So sue me for saying it but I never believed Michael Jackson was a child molester. I believed him to be a physically and mentally abused (by his father) brilliant young man and, ultimately, superstar who was continually trying to relive his lost childhood through the love of other children. Innocent, non-sexual, naive and stupidly demonstrated love of children but not the disgusting version that was never proven in court. And this is still a country where someone is innocent until proven guilty, isn't it? May he rest in peace today and forever for the gifts he shared with me and many others.
This album came out while I was in college and this is how I choose to remember him. It was released November 30, 1982. I had turned 21 just days prior and I was a senior in college. I can so distinctly remember the huge "buzz" about this album. It was groundbreaking and that memory is so vivid. We were glued to the videos as I'd never seen anything like it. Awe-inspiring to say the very least.
And here are the three people in the world most affected by his early departure. God bless each and every one of these precious, father-less children.
He was only 3 years older than me and this is another way I remember him from a lot earlier than my college "Thriller" memories.
In the simple yet poignant words of the Reverend Al Sharpton today, "thank you Michael."
I totally believe the same as you, Stella. This man/child would not hurt a fly much less a child. But some sure hurt him. When I first heard, I cried because his pain was finally over but the horrible pain his kids will now endure from the press will go on. My daughter’s first recital was to Rock with You. She was barely 4 and doing jazz and ballet and could not tell her left from her right. But she brought the house down in laughter. We should all heed the words of Heal the World. Make a better place no matter how small or insignificant. It matters. And Michael will always be a shining star not because he could sing but because he cared. About everyone. I wish the vultures had cared about him.
Hi,
Thanks for posting this! I, too, remember the excitement of those “Thriller” days. May Michael Jackson rest in peace, and may his children carry his love throughout their lives. He was the father to them that he never had. What a gift!
I believe Michael Jackson did have a deep love for children-those in need as well as his own 3. It is such a shame that the world as well as the media chose to believe the trash that was said about him. He was extremely talented and gifted, but so mixed up because of the abuse that occurred in his early life and because his dad saw him as a meal ticket. When I hear his songs from the early and mid 80’s, it reminds me of the many times when I was working in the Neonatal ICU when one of the doctors wanted MJ’s music playing while he did a detailed procedure on one of our babies. Treasured memories….