**Flash forward**
A dear friend of mine sent me a text asking me if I had heard that Michael Jackson had had a heart attack, at the time I replied "no" and quickly logged onto the computer to see what the internet was stating.....one website confirmed him dead, another said he was in a coma...another said he had just arrived at the hospital...
As I sat there scrolling through the many article posts I was receiving several text messages from friends, not to mention the facebook update status of people talking about it....my heart started to sink.
A few hours later it was confirmed that he had passed and I could not help but shed several tears....as I completely understand that in his later years Michael did a few things that were questionable but the reality was that Michael Jackson was truly a brilliant entertainer and a true genius when it came to the world of music. Like most people of my generation, we grew up on him, as a child of color, it made me proud to see him become such an enormous figure in the world and in my most private moments, I loved him and danced to his music as my parents were asleep in the next bedroom.
My heart hurts for his family and everyone who hung their posters on the wall, wore white gloves and red Thriller jackets, parachute pants, white socks and black loafers, for those who borrowed his dance moves and sung his songs.....he was truly an iconic legend in MY lifetime...
I am disgusted by those people who have chosen to take the low road and speak negatively of him and I pray that they find the peace within themselves to allow those who have passed on to truly rest in peace.
When I came home today, we played his music, watched his videos and as Elliah danced and played to my sorrow, I am so thankful that a man like Michael Jackson paved the way for people of color and provided us with an enormous library of music that is truly timeless!!
R.I.P. MJ....and thank you for shining your talents and gifts with the world.
