A Piece of My Childhood Has Died

I know I’m not breaking any news here because you would have to be living in total seclusion and would not be reading my blog if you didn’t know already that Michael Jackson passed away yesterday. I was somewhat surprised that he died, but wouldn’t call it shocked. The man had a rough life, no matter how much money he once had.

I will miss his antics and the possibility of seeing him do a farewell tour to entertain his fans one last time. He was such an integral part of what music has become, and whether or not you are a fan, you can’t take that away from him. I hope and pray that the media gets themselves in check and doesn’t dirty his passing any further than they already have. Have some respect for his family, people. I’ve lost a parent long before her time was due, I know how they feel right now.

My earliest memories of Michael were from about 2nd grade. Might have even been 1st. I remember getting Thriller as my first “real” record and it was the crowning jewel in my collection for years. The album included the lyrics and I can remember as clear as day, reading along to learn the words to everything when I first got it. I can still sing every word to every song on that album. I only wish the album wasn’t warped from still being in my dad’s attic and my FisherPrice record player still worked. Remember these?

I can remember hanging out with Jen, my best friend since we were 4, in my room and listening to Thriller. I remember dancing with my brother in the kitchen, trying to master the Moonwalk. I remember watching the PBS videos every afternoon, with the lyrics on the screen and the highlighted phonics sounds in the words. It was a world before MTV and cable and MP3 players. You had records and the radio, and a couple random dance shows on TV.

Yeah, those were the good old days. Before Mike, my favorite album was my Care Bears record. You know, the one with the image embedded in the plastic? You don’t remember? I found a pic of that, too…don’t worry!

I think what has hit me hardest with the passing of Michael Jackson is that he was such a staple in the music world as I grew up, I just viewed him as infallible. Even beyond all the accusations and peculiarities, he was always there. Such an influence on every genre of music and a person to be respected for his talents, though his lifestyle was somewhat questionable.

Personally, I will mourn the loss of the entertainer who made a name for himself that will never be forgotten, choosing to forget the person he had become in the last several years. Though the Thriller Michael died many years ago, the real passing of this music icon makes me miss him all that much more.

Tonight, I pray that Michael has found a place where he can rest peacefully, and live out the happy childhood he wanted, but never had. I pray for his family, that they can find the support and peace that they need to deal with his passing. And most of all, I pray for his children, because I know what it is like to lose a parent as an adult. I can only imagine their pain as children.

The world will miss you, Michael, but your talent will live on through your music.