I'm a "fan" because....Michael’s music was the first that got my attention-before that, it was whatever my parents were listening to. I was eight when the Thriller album came out. And his music was just the beginning- in catching my attention, waking up my spirit, I was then able to hear his message: He taught about love, which was not something I had much of in my own life. Throughout his life, he taught compassion, acceptance, tolerance, non-violence, embracing innocence, generosity, respect for all of life (including the earth)…all things love.

Since his death, I’ve been flooded with childhood memories, and I am floored when I see just how much of the person I have become can be traced back to the core to Michael, his music, his messages...His music was quite literally a soundtrack to my life. When I was scared, living in a rough neighborhood, I’d feel safer when I’d get home from school, lock the door, crank up my “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, “Victory”, or “Bad” albums and sing and dance the fear away until my parents came home (I've since added his later stuff, of course). When I was lonely, same thing…and while I never met him, I think just knowing that he (or his family, once he moved) lived not too far away (I grew up 9.5 miles from their Hayvenhurst home, albeit I was in a MUCH different neighborhood than they-LOL!), somehow being able to feel the presence of his spirit, listening to his music, watching his videos, hearing his message, got me through it all. There were times when some rather horrible things were going within feet of me, and a video of his would come on and take my attention away from all that, if only for a few minutes.

But, as I said, it was his talent that got my attention- but the lasting effect-his true legacy as to what he’s left me with-are all the loving qualities that made Michael "Michael". As I grew up and went down my own path, straying here and there, while the base of who I am stayed the same, I made good and bad choices in life…His death was a huge wake-up call to stay true to who I am, and continue his legacy. Every day, I will strive to heed his call, and live my life based on all things love.

Oh, and yes, I will continue to enjoy all his tunes, videos, concert recordings, etc. They keep my spirit alive. =)