Michael Jackson

My first memory of Michael Jackson is listening to my Mom's friends brand new record called "Thriller" when I was in 4th grade. It was pretty awesome and we jammed big time! Later in highschool one of my best friends was MJ's biggest fan in this part of the country, no doubt. LaNan Davis had his moves down to the point that when she put on that black hat with her hair hidden and danced his moves I couldn't tell the difference between the real MJ and her! She was awesome at immitating him and she recorded every performance back then.

One in particular was an awards show where MJ and 2 other dancers did a routine to "The Way You Make Me Feel". She asked me to learn it with her along with her
sister Shelly and the rest is Graves County HS Talent Show history! We made sure our
outfits were just like the recording and we blew the audience away and LaNan's solo dance was a huge hit - we won 1st place!!!! What a great memory from highschool. It definitely stands out as a great moment in my young life.

For a long time now I have felt compassion for Michael and his struggles with fame, life, and all the issues that face people of his notoriety. I have long felt that a major part of his struggle was the fact that he was robbed of a normal carefree childhood. I think it is clear that his father pushed them and really never let them be kids.

Today as I watched Fox News' coverage of a press conference his father for the 2nd time mentioned his new record company with what can only be described as excitement. I am appaulled. I cannot believe this man is attempting to capitalize on the death of his son. People will show who they are if we listen close enough and in this case just barely listen and you will hear a selfish self absorbed opportunist who should be grieving and talking ONLY about his precious son or
at least not saying anything at all. I cannot believe that this person would mention
anything to do with his business endeavors - he said he was asked, well why wouldn't he say "I'm here to remember Michael and this is no time to talk about my music interests" or just "I can't answer that" which is what he said to most of the questions thrown at him today during this press conference.

I am trying to process the way he acted and come up with some logical reason for
how he is acting. I can only say that old school people say and do things very differently. I hope to God above that his heart is in the right place and he is
doing these things because he thinks (in his twisted mind) that Michael would want him to "go on" as normal. 4 days after Michael's untimely and tragic death I don't think his father's behavior would constitute doing "what Michael would want us to do". It only worsens people's already unfavorable view of him based on his own son's words. This man would do very well to keep his mouth shut from now on.

May Michael rest in peace - in heaven is my hope. His heart was as huge as his talent and he voiced a desire to be loved many times. Now, I hope he is where love abides constantly - in God's presence above.