Michael Jackson

Age: 6

One of my 10 cousins asks me who I'm going to marry when I grow up. I respond, "Michael Jackson." My cousins burst out laughing and I wonder what I said that was so funny.

Age: 10

I see Captain Eo when we go to Disneyland and I fall in love with Michael Jackson. I think that he's so handsome and I want to spend all day in that 3D theatre.

Age: 17

It's been a long day of High School, dance practices and daily teenage drama. I'm alone in the dance studio after everyone has gone home. I lay on the hardwood floor and listen to Michael Jackson over and over and over.

I'm in my 1992 Chevy Van, making out with my boyfriend. We make out for 3 hours parked in front of his house, and Michael Jackson plays in the background the whole time.

Age: 19

I make Nick go with me on the city bus, since we're too young to rent a car, so that I can get the Invincible album the day that it comes out.

I've been married for 5 days and it's Halloween. Nick has fallen asleep and it's a stormy Florida evening. They're having a Michael Jackson music video marathon and I watch the entire thing including the longest music video ever, Ghosts.

Age: 27

I'm sitting at my cubicle when I glance up at the TV and do a double take . . . MICHAEL JACKSON DIES AT AGE 50. I immediately get up from my desk and head over to the TV. I'm a little in shock and the headline doesn't quite register.

I spent all day constantly hitting the refresh button on the CNN website, since I can't get video. I have to know what's happening. As cheesy as it is, I feel like I'm losing an old friend.

As small a part as he has played all throughout my life, it seems weird for him to not be there. I watched the memorial tonight and cried the whole way through. It makes me sad to think that so many people won't get to enjoy his talent, his creativity and his dancing like our generation did. Thank heavens for youtube.

My two favorite music videos of his were Scream, and The Way You Make Me Feel. I remember sitting in front of my parent's house listening to Earth Song for hours. I will definitely miss Michael, he had become part of my HIStory.