Wow, you capture so much in this piece. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us and the power of music to stir memories. You are a talented storyteller.
What a poignant essay. Gorgeous writing and, oh, the details of the concert day! Wonderful. I'm a little older but the Jackson 5 and Michael's solo career were very much a part of my teen years and beyond. Thanks for these vivid memories.
My grandson is epileptic (since he was in middle school) and it’s not an easy life.
I’m so sorry you lost Helen. I wish you had been told properly about her dying. Her memory and a piece of musical history lives on in your lovely story.
Oh Michael, What wonderful writing, and what powerful memories!
I was working the job that day Michael got caught in the flames. We were off to the side and after the flash and smoke couldn’t see directly what was going on because there were so many people rushing in, but as the news spread, everyone’s hearts were in their throats. They shut down production, of course, and we unloaded the film and gave it to them. Then we packed our equipment in the truck and stood in the parking lot for a long time, suddenly free but not ready to leave, stunned by the impossibility of it. By the time I got home, the whole world knew about it.
I loved the Jackson Five when I was growing up, I can relate to the love of his young voice, the group vibe and his phenomenal solo music career. I loved it all too. Thanks for this beautiful story of love and loss at such a young age.
It brought me back to my childhood, watching The Jackson 5 cartoon show on Saturday mornings, with their music as the backdrop of life. When someone passes away so young, they remain forever young, while we age; however, the music brings us back, if only for a short time. This was a truly touching and loving tribute to Helen.
Wow, you capture so much in this piece. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us and the power of music to stir memories. You are a talented storyteller.
Thank you very much Kathi...
Oh, this one broke my heart.
Thank you for reading.
What a beautiful and painful story. Thank you for your telling it
I appreciate you reading it.
What a tender, sweet, beautiful remembrance. Thank you!
Thank you as well.
This is a beautiful piece and brought back so many sweet memories. Thank you.
We have to cherish those memories. Thank for reading.
My daughter is also epileptic so this hit close to home.
My son, too.
What a poignant essay. Gorgeous writing and, oh, the details of the concert day! Wonderful. I'm a little older but the Jackson 5 and Michael's solo career were very much a part of my teen years and beyond. Thanks for these vivid memories.
I had always misheard the lyrics as:
Oh, baby, give me one more chance (to show you that I love you)
Won't you please let me back in your heart….
>>Oh, darlin', I would fly to Mexico (let you go, baby)
But now that I see you in a thong. (I want you back) <<
There will always be a thong and Mexico in my heart when I think of young Michael. 🤷🏼♀️
LOL...now that's a different take. Thanks for reading.
My grandson is epileptic (since he was in middle school) and it’s not an easy life.
I’m so sorry you lost Helen. I wish you had been told properly about her dying. Her memory and a piece of musical history lives on in your lovely story.
SO good and so much that stays with the reader - extremely moving. I am sorry for your loss, though many years have passed.
There’s something achingly tender about the way music loops us back to people we thought time had safely packed away.
Ain't that the truth.
Oh Michael, What wonderful writing, and what powerful memories!
I was working the job that day Michael got caught in the flames. We were off to the side and after the flash and smoke couldn’t see directly what was going on because there were so many people rushing in, but as the news spread, everyone’s hearts were in their throats. They shut down production, of course, and we unloaded the film and gave it to them. Then we packed our equipment in the truck and stood in the parking lot for a long time, suddenly free but not ready to leave, stunned by the impossibility of it. By the time I got home, the whole world knew about it.
Wow...I can't imagine how scary it must've been. Thank you for the kind words about the essay.
What bittersweet recollections. Thank you.
Tears. What beautiful and heartbreaking memories, so vividly shared. Thank you 💕
Thank you very much Alexa.
I loved the Jackson Five when I was growing up, I can relate to the love of his young voice, the group vibe and his phenomenal solo music career. I loved it all too. Thanks for this beautiful story of love and loss at such a young age.
Thank you very much for reading the story and your kind word.
It brought me back to my childhood, watching The Jackson 5 cartoon show on Saturday mornings, with their music as the backdrop of life. When someone passes away so young, they remain forever young, while we age; however, the music brings us back, if only for a short time. This was a truly touching and loving tribute to Helen.
Thank you for reading Doreen. Also...the J5 cartoon was the best.