In Memoriam

I am saddened by the news today of the death of pop star Michael Jackson. Although he was dogged by controversy and was more than a little strange, he was possibly the most talented entertainer of the last half of the 20th century. He never got his comeback.

As I read over what I just wrote, I am still in shock. Michael Jackson is dead. I just can't wrap my head around it.

Why is it that so many so very talented people who make life in this gloomy world so much more bearable leave us so early? Although we can appreciate that Bob Hope and George Burns were some of the notable exceptions, there are so many more who we wish could have stayed longer: Judy Garland, John Belushi, John Candy, Karen Carpenter, George Gershwin, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger, Andy Kaufman, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Jim Croce, Dan Fogleberg, and so many more. And Farrah Fawcett, who also died today, and who never got the recognition she deserved as an actress; she was always stuck with the burden of a sex symbol. It is especially tragic that so many leave behind young children as in Michael's case. What is it about the lives of famous people that they are cut short, or they self-destruct? I guess fame and fortune isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Michael, we will miss you, your amazing dancing, your energizing music, and your happy smile. May God bless you and your family. I hope that there is some way that you can keep dancing and keep making music forever. Gone Too Soon, indeed.