Michael Jackson, my tribute to the man and the music

Okay this may be a hard post for me. This may surprise many of you who actually know me, but this metal head was first a huge MJ fan. I've cried many times since his death, and as I'm watching the tribute the tears are flowing again, so please bear with me...this may get a little rough.

I'm going to say this now, and this issue is not up for debate with me. Whatever Micheal's personal demons were, they don't matter now. For the record though, I never thought he was guilty of molestation. I felt (and still feel) that it just was not in him. He was too childlike himself. There was an innocence to him, a simplicity almost. People will think of him what they will, but I hope if you are reading this you will be able to put your opinion to the side, and for a moment remember all the good he did. Now on to my memories.

I grew up listening to MJ. I remember my mother had both the "Thriller" and "Bad" albums on vinyl, and I listened to them all the time. I used to put on one white stretchy glove and try (and fail might I add) to do the moonwalk. I still can't do it. I knew, and still know every word to every song off those records. Songs like "Bad", "Smooth Criminal" "Dirty Diana" shaped my youth. Even as an adult that damn catchy beat from "Billy Jean" sends me right back to being a little kid, and makes me want to dance.

I can vividly remember watching the "Thriller" video, and it scared the crap out of me every year. He made videos that stood out, and they made can't miss viewing. If for no other reason than to watch the man dance. Seriously, even if you don't like the music, turn down the volume and just watch him dance. He routinely outshone his back up dancers. I've seen the video of his last rehearsal and I can tell you to my eyes he had lost nothing over the years. He was as smooth and fluid as always.

And that truly is the joy and legacy of Michael. He touched so many, so deeply with his songs. He broke through color barriers. It didn't matter if you were black, white, or purple. You knew who Michael Jackson was, and at some point, even if you don't care to admit it, you liked him. How could you not? He sang and danced so smoothly, and talked so softly. He touched the hearts of millions world wide in his too short time on this earth.

And lets not forget his humanitarian efforts. I'm listening to "Heal the World" right now, and it still touches my heart. Possibly more so now. He is listed in the Guinness book of records for his charitable donations. He did more for the world then some current celebrities without the boasting. Stars like Bono feel the need to tell the whole world what they are doing. Not MJ. He did it out of love and kindness, not for publicity. Maybe some others should take an example from him.

It pains me to see his children in the tribute clips. It saddens me that many people seem to forget that he was a father. But his kids will never forget. I think his daughter telling the world what a wonderful father he was is the most beautiful thing I have seen from the tribute. From all accounts he was a very involved dad, and his kids adored him. Those poor children now have to grow up without the only parent they have every really known. I hope for there sake people let the bad fade away and focus on the love, the music, and the genius that was Michael Jackson.

I really can't write anymore right now. I have no words that can properly memorialize such a man. The only thing I have left to say is a very personal goodbye.

God bless you Michael. I hope your up in heaven, feeling the love the world is sending to you tonight. I pray that you know not everybody was against you. Some of us never stopped loving you and your music, and I speak from the heart when I say I never will. May the lord keep you, and may you rest in peace. Your legacy will always live on.

Have your own MJ memories? Please share them with me in my comments.