I just saw that the Jackson family released a statement through People magazine....
The Jackson family issued a statement Saturday, conveyed by family patriarch Joseph Jackson. In full, it reads:
In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.
We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.
In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: "My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson."
Joseph Jackson & Family
Sounds like we are all in the same boat...except of course I can imagine that theirs is adrift at sea. I appreciate that his family cared enough to pen this letter...even if they told someone else to do it for them...it was extraordinarily thoughtful at a time when they deserve to be selfish.
There needn't be a doubt that Michael will continue to be played and talked about for generations to come. A girl of 13 was on the radio on Friday talking about how she was angry with the media for speaking ill of him. She mentioned...and it never occured to me until she said so...the fact that Michael NEVER throughout all of the interviews he conducted in his life spoke a mean word against anyone. I can see where his thoughtfulness may have come from.
Your love is magical, that's how I feel But I have not the words here to explain Gone is the grace for expressions of passion But there are worlds and worlds of ways to explain To tell you how I feel But I am speechless, speechless Michael Jackson
I wish I were an eloquent writer, but I'm not. Michaels death left me speechless and absolutely devastated. I can't begin to say how many of the key events in my life were marked by the presence of Michael Jackson.
When I was 5, I attended my first concert...the Jackson 5 played in Montgomery, AL and my brother told me to ask my dad to take us. He did.
I was willing to ask because I'd been watching the Jackson 5 cartoon and variety shows whenever they came on television.
My first slumber party....Off the Wall was played ALL NIGHT LONG and we danced in my best friends den until we couldn't stay awake any longer.
My first school Christmas party (2nd grade) and the only one I remember at all....I saw mommy kissing santa claus was played over and over because it was the class favorite.
The first cassette tapes I ever owned; no that I ever bought... were the Jackson 5 cassettes. Mind you they hadn't been hot for I'm sure more than 20 years, but I bought all of the ones I could find anyway. When rap was bursting on the scene, I was still jamming to bubble gum pop.
My best friend was in love with Michael...I NEVER got a break from the "love" they shared :)
The posters on my wall...New Edition and Michael and Janet Jackson. These were the posters that everybody I KNEW had on their walls (Except neal who had a michael Jordan poster :) )
The first picture of a human I ever drew from a still was michaels.
My first boyfriend ever.....LOVED Michael. For his birthday, I bought him a collection of MJ and Prince CDs. This was in college, and I was broke for a month afterwards :)
The Wiz is a black movie classic...We watch it annually...
A week before Michael died, I listened to some of his oldies with my girlfriend on the phone.
The night before Michael died, I was with the Bad Bad Boy at dinner, and couldn't NOT jam in my seat to "Rock with You" as it was piped over the speakers.
And I'm skipping over the millions of times that his music graced my playtime, my sleeping hours, the times I spent with my family surrounded by love. The times that his music inspired me.
I'm also skipping over all of the times that the Jackson clan touched my life too (Janet and Rebbie!!!!!)...The music this family made, the work that they did (and still do) is central to the black experience in this country. To my life in particular.
As I say all of this, I think its important to note that I wasn't what I consider an over the top fan...attend every concert and pass out in the aisle type of chick. But Michael was simply there throughout my life as a welcome addition...because of his remarkable talent. Because his music NEVER gets old...NEVER dissapoints..and neither do his performances in videos and movies. When I listen to him as a child, his range and vocal mastery of sound amazes me...his swagger has me dumbfounded. When his voice started to crack as he matured, I watched him sing on and still master his instrument in a manner that I've NEVER seen done before or since. And I don't even need to talk about what could only have been a God given rhythm. Anyone that sees the footage of michael in diapers dancing can KNOW that what he had couldn't have been taught. His audition for Motown still has me shaking my head in wonderment. That boy was JUKING. Period! Michael was an extraordinary performer.
I wish with all my heart that Michael was still with us. But I know that he can't be, and I am so heartily sorry for his family and the other fans that mourn with me. As I write this, I'm listening to my imeem playlist containing his songs. It took me 2 days to accept his death, and on the second I finally cried. Today, I can finally celebrate his musical legacy without tearing up.
I'm so grateful to his family for sharing him with us, his fans throughout the world. For tolerating with extraordinary grace our intrusions into their lives...especially now when they are grieving...and if Michael could hear can hear...I say-finally-thank you for giving us you so selflessly. Rest in peace...
Good morning. Never give away your power to other peoples opinions... (Remember!) What God thinks about you is much more important than what others think about you...
