1,000 Days Gone: Remembering Michael

CLEVELAND - That sorrowful, tear soaked Thursday remains a sadly indelible moment in time for me. The man that I most identified with and admired, who was famous a billion times over and possibly the most polarizing figure in history had met a stunningly early end.

Michael Jackson.

It was exactly 1,000 days ago today--June 25, 2009 that MJ died at the hands of a now incarcerated and hopelessly incompetent so-called physician in the master bedroom of his rented mansion in the Holby Hills section of Los Angeles. For a man so revered, reviled and accomplished during an entertainment career that commenced in the 1960s, the shock waves across the planet were substantial and highly expected.

I was instantly struck with bitterness and emotional agony. Michael Jackson was a truly magnificent being and one of the world's most important citizens. Aside from the luminosity of his iconic accomplishments as a musician and performer, he had an enormous sense of compassion for the world in general and children in particular.

In spite of the loads of negative press he received during the final 16 years of his life, MJ was a treasure for what he absolutely stood for as opposed to what was speculated about him. This coming June 25th will mark three years since his horrific departure, but his beautiful spirit and seminal artistry reign forever in the annals of world history as well as in the minds of his global fan base.

Michael, we will forever admire and love you.