I remember the first time I saw Thriller in its entirety. I was glued to the television, paying close attention to every detail. I loved Michael Jackson. I would watch his large dance sequences and mimic the moves in my head until I knew them by heart because I was too shy to practice them. When I was 11, my mother told my brother and I that she won a contest and we would be visiting Neverland Ranch. I all but passed out. That place is a child’s dream land. It’s like a carnival, zoo, go cart track, movie theater and arcade rolled into one. It wasn’t as flashy as you would think Michael’s lifestyle would be. The best part was, everything was free and unlimited. I didn’t get to see him, unfortunately, and I cried when it was time to go but that was one day I will never forget for as long as I live.
Another day I will never forget is the day of his passing. It started off as a bad one long before I learned of Michael’s cardiac arrest. I was at work when the news hit. My concentration was shot and I ended up leaving work early. I couldn’t believe it. I always figured Michael Jackson would pass away in my lifetime but… I wasn’t ready yet. I wasn’t ready for him to leave us. I wanted him to be around because I felt like we still needed someone like him. My selfish thoughts wouldn’t allow me to see that he was in a better place, free from all the scrutiny, pain and disappointment. I also did not think about all he’s left with us in terms of music, performance, and spirit all of which can be seen in many of our music and performing artists today.
His influence is like no other. Never again will we have such an influential and inspirational performer such as Michael Jackson. Never again will anyone be able to touch the lives and hearts of millions the way the he did. As long as I am alive, his memory will not be forgotten.