Goodbye MJ

I clearly remember playing my Michael Jackson Thriller record in my bedroom when I was 9. I would stare at the pictures of Michael while I listened... imagining him recording it, dancing to it. I'd also imagine all the fun he had with those baby tigers during the photo shoot for the album art. He looked genuinely happy. The photo above was my most favorite of all. It just made me melt with an "awwwww!"
Even at age 9 I knew this guy was something special. I also remember lipsynching an entire routine to "Man in the Mirror" that I presented to my mother and little sister. It was brilliant. I tried to capture exactly what he was saying and act it out. My mother applauded and I bowed and blew kisses. This man was an icon. He was a musical genius. My two heroes in the late 80's were Michael Jackson and Madonna. Now only one of them remains.
During the turbulent years of MJ's life in the 90's I still refused to believe any of the allegations. He couldn't do that...he wouldn't do that. I knew it. I would get angry at the reports, I cried while watching that video he aired declaring his innocence. This man had a rough life... with moments of happiness, hope, joy, loss, sadness, anger, fear.... he never had a real childhood and when he got old enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor he decided he wanted to do all the fun stuff he missed out on... but none of the adults he knew could enjoy it the right way, so instead he befriended children of all ages...especially the less fortunate (for they would TRULY appreciate his gifts). Why did people feel the need to hurt and punish him for this?
Now that he has passed I seem to be even angrier when people make jokes out of him.
Please stop sending me email jokes about how he died. I don't wanna hear it! He was a giving, loving soul as troubled as he was.... but think about it.... the world made him what he was. The world is cold and unforgiving. God bless that man. He was more pure hearted than any of us, that's for damn sure. Let him rest in peace. Pay respect, enjoy his music, teach your children about him, learn about his many humanitarian efforts.... then let him rest. He deserves no more, no less.