Today was a pivotal moment in my life, the tribute to "The King of Pop" has moved me……Michael Jackson, has been a part of my musical life for all the time I can remember. My sisters and I danced to "Rockin Robin", "ABC", and when my little cousin was small I taught him to be a "Thriller"……As my friends passed from AIDS, I was assured there was hope in that we could "Heal The World".
As I grew older and had to address the sexual abuse, and misunderstandings I had known as a kid the song "Where Is My Childhood" comforted me, you see I was not the only one anymore afraid of my childhood, I had a friend now that in some way could understand. Even back in 1995 when I found out Michaels favorite song was not one of his own but the song "Smile" it echoed my feelings at the time, of loss of the one true love of my life, from that day forward it has been what gives me stregnth to go on everyday. Even in my work I often know I am "Bad" in the best way when I achieve my desired result as a chef or as an event planner.When my Mother passed I had the song "You Are Not Alone" to get me through many a tuff spot.
I know many of you have thought many things about him over the years, I for one have never believed any of the negative press. You see I am a true believer in the human spirit, and the kindness that we all have inside us. I in many ways have always been able to feel the love and the heartache Michael had inside himself. I understand the pain of not being able to be oneself, to tell you the truth Michael Jackson and his music allowed me to become the whole spirit that has become me! So many times in my life people have found fault with who I am, without looking deep into the soul that loves so deeply. I like many of you in this world have had to fight for the respect of others, at times giving more than I had to give. But always in the end the part of me I gave up to another seemed like a small price to pay for the reward achieved…friendship, love, and sometimes just an understanding that we all are the same. Color, Religion, Race, Sexual Orientation, or anything we think divides us is just part of this blessing we have been given….Life!….. This makes us more the same than differs us.
I was blessed to have a Mother who wanted me to be successful, and to be happy in this world. I was a lucky boy you see, she and my family stood by me even when it was pain I was causing them by being different. Pain brought about by others who refused to understand I am perfect just as I am, God you see created a kind and giving man who tries to see the good in all people, although it has not always been easy… I have held firm.The song "Leave Me Alone" was a strong message to stand up for myself. I learned from my mother and the up-lifting words of Michael Jacksons music that to be true to yourself, and others will make this world a better place. Over the years of my life I have always tried to bring an understanding to those around me that our life should matter……..; in that it should be a part of the healing of the divide! While I am not a man of the Church, I am a believer in the greater power, and the teachings of "Jesus". Often ridiculed by those who call themselves true followers of the word, and see only through a narrow vision which was never meant to be….. feeding Hate, and finding Fault. I find myself at times wondering if the struggle is worth it. Always it happens when I am about to give in I hear a song by Michael Jackson that I am sure is the voice we all should hear….. for it comes from a bigger place, he was only the messenger….the song "I’ll Be There" to me says it all, we must find the way of the lamb, and not the lion…..
"We Are The World!", and we must stand together to make this world a better place! So much is lost on the differences, and our inability to see the the things that make us ONE! Today I am even stronger because of the overwhelming LOVE that was passed to me through the music, the man, the unparalleled talent, that was "The King of Pop". I am headed out today with a stronger and more focused resolve in life to spread the love to every person I meet…….. and prove this great entertainer accomplished his mission on earth…..You see, I understand now what we must do as a world….. as a people…… as hope for a brighter future….we must stop the hate, for we are not the final word! And we shall not find peace until we all see the good and greatness in our fellow man… regardless of our differences. The song "Man In The Mirror" is where I will start today. With a look at my own faults, and by looking into the reflection of what is me…. while listening to the words…..I will grow! I challenge you the World to do the same. Start off by just saying hello, go next door and meet your neighbor, the people you see everyday on the street smile at them, after all it is the small things that start a revolution, and we can make this the revolution of peace, and love for our humanity.
I.. Thank You "..Michael" for being a part of my life that has made me a better person…………….you have shown me that sacrifice of oneself can make a difference, and inside us all is the power to change the world for the better…..and I for one will miss you! Although you will forever live in my heart and the hearts of the world….. today we lost not an Icon, but rather a kind and giving man with a vision of Hope!
If you run up on my mom up in heaven, she always wanted to master the moon walk….. do me a favor…please…
I celebrate you my friend………in heart and spirit!
Always Shine Bright, because here on Earth we still need that Star to Wish Upon!
And Light to Guide us!
