The tone of discussions regarding Michael Jackson’s death range from utterly grief-stricken to ecstatic and celebratory and everything in between. I cannot honestly say that Jackson was one of my favorite performers, but that is purely down to personal taste. Nevertheless, I can certainly recognize and appreciate how extremely talented the man was. Michael Jackson, King of Pop, made an everlasting impact on the music industry and the world.
Was Jackson a child molester, as some believe? I do not know, and at this point in time, there is only a small handful of people in this world who know the truth about the allegations against him.
I may share more of my thoughts on the subject at a later time, but the main purpose of this post is to share one that Bonnie wrote last night:
“I’ll Be There” was a beautiful song, and I love it to this day. [...] I found this haunting video this evening of an older Michael Jackson singing a few strains of this song at the piano, the younger Michael Jackson looking on. It’s symbolic of there being two different Michael Jacksons: [...] This haunting duality is what I perceive when I think of Michael Jackson.
Please click through and read the full post. Be sure to watch the short video too. I believe it contains layers of meaning, possibly more so than any of us will ever realize or understand.
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Have you forgotten about me? I certainly haven’t forgotten about you, although it may seem as though I have. I’m very sorry for not being more attentive, it’s just that, well, I’ve strayed. I never thought I would go and do something like join Facebook, but I did. Before I knew it I was involved. I didn’t mean to, really, it just sort of happened.
Remember back when we used to get together every day? Those were great times, weren’t they? Oh, they weren’t always happy. I certainly have a way of going off when I’m irked, and I know I sometimes get stuck on a particular topic. But, hey, there’s a reason I named you what I did. Regardless of the mood or tone, at least we were together, right?
Trouble is, R.O., I was the one doing all the work, all the sharing. Sure, you’re a great listener, but Facebook listens and talks. She interacts with me, plays games and even sends me flowers. She gives me things that you’re simply not able to give. And that’s not your fault. Heck, it’s not a fault at all, really, it’s just the way you’re made. And that’s OK! I accept you the way you are and I would love to start spending more time with you again.
I have so many things I want to tell you! Thoughts and ideas are spinning around in my head. I need to share them in detail, and perhaps discuss them with some of our friends who stop by and visit from time to time. You see, that’s your strength, R.O. That’s where you beat Facebook, hands down. You’re interested in more of the meaningful things I want to discuss in depth. Don’t get me wrong, I fully intend to continue hanging out with Facebook and all our new friends. It’s something I enjoy and I know you wouldn’t begrudge me that. I promise, though, to make more of an effort to spend time with you; to try and rebuild what we once had.
Words escape me when I try to explain just how much I appreciate two of the most compassionate, generous and caring people I’ve ever known.
My best friend and chosen sister, Bonnie, and her awesome husband have been so good to my son and me, that to simply call them wonderful or to thank them for all they do, seems an inadequate expression of how I truly feel. This is frustrating because I believe that people should know how much they are loved and valued, and yet I don’t think I will ever be able to express the true depths of my love and appreciation because I do not possess the vocabulary with which to describe it.
I ask myself if there is something I could do or give and I come up empty there as well; anything that I could possibly offer pales in comparison to all that my son and I have received from these two incredible people. I’m not referring only to the physical things they provide, like a stable home, fantastic meals and a comfortable place to sleep. No, Bonnie and Dale have given much more than that. They have been supportive and kind, patient and loving. They offer the comfort of their friendship and the pleasure of their company. They are our family, and yet and we love them in a way that is difficult to convey.
I suppose I could write volumes about I can’t properly express my true feelings, but even that would only offer the slightest hint to the level of love and gratitude that wells inside of me. In my loss for words, perhaps this song will give at least some idea of how I feel.
We the undersigned citizens of the United States petition you to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any and all government officials who have participated in torture and other war crimes.
These crimes are being euphemistically referred to as “abusive interrogation techniques” by such respected figures as Senator John McCain. These are euphemisms for torture. Torture is a war crime. Waterboarding is a war crime. The CIA has admitted waterboarding detainees. Former Vice President Cheney brazenly admitted authorizing the program that led to waterboarding, other forms of torture too numerous to list, and ultimately, the deaths by homicide of detainees. Democrats.com
I have just read and signed the petition: “Special Prosecutor for Bush War Crimes”
Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. My name was the 50,438th on the petition and Democrats.com is trying to reach 100,000 signatures.
Once you have signed, please consider asking other friends and family members to sign as well.
Bonnie and I stayed up a little later than usual last night. I love our late-night sisterly talks; we have great fun laughing, talking, listening to music… Sometimes it can make for rough mornings, though.
We also enjoy a daily dose of LOL cats. Bonnie found this one yesterday, and it’s a perfect picture of me, first thing this morning. Well, minus the furry tail.
Today is my little boy’s 12th birthday. I don’t know where all the time has gone, but he is certainly growing up fast.
We celebrated yesterday and everyone had a great time. We gave him his gifts in the morning so he would have the day to enjoy them. In the afternoon, we had a party at a nearby bowling alley. There was pizza and pop, cake and ice cream. Everyone bowled and the kids played video games afterward.
This year was extra special because my best girlfriend, Bonnie, and her husband, Dale, were a part of the celebration. If you’ve been reading here for very long, you’ll know that these people are our chosen family, and very dear to my son and me.
We’re going out to dinner tonight since today is actually his birthday. In the mean time, I wanted to post something special for my son who is growing into a fine young man and making me a proud momma.
Happy birthday, Sweetie. You are the sunshine of my life and I love you very much!
You are a wonderful husband and father. You are my confidant and my partner; my lover and my best friend. I am a very lucky woman to have someone as wonderful as you to spend the rest of my life with.
Happy birthday, Michael. I love you with all that I have and all I am.
Always,
Your Lottie
Lucky Jason Mraz
Do you hear me
Talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky oh my, baby I’m trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I hear your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
They don’t know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I wait for you I promise you, I will
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I’m lucky we’re in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
And so I’m sailing through the sea
To an island where we’ll meet
You’ll hear the music, feel the air
I put a flower in your hair
And though the breeze is through trees
Move so pretty you’re all I see
As the world keep spinning round
You hold me right here right now
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I’m lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Bonnie works for the Minnesota Department of Health. We haven’t had any confirmed cases of swine flu up here, but MDH is making preparations for around the clock investigation. The Fox 9 News crew was out at Bonnie’s lab yesterday and caught a few good shots of her on the job. We’ve both had trouble embedding the video, but here is a link:
Fox 9 Inside State Health Lab
Once again, I’m proud to be a member of a excellent State health lab. Minnesota can be confident that we’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain the health of the citizens of Minnesota.
