Michael Jackson Memorial

I admit it. I was glued to the television and my Sirius Radio Tuesday.

I have been a Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 fan my entire life.

Did I fall to pieces when he passed away unable to carry on--no.

But, it's quite sad.

He was a genius when it came to entertainment, music, performing, writing, dancing--all which earned him the esteemed title 'King of Pop.'

Whether you liked him or hated him, you know about him and who he was. The simple fact that he had fans worldwide from the United States to Germany, Canada, Haiti, London, the West Bank and so on. ALL around the world. Be honest, what other entertainers can say that?

The Program began late, which I guess was understandable trying to usher everyone into the venue.

Then with the awkward beginning, I thought this may turn into a disaster.

However, when the ceremony finally began, everything fell into place.

Funerals or memorials are quite hard to get through if you are a 'performer.' I sing. I have done a number of funerals and it is hard to keep your composure, especially if the deceased is someone you know or someone close to you. You want to do your best but sadness overcomes causing a bit of crackling in your voice, tears streaming down your face.

Taking that into consideration, everyone did a fine job.

The program well put together. The only way it could have been any better is if MJ himself was in charge of this extravaganza.

I was surprised a few people were missing, but I'm sure they had their reasons.

It seemed every singer, performer, actor, segment hit home in some way and gave you a little different humanizing insight into this giant.

Smokey Robinson asking to see Michael's birth certificate not believing he was just a small chap....

Berry Gordy's family get together stories.....saying Motown was built on love and competition but love always won out. That's the way life should be!

Marlon telling the story of how they would come home after school, grab a bite to eat, and then watch the Three Stooges --my cousins and I would do that every day when my Aunt Lucy would watch us after school. Amazing!

The opening song, 'Soon and Very Soon,' is a song we sing regularly at my church. I just adore that song and wanted to start belting it out but thought better of it being at work!

Stevie Wonder saying God is good (which is something Mom says ALL THE TIME) and no matter how much we think we still need Michael, "God must have needed him more."

Kobe and Magic were great. Kobe sharing that Michael is in the Guinness Book of World Records for his charity...and Magic bringing laughter from the audience as he depicted he and Michael Jackson sitting on the floor of Michael's home eating Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Brooke Shields gave a nice, heart-warming pictorial of her best friend. "When we were together, we were two little kids having fun." I feel that same way about Craig, my best friend.

I don't want to exclude anyone but if you watched the memorial, you saw everyone.

I liked it all. A very fitting tribute done just right. I think my favorites were the musical tributes, especially John Mayer's performance, Usher's heart-wrenching song, Jermaine singing Michael's favorite song, 'Smile' and then Jennifer Hudson's performance.

I just love little Paris. She's not only adorable but you could see in her eyes how much she loved her daddy and adores her aunts and uncles. When she was up on stage, she was belting out all the words to both "We are the World" and "Heal the World." She must have listened to her Dad a lot.

There is absolutely no way on God's green earth that anyone could have scripted the finale with the entire family up on stage and Paris opening her heart to the world.

"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could imagine and I just want to say I love him so much."

--Paris Jackson