The Impact of 20th Century Icon’s Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, & Ed McMahon

We are all shaken at the news of sudden death. It’s difficult for me to find the words to express my feelings right now about the death of Michael Jackson. Shocked? Perplexed? Stunned? Sick? Deeply saddened to the point of ‘grief’… and for one reason, ‘Sudden Death’. All of us are affected by the news of Sudden Death.

I was, as many of us were, prepared for Farrah, bless her heart. she has fought the tough fight of Cancer and she was exhausted and ready for rest & peace. And Ed, bless his heart, he had a good run. None of us live ‘forever’ in the physical. But Michael… it’s difficult for me to swallow, even at times fighting back the tears. And I felt sorry for him, too. Michael was grossly misunderstood by most people. And I believe that Michael was a very lonely man. I remember Michael as a vibrant little boy, and full of life. He certainly made an indelible imprint on the music industry. He gave the world a performance that none of us will ever forget. His music is a legacy.

Today the world mourns a true legend in our Pop culture. Michael Jackson was a child star, truly a world icon as a teenager & into adulthood. Truly, Michael was bigger than life as the most famous entertainer in the 20th century. The world knew Michael Jackson. Some people liked him. Some people didn’t. And I must say that this man dedicated his life to his fans and to his children. And whether we admit it or not, deep down we all ‘loved’ him. I grew up with Michael Jackson. I loved “Thriller”… still love dancing to it, work out to it, and travel down memory lane with it.

I lived on Guam when Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album came out, and yeah, I was THRILLED!! Everyone was thrilled with “THRILLER”. I will never forget the disco I worked in while living on Guam, “Century 21”—-Thriller ripped the roof off that club, nothing made our club come alive like Thriller! I was attending University of Guam, when “Thriller” hit the streets—-and OMG— everything 1982-83 on the island of Guam, was all about Michael Jackson & Thriller… and omg, we all had so much fun!

The album Thriller, was indeed the best and all time most popular sought after album in history. Yeah, we all rocked & danced all nite long to Michael & his many hit songs. And even today, 26 years later… I still listen to Thriller, regularly, it’s on my IPOD. I was on my way to the gym today when I heard the news. As a special tribute to Michael, during my workout, I listened to Thriller. Michael was a deeply spiritual man, a kind man, and he was a son, brother, & father, and truly loved by so many, and perhaps secretly by all.

I also grew up with Farrah Faucet. She had a particular presense we all admired & perhaps even sought after. Many of us, desired to achieve her interesting look. Thousands of us cut & styled our hair in the ‘Farrah Faucet’ Style. We loved her sex appeal, and we all secretly desired to be like her, to look like her, smile like her and to send off that special sex appeal that she ooooozed both on & off the screen. She will be remembered as a loving, kind, strong woman, with a huge heart, and sense of humor. She too, will be greatly missed by all.

And Ed? Ed McMahon was the humor & rock of Johnny, and without him, in my opinion, Johnny would have never been as successful. I loved Ed McMahon, a sensitive, kind man, Ed would take care of you and give you whatever it is you asked him for. He was the go to guy, and will be missed by so many, including me.

My heart is heavy today. Not because I don’t understand death. Of course, I do. And death is as much a part of life as life is. I’ve suffered loss, we all have. And with all loss what it is we are mourning is actually the ‘loss’ of the impact that particular person has on or in our lives, on a daily or regular basis. It’s the regular, consistent, continued connection & impact of someone in our lives that is difficult for us to deal with when it comes to ‘loss’. And death, among the living, is so final. But I promise you this, that in my heart, Michael will live on, forever.

We love you All & we will All miss You three, Michael, Farrah & Ed.
Rest in peace.

To the family and friends of Michael, Farrah & Ed., may the peace of GOD be with you now during your time of loss.

Love,
Daija