RIP, MJ.

Last week, a friend of mine said to me, "I was surprised how sad I felt when I heard that Michael Jackson had died."

I felt exactly the same way. Sad. And surprised how sad.

For the past few days, I've racked up a few hours' worth of time watching videos and snippets of interviews Michael gave over the years, and I have chosen to linger on the good and ignore the ugly, hateful things being said. I've read some things online, I've caught bits on TV here and there, and clicked around on Youtube quite a bit.

It's definitely overload - the amount of footage that exists documenting his lifetime career is staggering. Photos of his ever changing appearance. Spectacular moments like his first moonwalk. The Thriller video. The beauteous, collaborative recording of We Are The World. His crazy fabulous concert outfits. The glove. His moves - oh, how that man could dance!

I won't pretend that I can add any eloquent or profound thoughts about him and his contribution to this world as an artist. It's all being said wonderfully by countless others - people everywhere are talking and writing about him. His indisputable talent, his immeasurable legacy, his inspired passion for music, dance, love, fanasty, and magic. His desire to embrace the world with childlike wonderment.

The man was one of a kind. I believe he was very misunderstood and I cringe when I hear or see examples of the persecution he endured - everything from ridiculous tabloid headlines to tacky jokes. I am glad he always had a huge fan base to remind him that he was loved, admired and appreciated no matter what.

I can't even claim that I was a devoted fan. I never got to see him in concert, and I only ever bought a couple of his albums.

I know that his music will continue to effect me as it always has. Songs like Beat It and Thriller pave a direct path to my 3rd grade heart. Songs like Black or White, Man In The Mirror, and Heal The World bring me back to high school and early college days when I wrestled with profound questions about life/love/friendship and the meaning of it all. Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough kicked off the dancing at our wedding reception. Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and The Way You Make Me Feel just make me want to get up and move!

They all make me smile. Listening to him and watching him, it's so perfectly clear that this man was something special. I am so grateful that I got to grow up with his music.

I am sad he's gone and my heart goes out to those who truly knew him and loved him. What a loss.