passings

The world is a buzz of discussion and memories after the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett yesterday. It was no surprise that the former Charlie's Angel and The Burning Bed star was near the end of her life, but that was not the case for Michael Jackson. The King of Pop was slated to have a career renewal (or so was his hope, I suppose) by launching a number of tour dates. He was only 50 years old, too young for a heart attack.

I can't help but feel a twinge of pain for the death of a musical icon and one of the most entertaining performers of my lifetime. I feel pained for the loss of that part of Michael Jackson. I cannot help but think, though, that there are some people who find the death of this man to be a relief. Whether you think he was guilty of child molestation, or at least poor judgement, I believe that more than one individual feels victimized by this man and that they are feeling a sense of relief from his passing.

I'm not sure what events took place, but I do know that over a decade of Michael Jackson's life has been tainted by the stigma that he is an abuser of children. This might be because of actions, and it may be because of rumor. I hope that his children can live a normal life and free themselves of the negative rumblings that surrounded their father. I hope they can find peace and become well-adjusted, despite their seemingly odd upbringing. I hope that all the rumors were wrong and that Michael Jackson was a wonderful father to his children. I don't know if that is the case.

All I do know is that the world lost a talented musician and entertainer, and that is the part of him that I will be grieving today as I listen once again, to "Smooth Criminal."