who had seen or known him before he was a star and felt some kind of connection simply because I was spending time in a place he had once called home.
Despite all the controversy and troubles that followed him I love what he did for music and for the world. I feel so blessed to have been touched by his work and look forward to keeping his timeless art alive. I pray for his family and friends, and I pray that his spirit finds peace. We'll miss you Michael.
