When I first heard yesterday, I was kind of holding my breath, hoping it was just the media over-reacting. It seemed everyone was falling all over themselves to be the first with the big story. The buzz reminded me of a bunch of grade schoolers yelling at once to get the teacher's attention.

When the confirmations came in, I just closed my eyes. Regardless of what I think of him as the person he became, he was a big part of my life. MJ videos were on MTV all the time! His music was constantly playing on the radio. He ruled pop culture and fashion. I can't believe everyone's still doing the Thriller dance! The Jackson Five's "ABC" song is one of my daughter's favorites.

So, I can't not say something. I just don't know what's appropriate. I think it happened too suddenly. Some DJ compared it to the passing of Elvis. I think that's appropriate. It happened that quickly.

This rhyme from elementary school keeps playing itself over and over in my mind. It doesn't honor his memory, but I think it does demonstrate what an every day name he was. I used to sing this while waiting at the bus stop.