Two months after Michael's passing, my heart still refuses to accept he is gone. Every day a small, irrational part of me clings to hope that all the news reports somehow got it wrong. That Dr. Murray was somehow able to resucitate Michael, that he has simply been recuperating somewhere in the Middle East out of the public eye. My logical mind knows this is not true. That Michael is gone forever, has traveled into the afterlife.
I have, however, come to accept that Michael will live on forever in the hearts of his fans. He comes alive everytime someone puts on one of his songs, every time we watch his movies or video, everytime someone dons a single sequined glove or attempts the moonwalk or that incredible 45 degree lean. I predict half a millennium from now, Michael will be remembered as the prolific, unparalleled artist he is. (It is still difficult for me to use the past tense when speaking of him.) Michael is our Mozart, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Beethoven, and Bach. He is the indisputable King of Pop, the King of all entertainment.
No one is more surprised at the depth of my own grief than I am. With his passing, I realized I belonged to a very special club of those who love him no matter what and will love him forever. Michael has always been a part of my life. Every major milestone in my life is associated with one or another of his songs or videos. He changed the world for the better. I just wish the world had returned that kindness to him. I pray his spirit is at peace and celebrate his birthday today as if I am celebrating my own. Happy Birthday Michael!
"Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever." --Michael Joseph Jackson
