Today, as I am watching the television, I see the thousands of people coming together at the Staples Centre to pay tribute to Michael Jackson.  On top of that, the millions of people worldwide tuning in to the television to pay tribute to the King of Pop.

I find myself sad as I say goodbye to Someone, Something, that reperesents part of my own childhood.  As parents, we all try and shape our childrens’ lives the best we can.  A certain smell, taste, song, can bring back memories from the past, from our childhood.  My daughters scream in delight when they hear “Pink” , “Miley Cyrus” or “Taylor Swift” come on the radio.

For me, that icon during childhood was Michael Jackson.  I can remember boys at school doing the “Moon Walk” to try and be like him; wearing the “glove” or leather jacket.  I grew up to music videos with “Beat It” and “Thriller” and watched his incredible dance moves.

Over the years I was there watching as his face transformed, and watched him battle criminal charges against him and public scrutiny over balcony incidents and other things.

Regardless of some of the negative publicity Michael Jackson recieved, for me,  when I think back on my childhood, I can remember Michael Jackson’s music and influence and a smile comes to my face.  He changed the music industry, and deserves the title, the King of Pop.

I sit here and I am heartbroken watching his little daughter speak at his memorial service.  She tells thousands of people that her daddy was the best dad in the world and that she loves him.  After this, she walks off the stage in tears.  How heartbreaking.  As a mother, this just brings tears to my eyes.  No child should have to endure such pain.

Children should have a world full of hope, happiness and laugher where the world is their oyster.

Think about a person, a song, a taste,  or a smell that brings you back to childhood; where the world was a totally different place.