Where do I begin? I couldn't believe the news of Michael's death when a caller reached me here at the radio station and asked if I had heard about him being admitted to the hospital. I had just arrived at work and had not been near a tv or the internet as of yet. While the caller was on the line with me I went to www.yahoo.com and at that time all that was confirmed was that he had indeed been rushed to hospital with an apparent cardiac arrest. I immediately prayed that he would pull through but as I would later learn by that time he was already dead.
I have been absolutely sick since finding out this devastating news. I mourn along with millions of fans all over the world. Michael's music transcended all musical genres and all demographics. We will never see such a star again and he will be truly missed. I'll never forget watching the 25th Anniversary of Motown along with my great-grandmother. She was not much for television watching and definitely only listened to gospel, but I remember her being absolutely transfixed right along with me as we watched him glide across the stage. The only non-gospel music she had ever purchased for me had been the early Jackson 5 records. She called them "those Jackson boys." LOL I remember her asking me that night, "Isn't that one of those Jackson boy?" I told her it was Michael and I remember her smiling and praising his dancing.
I also look back at the beginning of my career in radio. At that time Michael's song "Remember the Time" was hot on the radio. I know there are so many people who can equate certain times in their lives that coincide with Michael's music. This is really aging myself but I remember the "Thriller" video coming out when I was in the 8th grade. I didn't have cable at home but I would go to friend's houses that did and watch all his music on the then new MTV channel. Michael may be gone but his memory will live forever.
My heart goes out to his children and his family. We fans are mourning the musical icon, but his family mourn the man that he was. Please remember to pray for them. I know what it's like to lose a sibling and parents. It's a devastating loss. I thank God for blessing us with the musical talent of Michael Jackson. In his own way he did make the world a better place with his music.
Love,
J
