MJ
If you asked me a week ago if I was a
Michael Jackson fan, I probably would have
said, "No," without giving it much thought.
But since his death and the resurgence of
all the music that made him such an icon,
it's like I've been transported back to
a part of my childhood, the part filled
with music and dreams and dancing.
I grew up loving Michael Jackson's music,
playing the Thriller album over & over again.
My brother & I used to make up dances to his
songs and perform our routines for my parents
in our living room on Stanley Street.
We even had a glove my brother covered with glue
and several jars of silver glitter.
We wanted the glove to be a surprise when we performed,
so we'd practice our routines in the basement &
then hide it in one of the ceiling tiles so no one would know.
Of course when we finally broke it out
for our big performance, there was glitter
everywhere and we were banned from bringing it
out again. But We kept it hidden in that ceiling tile
and took it out when no one was around because it
was just so cool. We felt like we were superstars ~
like Michael Jackson.
I remember when my brother taught me how to do the
moonwalk while we wore our footed pajamas and
how cool it was watching the "We Are the World" video,
knowing the importance of what the song was about.
And "Man in the Mirror" came out at a time in my life
when I was realizing the importance of trying to
have a positive impact on the world around me.
As I got older, I began listening to other
types of music, and Michael Jackson seemed over shadowed
by all the stories in the media ~ accusations and
plastic surgery, strange behavior and appearances.
But today's Memorial Service was a touching reminder
of the creative genius he was. We will probably never
know the truth from the fiction, but I, like many others,
will always remember the impact his music had on my life,
the excitement of singing along to Billy Jean, and
practicing those slick dance moves in the mirror
as we watched the Thriller video hundreds of times.
Great memories and stories that will stay with me
for the rest of my life.
Rest in peace.


