To live in the hearts one leaves behind is not to die. (The King)

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson


Story Line:

It was August 16th, 1977. Jerry, the production supervisor in the company I was employed by, seemed sad. I asked him if everything was ok. Jerry, tears in his eyes, told me, “The King has died.” 

I asked Jerry, “Pardon my ignorance, but the king of which country? I did not realize you had a King in America?”

I still remember the scene: Jerry dragged me onto the production floor and proclaimed to everyone that I did not know who "The King of Rock" was.

With apologies to Elvis fans, that was then.  Now, I know a lot about Elvis, and admire the man. I made a pledge never to be that ignorant about local culture again, and learned to appreciate many things beyond science and work.

Some time later, my friend invited me to watch a concert by five brothers, the Jackson 5. That was my first encounter with Michael Jackson. I loved Michael's unique singing style and started following his music, not anticipating that he would become the next King - the King of Pop - in the years ahead. His music and performances inspired millions, and he was a household name around the world.

Reflection:

No amount of words will suffice for tribute to one of the most "out of the box" (OBT) performers of our lifetime. But I will still take liberty to share something our 8th grade teacher told us in his farewell message on the last day of school. The words from that Hindi Poem are so appropriate for Michael Jackson’s life:

“When you came to this world, the world (people around you) was smiling and you were the one crying. Live such a life that when you leave, the world is crying and you are the one smiling.”  He is gone but his music will live on forever.

Comments

[KM]

So TRUE. His music will live on forever.

[Noctis]

btw is it true that Michael Jackson had a "Skin Disease"?

[Trish]

Michael
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asfiKvQxbnM&feature=related

[AW]

I like these words. Were these from a song?

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson