Thu. Jul 02, 2009 | 7:45 AM

Al MJ.jpg

A week ago today the world lost an Icon.

And while the complete circumstances are still being sorted out, those of us touched by Michael Jackson are left to deal with the loss. Some of us have watched wall-to-wall coverage on news networks and video channels, others retreated to a quiet place, listened to some of his music - maybe even toasted to his life with a friend or two.

My experience was a bit surreal. I was actually on the air when news started to leak out and had the unfortunate responsibility of relaying the news to folks who had not yet heard. That duty and the gravity of the story, delayed my ability to really take in the news. Once I got home, I grabbed a bottle and was able to relax a bit and it all started to sink in a little more as I watched the news and read updates on Facebook. It also hit home a little more when I was asked to write a quote for a local newspaper. As I waited for friends to join me, I began to sip on my Moscoto and wrote the following statement:

For all the controversies, scandals and occasional absurd eccentrics ... I will remember Michael Jackson for his talent, innovation, his magnetic presence, his genius... His SOUL. MJ's impact on artistry, performance and music will last through the ages. His art touched people from all walks, faiths, creeds and colors. There isn't a corner of the world that escapes a feeling of loss today. We only get one Michael Jackson, and I had had the privilege to experience him for 36 years. Thanks Mike! (and by the way, you delivered one hell of a bridge!)

We all deal with death differently. When my father passed, telling stories and laughing with family helped me. Last week, writing those words helped start the coping process for me. Some may not understand how you react, grasp and cope with loss. But that's ok. Your grief is yours - their grief is theirs. There is no right or wrong way to mourn or to absorb loss. There is simply your way.

Now that we are a week removed I would like to know; How has the loss of Michael Jackson affected you? How did you deal with the news? What did MJ mean to you? Reading your words, sure would help me.


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I have been asked by some people where is my MJ blog and when is the MJ party. This past week has really been hard for me to write about. I have so many thoughts about what Michael Jackson's life, music, and death means to me. Right now I think I am just enjoying all of the videos and all the music. Michael is forever imprinted in our society as a musical genius. As I sit and listen to his songs with my sons, and other relatives we can dance, laugh, cry, and remember when we first heard particular songs. I always credit my parents for introducing me to music. I remember getting the Off the Wall album and listening to it until I knew every word to every song. In today's music you don't get that often where you want to know every lyric to every song of one particular artist. And this was not the CD age. I had to get up and change the needle on the album..Some of y'all know what I am talking about. Michael Jackson is music. Michael Jackson is dance. He is forever in our hearts...Gotta leave that nine to five upon the shelf and just enjoy yourself....groove...let the madness in the music get to you...life ain't so bad at all.... if you live it Off the Wall Will Always Love MJ
Posted by Arlinda 07/02/09 12:10 PM
 
I grew up in the 70's with Michael and the Jackson Five. I remember buying Right On magazines to get the latest and greatest including his favorite color, food and stars. I watched him through his growth as he eventually became his own. I went to his concert in Dallas with my husband and my little brother. I wore my black and white outfit complete with my one blinged out white glove. I bought albums, cassettes, CDs for years. I remember the premiere of "Thriller", "BAD", "Remember the Time", "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and so many others. I have danced to many songs and videos. I was preparing to teach a class two minutes before I heard the news. I had to break the news to them and then try to teach about "Coping with Stress." How ironic! Once I left, I was just numb. I watched the news to try to find out what happened. I did not cry until Saturday, three days later. I have great memories despite the allegations of his drug use, money problems and etc. My prayers goes out to his family especially his mom, his fans and his real friends!
Posted by Cecelia Ward 07/02/09 12:09 PM
 
I hadn't thought much about MJ until all my friends kept going on about MJ tickets on facebook. They were going crazy trying to get them! Then it hit me why and it brought back to me just how great he is. I desperately tried to get tickets myself and eventually succeeded! I was SO exciting that I was going to see him with my own eyes and SEE HIM DANCE! I got back into MJ after that, listening to his music all the time, all of it from Ben to Butterfies. When I first got the tickets I was actually screaming! And I'm not a screamer! When I found out about his death I was just so shocked. It just didn't sink in. I was watching the news coverage and reading the words flash up just shocked me everytime. I cried so much that night it suprised me, it was like I knew him. I was so upset and cried so much the next day too. Now I try and keep it out of my mind as it's just too upsetting. He was so, so talented and SO cool, with his dancing, his clothes. And he was such a caring man, making it into the Guiness Book of Records for being part of 62 charities at once. There will never be another man like him again.
Posted by Vicky 07/02/09 11:32 AM
 
I have been listening to alot more music lately and watching tv but watching turns my stomach in two ways. One that the media is doing what it always does. Talk crap all about the person and when they died they kiss their booty. To me it does feel like Elvis, Marliyn, or even princess Di. We all know how media loved them and caused one of these icons her death. The second is all the sadness MJ must have felt and like Elvis or Monroe had to rely on people who weren't healty for them. Let's say I am sorry to ever believed that his marriage to Lisa Marie was a sham. Because after reading more I have learned it wasn't and that the two of them cared for each other. Also for those who say get over it, easier to say if you dont care. If you dont care dont comment. I believe this for people who care. I wasn't big fan but I was in 80s and early 90s.
Posted by rachael 07/02/09 10:05 AM
 
I'm kinda young to remember Michael Jackson the way alot of people do but I loved MJ he was THE BEST and most talented man in the music world! He had his ups and downs and everybody does!! That just showed that he was human! He has my up most respect and always will! Love ya MJ.
Posted by Cassondra 07/02/09 10:00 AM
 
michael is the world gratest to me and i'm just starting to realize that he's really gone. and it hurts even though i wasn't his biggest fan.'Man In The Mirror' is my all time favourite and it simbolizes mj and everything he was about. i thought i would have the chance to see him perform one day.now that's gone but i got him in my heart like always.
Posted by ahuva 07/02/09 9:39 AM
 
get over the death of M.J. he is nobody special. He deserved to be in jail for what he did to that baby!
Posted by trenna 07/02/09 9:31 AM
 
I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, his words were inspirational and his songs moved me. I remember trying to mimic his dancing skills with my cousin. I will truly miss MJ, but I am happy to know that his songs will live on forever. Many times, songs are overplayed on the radio; Michael's songs never get old. That's the marking of a true artist.
Posted by Ambra 07/02/09 9:11 AM
 
Michael saved my life, there were times when I just thought it'd be better to just go to the next life. Michael helped me see that this life IS worth living. He meant so much to me. I cried for three days after his death and I still want to cry but I know he wouldn't want his fans to sad, he would want us to rejoice in the fact that he is now with God and that no-one can ever hurt him again. Michael, I love you I will never forget you and I know you are now truly happy. xxxx
Posted by Victoria 07/02/09 8:45 AM
 
To have grown up listening to Michael Jackson and see something like this, all I did was cry. He was the King of Pop, the Man in the Mirror and every song that he wrote. You have to listen to all his lyrics and all you can do it hurt and rejoice. Just the greatest and no one will ever be able to step into those shoes and he made sure of that
Posted by Toni M 07/02/09 8:18 AM
 
Although I wasn't an extremely bug MJ fan,it was impossible not to admire that man for what he did for our world.Im 19 so of course I grew up listening to his music to a certain extent,watching the Jackson 5 movie,but it was his videos that got me.They are all like movies and have such a powerful message in each and every one! He always was willing to help others that could not help themselves and thats what I remember him for.He was placed in the Guiness book of world records for being the most charitable person,and in deed he was.Now he is in a better place,may he rest in peace.
Posted by Sharontina 07/02/09 8:14 AM
 
My heart hurts right now. I still can't belive Michael is gone and gone too soon. I loved Mike for his genius ability. He will forever be missed by me for sure. Love ya Mike.
Posted by erica 07/02/09 8:13 AM



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