Saying Farewell
So, before I had my driving lesson, I did what many others probably did today–I watched the Michael Jackson memorial. This is the first time that I have spoken about Michael Jackson since his untimely death. I have grieved at home alone, trying to make sense of it all and find my peace. I first heard that something was wrong when my sister, who lives in Ohio, text messaged me asking if I had heard that anything was wrong with Michael Jackson. I simply text messaged back “no” and began my search for information. This was apparently quite a while before he was pronounced dead, but after reading what had been said so far, I prepared myself for the worse.
It was already a “leave me alone” kind of day for me. I already had no desire to talk to anyone. After reading the early reports, though I vowed not to answer the phone for the rest of the day. You see, I am the biggest Michael Jackson fan in my family. I have been a huge fan since I found out that Michael Jackson existed, which was a pretty young age. I am not one of those fairweather fans. I have stuck with him the whole time. So, there was more meaning in it all for me. Thus, everyone would then be very worried about me if Michael Jackson did in fact die.
So, after Michael Jackson‘s death was confirmed, it was not long before the text messages and the calls started coming through. I kept to my vow and did not answer. I really did not need a bunch of people calling me to tell me that Michael Jackson had died and asking the obligatory “Are you okay?” In hindsight, that was probably not the best idea, since it made worried people worry even more about me, but I was trying to make the whole thing as easy as possible on myself.
So, since then, I have been laying low like a lot of real fans. I had not intended to watch the memorial initially. I did not think that it would be done well. Plus, I had the driving lesson later in the day, and I did not want to be saddened and focused on Michael Jackson and then try to drive. Nevertheless, I watched it anyway. I wanted to say a goodbye with the rest of the world.
I have to say that it was very tastefully done. From the brothers wheeling him in with the yellow ties and sequined gloves to the tune of “Soon and Very Soon”, to Marlon and Paris Jackson bringing everyone to tears, I was touched. Some of the most appreciated moments were:
Lionel Richie singing “Jesus is Love.”
This song already has a special place in my heart, and, aside from maybe singing one of Michael Jackson‘s songs instead, it was a good choice. Although it was, understandably, far from his best rendition of the song, his mere presence at the ceremony had tremendous meaning. Any time he was asked about Michael Jackson, he always had something kind or at least neutral to say about his friend. (I love me some Lionel Richie, too, but that is another post for another day).
Usher singing “Gone Too Soon”
This performance definitely gave the song a whole new meaning. Although, his descent from the stage to touch the casket and then his subsequent tears may have felt contrived to some, I felt it and still believe it to have been real. Remember this awesome moment they shared:
Maybe he was thinking about that…
Stevie Wonder singing “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” and “They Won’t go When I Go”
All that I can say is “simply beautiful,” and so appropriate.
Brooke Shields‘ heartwarming speech, followed by Jermaine Jackson singing “Smile.”
Brooke Shields was sort of incorrect in saying that Michael Jackson‘s favorite song was not one of the musical gifts that he gave us, as Michael Jackson did perform a beautiful version of the song on History, folks. When Jermaine Jackson sang it, it was almost just as beautiful.
Al Sharpton‘s inspiring speech
Can I get an “Amen.”
While Mariah Carey could have stayed home (she has since apologized for her performance), along with the great performances mentioned above, there was one other honorable mention–John Mayer playing “Human Nature.” Very nice. I am glad he did not sing. Aside from two different versions of “No Such Thing” and a version of “Route 66” from the Cars soundtrack, he is not a big player in my music library. Still, his performance was right on point.
After watching I felt somewhat better, but I still do not know what to say. I still cannot believe it. I do not think that I will ever say “goodbye,” just “hello” in a different way than I used to say. I think that this excerpt from my personal journal from that day says something about how I feel, though:
“I thank God for blessing the earth with a person to entertain us and teach us about love and different ways of thinking. No he’s not Jesus, but he did have an impact on the world and that was no accident. God did have a purpose for him. He brought smiles and happiness to the world…”
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