Michael Jackson, R.I.P.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve probably heard the news that Michael Jackson passed away this week. Michael Jackson! The King of Pop! Creator of the Moonwalk! Not Billie Jean’s lover!
Since his death, coverage of MJ has been everywhere. From MTV to CNN, everyone who’s anyone keeps talking about what an icon he was, how he changed the face of music, how he influenced the likes of Usher, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, and everyone in between, and how he’ll be remembered for generations. I have a feeling that we’ll be hearing about Michael Jackson’s greatness for a LONG time to come.
So the question is, why do we wait until someone is gone to truly recognize them? Celebrity or not, why do we wait until someone dies to gather everyone they love and say what an amazing person they were? Why don’t we take advantage of the time we have while people are living? What are some ways you can show those you love how much they mean to you?
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I think a really good way to let people know you care is to write them a note.Thats something i do all the time, i like to let people know how much they mean to me because i have lost lots of family members and friends in my life, so its always good to let the ones you have know that you are there for them and if they ever need anything they can count on you to be there and help them when the going gets ruff.It cant be a simple letter just saying i love and appreciate you or a elaborate one it doesnt matter its the thought that counts
Well, the answer to the question ‘why wait’ is that people don’t realize how great the person is until they die. That’s only for some of the time though. One way we can share with people that we do care is to just give a little compliment every time you see them. Something like, ‘hey nice shirt’ or ‘I like how you did your hair today’.
i lost a friend two years ago to cancer. he was in high school. before he discovered he was sick, he told me that he loved me. and i didn’t pay much atention i told him that i was in love with another guy.
two weeks later, he discovered that he was sick, and one and half month later he died.
when he was sick i made a draw to deliver to him, to give him strengh.
on the funeral day i left the draw between the flowers.
it was the least thing i could do.
everyone that saw the draw said it was the most beautiful thing that someone could do.
even today, afer all this time i’m still very sad..i never had the opportunity to say to him how much he was important to me how much i loved him as friend.=(
I’ve heard that some people have a “living wake”, to commemorate their life while they are still alive. sounds silly but I think it’s a good idea.
And, more people need to celebrate their birthdays for whta they are-the day you were born! and what that means to those around them. I think we tend to forget that the most important people in our lives are our friends, and how they touch our lives. Its way more important than that fly by night celebrity.
Dear Josh,
I think it should say that you are such a funny/ inspirational guy. I appreciate the time you dedicate to helping others. You’re like an older brother, but like a cool one. Ha.
naaaarf.
I know what you mean, josh. It was very hard being an M.J supporter, even after he had such an impact on my life in regards to my music tastes. my dad and I would listen to his “Dangerous” and “HIStory” albums often. after the whole court case thing in ‘05. I kept quiet about my love of him for a while until senior year when i used “heal the world” for my Creative Writing project. I find it a bit pathetic that we don’t support people when it’s right and let the media tell us what to think without exploring the facts.
Video may have killed the radio star, but the media killed michael jackson.
You all (including me) remember this:life is fragile. Have your own mind. And love what you love.
The only reason we wait until someone dies is because we “don’t know what [we]‘ve got ’til it’s gone.”
I always try to show the people I care about how much I love them by doing the little things- a note here, a letter there, a phone conversation, etc… And when the little things aren’t enough, I try to be vocal about it.
Words like ‘I love you’, ‘I miss you’, and ‘I’m glad you’re here with me’ are not easy to say but they’re extremely rewarding (no matter how awkward you may feel while trying to say them).
And MJ will always have a special place in my heart, and his own playlist on my iPod. <3
Great reminder Josh! Everyone is guilty of taking people for granted – on the other hand I’m sure we all have felt that we weren’t loved ourselves at one time or another. We all still have a chance to let those around you know you care. I know for a fact a small word can mean a lot – so don’t be lazy about it!
I like to think about the book “Tuesdays With Morrie” when this topic comes up. If you haven’t read the book, when Morrie realizes that he’s going to die soon, he gathers together his loved ones and has a “living funeral.” They talk about all the good times they have had together, and all the love they share. I think this is a great example to set – the people you love need to know how much they mean to you before they pass away.
Wait, MJ’s dead? Jk! I think a lot of people would have a hard time hearing all these glowing words about them when they’re alive. I know that I want to leave a legacy, but I don’t want to hear about it. I try to tell the people I love that I love them. But when people die we can ignore the bad, we’ll never have to deal with that again. We just miss the good and we want to talk about it.