MJ

The man who seemed bigger than life is dead.

Who didn't know his name? He wasn't a politician, a dictator, a murderer. He never hurt anyone. He made us feel good. Many of us take his death personally. I feel like part of my past has been torn away. He was someone I grew up with. We all grew up with. I remember singing his songs as a child. He was entertainment. I loved his music, his dancing, his creativity.

But I always felt sorry for him personally. I believe he was manipulated and taken advantage of at every turn throughout his entire life; he had no childhood and very, very few friends....real friends. I believe his private self was disturbed because of all this, and he suffered in more and greater ways as he aged; I can only feel for him. But his real self, his energy, his passion, his reason-to-be, his professionalism came out on stage, and for that I will always remember him. His genius, his extraordinary talents may never be seen again.

We have lost something rare and beautiful, and I will miss him.