Shock of Sadness

We, well at least me. I don't feel that far off from my childhood. Yes, I have children, yes, some of them are at an age where I can totally see them changing from children to pre-teens, no, do I let this make me feel aged, no, do I feel like I'm feeling like a complete adult with fine lines from the sun and the past years of exploring, partying, enjoying my youth.....
When someone I enjoyed as a singer, a performer, an artist, passes away unexpectedly that in itself completely rocks my world. Michael Jackson, yes, I have to discuss it, how can I not??? If you are anywhere around my age and even not you feel the loss. His music started before I was born and continued to be in the top 10 throughout my childhood. Thriller, I remember my Dad recorded it for me to watch when I came to visit him. It was scary but he was thrilling!! No matter what any circumstances were brought up later in the years of his career, he was magical, he had a talent, that was obvious, he's one that even though he is no longer with us, his music will always be heard, whether at a club, dance performances, or movies..........
I couldn't help but watch his videos all day, Mom Jr., who just completed her dance performances last week heard one of his songs and said "That's my tap dance!!" She went right into dance mode and started her routine. His music will definitely live on, without a doubt!
Now, do I feel aged just a little?? Yes, when my children look at me and ask questions about someone I use to listen to, ask about his videos, ask why he died?
I wonder about the children who remember when Elvis passed away? I was very young, almost too young to remember, will my children remember such an icon passing away when they're grown up?
Some will, and my youngest won't. I do let them watch his videos, some show of children in Africa who do not have much of anything, some show homeless people, some show hatred towards any other race besides their own, some show our environment. I educate them with each one and let them know that there are children out there now that are starving, there are families that do not have a home, there are people who simply hate anyone who is not completely their kind.
I turn this into a lesson of compassion for those who are less fortunate than ourselves, for kindness to all no matter what their ethnic background is, to love all and not allow hate in our hearts because hate is such a strong emotion.
We must make sure our children will help someone when they are in need of help, guidance, direction, or just a guiding hand.
My hope for my children is that they will always be courteous to anyone who is in need of anything from directions or just a smile to bring some warmth and kindness to their day.
Lets make sure we allow our children to be just that, children, to giggle, play, run, pretend, explore, learn, and love.

Just a Mom who had reality hit hard when someone I enjoyed passed away way too soon!!!!!