Most of us, at one point, has had a "Michael Jackson moment", where we remember a favorite song that hooked us to him or we had an important part of our lives where (coincidentally or not) a Michael Jackson song was playing in the background. Mine came in the form of the Free Willy song, Will You Be There? in 1993. It was a song created for the movie, but also has a message of hope. Although I did not understand the message behind the song at first (being three-years-old at the time), it hooked me to Michael Jackson.

Falling in love with his music, his style and his dancing, Michael Jackson became the first pop star idol in my life (Selena following a short four years later) and held a caliber of standards towards musical artists that I still hold today. He, in my opinion, was one of the greatest walking legends in history. Personally, I feel that he was even greater than Elvis Presley. This man redefined pop culture, broke racial boundaries and set a very high standard for singers everywhere.

Many people have often tried to copy him, but nobody, as of yet, has been able to duplicate the famous Michael Jackson. He, most of everyone around the world can agree, was a great legend.

On June 25, 2009, I had been shocked, horrified and wounded to find out about the death of Michael. He, like for many others, was one of my childhood stars. I already lost one childhood star, Selena, in 1995 to a shooting and now, in 2009, the last piece of my childhood stars has faded and left this world - prematurely.

For a couple of days, like the world, I had gone into shock. To me, it felt like the world had stopped, and all I could think was: Michael Jackson...dead? Is this a twisted cosmic joke of some kind? He can't be dead.

I'm sure many of his fans felt like he was an immortal, a god, practically. I, too, subconsciously thought he was immortal. There are stars out there that you never think about their deaths. It just doesn't occur to you that these stars can die like you and me. Michael Jackson was one of those stars. His iconic name, his sequence glove, his mysterious form while dancing with his hat and his whirlwind singing kept me from ever feeling like he was going to die. After all, just over a month ago, I was sitting in my room thinking about how he was coming back.

I, shamefully admit, never spoke about my fan tendencies towards Michael Jackson because I was tired of the ridicule I received by many of my peers. In 2005, I had constantly been made fun of because I liked Michael Jackson. Eventually, I got worn out by it and never spoke of it again...forcing myself away from him. Well, I am not ashamed anymore.

On July 7, 2009, we lay to rest one of the greatest legends to have walked there earth. Whether you believe the allegations against him or not, there is no denying his contribution to the revolution towards pop culture. You cannot deny he broke racial boundaries when he fought to get his videos on MTV (and won!). You cannot deny he changed the caliber of music videos, dancing and singing.

It is with a heavy heart and heated sigh, that I bid my adieu to a walking legend. However, though we say goodbye, it is not farewell forever. Michael Jackson will live on through other generations through his music. It is like Thomas Campbell has said, "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die."

Thank You, Michael Jackson, for allowing us to share with your musical experiences. Farewell and God Bless.

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"What is a genius? What is a living legend? What is a megastar? Michael Jackson -- that's all. And when you think you know him, he gives you more...I think he is one of the finest people to hit this planet, and, in my estimation, he is the true King of Pop, Rock and Soul."

-Elizabeth Taylor

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