Where Were You When Michael Jackson Died?
I was sitting at my desk looking at Google news when some obscure news outlet said that 50 year old Michael Jackson died of a heart attack. “Naw, that can’t be right… 50 is too young… must be wrong.” Just then office mate Justin picked up the phone, called a friend and announced, “Michael Jackson is dead.”
For the next hour or so I watch for some credible news report. What I’ll remember twenty years from now is my interaction, brief as it was, with Justin.
Farrah Fawcett had died earlier in the day. Hollywood was still talking about Ed McMahon’s death.
Jackson and Fawcett were cultural icons. I am five years older that Jackson and I remember being amazed at that little kid’s giftedness when I was a young teenager. I lusted over that famous Farrah Fawcett poster around the same time.
It is interesting to me that people have such a strong impact. David became a facebook friend last week. I haven’t seen he or Ellen for… geeezzz… a million years. But David holds a vivid place in my memory.
My son Justus was telling me about his college friend Ryan. It was clear that Ryan had a very strong impact on him that will last a lifetime.
Al became a new facebook friend, too. I will never forget those kinship groups in his home… twenty years ago! I hardly ever see Al, but he is there big in my heart.
One lesson I take from this is that we can never underestimate how we impact other’s lives; those cultural icons, yes, but even more important those sub-iconic figures that factor so significantly in our real lives.
Just now I am thinking about all those people I know who read my blog. I actually know many of you or have heard about you through others, like Larry. I think about you and pray for you because you have a place in my heart and mind. I don’t recall praying for Fawcett (I was too busy lusting) or Jackson, but I am think about and praying for you. Thank you for your impact in my life.
I love you – Bryan Martin
