Where to start.  Seeing the news today that Michael Jackson was transported to the hospital for cardiac arrest made my heart sink.  I couldn’t peel myself away from the computer; I just kept refreshing news websites in hopes of news, good news, about  his condition.  Nothing prepared me for the news of his passing.

Although I never knew Michael Jackson personally, he was a huge part of my life.  To me, he was amazing.  As a child, nothing was more mesmerizing than seeing him perform.  I cannot count the number of times my brother, sister and I played the “Thriller” album over and over and over again.

I remember my dad dragging me out of an electronics store because I was “hypnotized” watching the “Beat It” video.  Even now, I can feel the excitement when at 7 years old my mother told me we were going to see him perform.  I couldn’t sleep that night and wouldn’t let anyone else sleep either.

His music spanned decades and generations.  No other artist could debut music videos on primetime television with whole families eagerly watching.  There are very few artists whose music can jump start a party the way Michael’s can.

In 1983, if you were watching Motown 25, then you know that night time stood still when Michael for the first time performed his most famous dance,”The Moonwalk.”  Tonight, time is standing still at the loss of such a phenomenal talent and spirit.

He was more than an Icon, he was a living legend.  Rest in peace Michael, We Love You.

Michael Joseph Jackson – August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009