Wow.....

I write here today fresh off of watching the live telecast on MTV of Michael Jackson's memorial service and I have to say what a very moving and very beautiful service it was.

I have to say if I was surprised when the service first started (as it started a bit late waiting for the family to arrive and everyone else coming in to be seated), I didn't think that, or rather I should say I figure (at the time), that Michael's body wouldn't be there as they had said that the family was coming from their own private family ceremony--so I assumed that they would bury him and then just come to Staple Center for just a fan-based memorial service. I never imagined that his body would be there....needless to say, that was first moving moment number #1--when they rolled him in (and what a beautiful coffin it was--not saying that to sound morbid, but it was really truly was beautiful! I never saw a coffin like that before)--for me because I think it drove that point home that he was really gone.

But overall, I think the service was very tastefully done. I think most people would have probably assumed that it would be some sort of insane circus, but I have to give props to the city of LA and even their law enforcement for keeping the outside of the event a calm and controlled affair. I think it was also wonderful that the service really drove home the human side of Michael--not just the celebrity. People sharing their personal stories about him and being around the family--Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields,Smokey Robinson, and Barry Gordy did a funny and wonderful job of mixing happiness into the days events--and the performances were both touching and awesome (wow, John Mayer's guitar solo for 'Human Nature', one of many of favs of Michael songs was SICK!). Of course, I loved Mariah's rendition of I'll Be There, too (I always have, it was a bit more touching here though). But I have to say the performances (though I did cry during Mariah's!!) that moved me the most was Lionel Ritchie's 'Jesus is Love' performance....man, for those of you all that may not always get a glimpse into how important the church is for African Americans and our culture....listen to that performance. I tell you that was the one that really brought me down (not in a bad way just but it was BEYOND moving), another I must say I thought was moving was hearing Jermaine Jackson sing 'Smile'--one of Michael's favorite songs--I didn't expect to hear anyone from the family perform so to me that was very touching--because you could tell he was just barely trying to keep himself together--while he sang to is 'little bro'. And another performance that really surprised me was Usher (R&B artist, for those that don't listen to a lot of urban music). Everybody knows that Usher has often sited MJ as big influence on the way he performs, his dancing, all of that--as well as having the opportunity to meet and work with him. But it was moving to see him walk off the stage, as he sang 'Gone Too Soon', and going up to MJ coffin and singing to it and touching it--then breaking down in tears at the end. As us--me and Usher--being around the same age (I'm 26, I think he's about 27 or something now) that personified,I think,what any of us who are 80s babies and truly were blessed to grow up witnessing him at the height of career felt today.

I also have to say, Rev. Al Sharpton, on his sermon/speech did the DAMN THANG (sorry Lord, lol). I know some may say what the want about Rev. Al Sharpton, but that (as with Lionel Ritchie performance) as well as Dr. Martin L. King's kids giving their speech is all beautiful examples of 'bringing it back to the church' for that service it was beautiful and uplifting. I LOVED...repeat....I LOVED that wonderful statement he made to MJ's kids when he stated 'There was NOTHING strange about your daddy. What was STRANGE was how he was being treated!'--just to hear everyone abrupt into a roar of cheers and a standing ovation to that (I stood up to in my room too, lol) that was truly awesome!

The moment though that really got it for me was at the end, though, when his daughter spoke; that EXTREME TOUCHED ME. As being a self-proclaimed 'Daddy's Girl' myself, my heart broke to hear her not only address the crowd, but her daddy too and her falling apart into tears. As any girl who's grown up with their dad in their live (as so many of girls nowadays sadly don't always get the luxury of experiencing....) can relate to the knowledge of understanding that usually the man that you know of as your dad is usually the first man in you life that you base every man that you will ever meet, love, or whatever--most women will say that they measure a many men to the standards of what their father set. I, as being a 26 yr old woman, have only played in my head the heartbreak I would feel the day my father should leave this Earth (Lord knows I hope it ain't no time soon...)--my daddy is ironically the same age a MJ when he departed us, 50--and as being a grown woman I don't even know how well I would handle that (though I IMAGINE that might be the day I truly turn into basket-case). So my heart immensely goes out to her because I'm sure she (as well as her brothers) are still in a world of hurt that many of us--who may still have their parents around surely don't want to feel anytime soon.

So seeing her was very emotional and it also made me think that I hope all of the negative people, the haters and all got to see that. I hope, if nothing but in that moment, they realize that Michael wasn't just some 'freak' or mega-superstar beyond our comprehension; he was also a brother, a son, nephew,a cousin, a father (who as any father that's involved in their kids life) that loved his children and above all ....a human being. I can say this service help a good bit with closure (even though I won't feel complete closure until I find how he died)--though I have to say it's still hard to have that final realization drilled into my head (seeing his coffin, that is); I'm still glad that his soul (hopefully) can finally have the freedom and peace that so often eluded him in life.

I'm sure I've said this a thousand times before but I will say it again (and again for all eternity)--I will so completely and wholly miss you Michael Joseph Jackson and will love you always. Thank you....thank you....thank you so very much for sharing your gift with all of us--all around the world--and for setting the soundtrack to many of our lives. Mark this day kids, because this truly was the end era of what it means to be a great artist and consummate performer. There will be no more after you Mike.....ever. Rest in peace