Age is Relative

It isn't like The Day the Music Died, or like the death of The King. The lights in Vegas were not darkened, but The King of Pop died yesterday. Michael Jackson lived an iconic life. The most famous person in the world. He was a talented man, he could sing, he could dance, and he could garner publicity like no one else.

Few stars lead big enough lives to warrant a special report on TV, with Charles Gibson announcing the passing with the same gravity as the death of a famous world leader. Though cause of death is still undetermined, Michael Jackson's passing jolted me for an odd reason. I liked his music, I was not a huge fan. The "Thriller" album was revolutionary. However, it wasn't the death of an entertainer that had the effect on me.

I have always thought of Michael Jackson as a contemporary. He was a few years older than I am, but not that much. My immediate reaction was, "OH, he was so young!" But, he was 50. Yes, 50 is definitely young, but it isn't what I have thought of in the past as being "so young." People live longer healthier lives now, but I think it was a bit of a reality check. I would bet my children don't think "Oh, he was so young." Interesting.

Most of the time I still think of myself as a youngster. If you ask my parents and their friends, I suppose I am. However, I am nearing (or at, or past) the middle of my life.

Remembering Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Air Band competitions in College, Thriller, Quincy Jones producing some darn good music, it did span a lifetime. He lived larger than life, though. Maybe the brightest flames are consumed the fastest.