A celebration of his life

I watched it live on TV yesterday. The tribute, the songs, the crowds, the memories.

Even though it all happened about five hours away from where I was, it felt as though I was there.

And I drank it all in, while my tears fell freely.

I saw him as a brother when Jermaine Jackson sang “Smile” with so much love and devotion.

I saw him as a friend and confidant when Brooke Shields related how they both shared happy moments together.

I saw him as a real, ordinary person when Magic Johson revealed how they had enjoyed a bucket of KFC together.

I saw him as an icon as Usher poured out his emotions in the song “Gone Too Soon”.

I saw him as a father when his daughter Paris wept as she told the world that he was the best father you can ever imagine.

And I saw the impact he made on the world with all of his efforts, his works and his music.

He is indeed a legend. May he rest in peace.