I was stunned and sad to hear the news that the "King of Pop" unexpectedly passed away. I was really looking forward to hearing his new music. I was pulling for a comeback.
Michael Jackson was an amazing talent. His career is said to have spanned three generations. He sold more music than anyone before him and probably more than anyone ever will again. He transcended cultures. His music was globally adored. The fact that he could be popular in California, Wyoming, Indiana, and New York City all at the same time was something few stars and genres are capable of doing.
Gone Too Soon
Michael sang a song on his Dangerous album that was dedicated to Ryan White, a young friend of his who died from aids. I think the words of his song now apply to him.
Like A comet, blazing across the evening sky - Gone too soon!
Like a rainbow, fading in the twinkling of an Eye - Gone too soon!
Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright - Here one day - Gone one night
Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon - Gone too soon!
Like a castle, built upon a sandy beach - Gone too soon!
Like a perfect flower, that is just beyond your reach - Gone too soon!
Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight - Here one day - Gone one night
Like a sunset, dying with the rising of the moon - Gone too soon!
What Will You Remember Him For?
Michael's fame both blessed and plagued him? His brilliance was many times overshadowed by his inability to live with the constant attention his stardom brought to him. There are many different stories from his life that will forever define him. How will you remember him? I was sad to see so many of the news reports bringing up the negative stories of his life, but unfortunately, they also define him. You and I now get to decide how we will remember him. I choose to remember his wonderful talent.
Watch the "We Are The World" video on youtube. Listen to the song, "Heal The World". He did so many great things to give back and that is how I want to remember him. He truly was the "King of Pop" and there are at least 30 of his songs that mean something to me. I spent some time last night going through his songs and felt happy thinking about the memories they brought back to me.
We Choose How We Will Remember People
I think death brings a great moment for forgiveness and healing. Some will say it is too late at that point, but I have personally known too many people who, even after death, are unable to forgive somebody who has harmed them. They carry it with them for a lifetime. It causes them bitterness and sorrow. It is much better to forgive, even if it happens posthumously, and remember only the good times and moments.
I speak from personal experience. My father caused a lot of pain in my life. There were many times when I was angry with him for disappointing our family. He died at a very young age. Before he died, I thought I had forgiven him. When he died, I found some parts of me that were still angry with him for the things he did. It took me some time to let go of those bitter feelings. When I did, I completely lost the vivid memories of the pain he caused. I was still able to see the stupid things he did, things that made no sense to me, but the pain was gone.
Now, I only see the wonderful things he did for our family. I love him for who he was. I miss him. I am even beginning to understand him better. His story actually helps me avoid making some of the same mistakes. I don't feel any anger towards him, only gratitude for the many lessons I learned from him. I am aware that some of the lessons were lessons on how not to do things, but that no longer matters.
Who Do You Need To Forgive?
Even though I feel it is possible to forgive somebody after they died, I would hate for you to wait that long. Who do you need to forgive? How much better would your life be if you could just let go of some of the pain you are feeling by not forgiving someone for wronging you?
Forgiving that person does not mean that you must accept him or her back into your life. It just means that you will allow yourself to move on from the pain and into a new dimension of healing. All of us will be gone too soon. Now is the time to enjoy life. You will enjoy it more by letting go of some of the pain you feel from others by forgiving them. Do it today.
So long Captain Eo - Thanks for giving us such wonderful music and for sending out a message of hope. Thanks for reminding us that "we are here to change the world." You certainly did! You will always be a Thriller to me!
Live Today! Love Today!
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