Never Can Say Goodbye

Author Jasmine Aherne's interview will be posted tomorrow but I had to take a moment to post my thoughts on the death of a legend. The name Michael Jackson is synonymous with talent, brilliance, icon, ultimate showman. But to me, the name Michael Jackson means security, safety, happiness and joy beyond compare. During my childhood I faced many physical challenges--I was in and out of the hospital, wore heavy plaster casts on my leg and for my back, was constantly getting poked, prodded and stuck in machines for tests. It was not easy and at times, very isolating.

For me, the only time I could have a minute of peace or find a reason to smile was in connection with Michael Jackson. His music filled every lonely, crazy, and scary crevice in my life. Got To Be There was there when my mom and dad left me at a night in a hospital room by myself, Blues Away and Things I Do For You were my comfort during painful rehabilitation of my broken hip, getting to attend the Triumph tour in '81 was the ultimate gift after enduring a year laying in a bed, out of school and isolated after scoliosis surgery. That concert was the culmination of my dream to see him live and I soaked in every illuminating moment.

She's Out Of My Life helped me through my first heartbreak and Off The Wall helped me endure the teasing I got from classmates because of my disabilities. I knew it was okay to be different because Michael said it was okay to live life "Off The Wall". Lovely One, Can You Feel It? and Heartbreak Hotel were my encouragement when I was healing and just beginning to find my muse. And then came Thriller....the album of the century. Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Startin' Something....the soundtrack of my high school years.

I could go on and on (and one of these days I will) but for now, just know that the man changed my life in ways I can't even begin to articulate and the loss of such a beautiful, lost, pain filled soul will reverberate with me for a lifetime. He and his brothers gave this world wonderful, timeless memories and it's up to us to share them with the younger generations. No matter the controversies, the gossip, the scandals, Michael Jackson did something very few do in a lifetime--he touched millions of souls. Not just hearts, but souls.

I'm sure I will have more to share as time goes on but this is all I can get out for now. Michael, I pray you have found the peace you always sought and the happiness you never found on Earth. All my prayers go out to the Jackson family--may God continue to bless you and hold you close.

A MJ fan forever,
Melissa