I became a fan of Michael Jackson when I was 9 years old. That was when his Invincible album had come out. The first song I heard from him was "You Rock My World".

I used to sit and listen in front of my brother's stereo and listen to the song over and over again on his custom soundtrack CD, because I just really loved it.

I didn't know much about Michael until later, but after "You Rock My World", I started listening to Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller. The three killer hits from the Thriller album.

Over the following years, I started listening to more and more of him and following his story, reading more about him, and just becoming really interested in such a kind man.

Then I taught myself to dance like him and every time I listen and dance to his songs, I feel closer to him and the thrill he felt on stage and why he loved it so much.

June 25th was a horrible date which cut deeply.

Michael helped shape who I am today and I couldn't be more grateful.

Mildly interesting fact: I was born in the Dangerous era (1991).