Yesterday, I woke up from a halcyon induced sleep to the breaking news of Michael Jackson’s death. How devastating! Was he sick? I didn’t see it coming. What a shock. I was a little foggy at first, not understanding the big picture, but it started to sink in later in the evening.

I was sleeping because it was the day of my dreaded dentist visit and I received 4 fillings. I never thought I would say it, but it was kind of fun. These people were in my mouth-grinding, drilling, painting- it was no sweat. In fact I found myself really enjoying their conversation-which did not include me nor can I remember a single word that was spoken. It was as if I was just listening in on two people chatting with a really, really close up seat. I knew they were in my mouth, but I did not care.

So back to MJ, my neighbor came over right away to tell me of the news. She knew I was a big fan as a child and had the opportunity to meet him. I wondered if I was acting drugged. Then she informed me that Madonna, Prince and Michael are all the same age, 51. I did not know that.

I received several text messages and phone calls from other concerned friends. I still couldnt belive it. All of the television shows abandoned their previously scheduled programs to play his music, bits of videos and repeat stats of his accomplishments: 750,000,000 million albums sold, 13 Grammy awards, 13 number one singles!

This is very sad. Every time I hear a song, which is just about every hour on any radio or tv station, Im reminded of his powerful image. Im reminded that I was a part of something bigger than me. I remember the thousands of screaming fans, I saw them. My favorite montage I’ve heard so far was on NPR. They spliced together people from all over the world, India, Dominican Republic, South Africa- singing pieces of Thriller, Billy Jean, and Black or White. It was moving to be reminded that his impact affected the whole world.

Will he recieve Elvis status? Could he possibly become more popular in death? For now, I will mourn the loss, remember my childhood and enjoy his music more than ever.