Michael Jackson and Sara B

As a kid, I was not exposed to death or dying. The only recollection I have of experiencing death as a child was the death of my grandmother. I was about 4 or 5 at the time. The viewing was held at my uncle?s house. As my cousins and I played in the area, we would occasionally go up to where my grandmother?s body was laid out and take a look at her. I distinctly remember that she looked as if she were sleeping, and noticed a tear running down the side of her face from the corner of her eye. At age fourteen, a fifteen year old friend died in an accident when he fell between two cars and was crushed.

Although we had lost friends and family over the years, my parents always tried to protect us from the pain of loss. Experiencing loss, however, is something we are all bound to experience despite anyone?s best efforts. It is inevitable.

June 25th will mark the anniversary of Michael Jackson?s death. Like millions of you across the country and around the world, I was stunned at the news that the music icon was dead at the age of 50. I was not a friend of Michael Jackson. I am simply a writer and adult educator. I had never met him, nor attended any of his concerts. However, as someone just three years younger than Michael, I grew up listening to the Jackson 5 in the late 60s, and following Michael?s solo career in the late 70s and early 80s.

Sara B. passed away in July of 2003. She was a friend and by no means well known or famous. At the time, I was attending my husband?s family reunion in Kimballton, Iowa. I did not learn of her death until after we returned from our trip. When Sara was first diagnosed with cancer, I was optimistic that she would pull through, and never considered the fact that she might not. Because my family had moved from Phoenix to Tucson, I did not visit or talk with Sara much following her diagnosis. After her death, I deeply regretted not taking the time to let Sara know how much she meant to me. I wrote a letter after the fact telling her and knew that somehow my words would make their way to her. I wondered how many others found themselves worrying about whether someone they lost knew how much they were loved. That single thought became the inspiration for writing my book.

Michael Jackson and Sara B. did not know each other, but they have something in common with each other and with loved ones you may have lost. They left behind friends and loved ones who grieve as a result of their passing. Michael was beloved by millions of fans, and by family and friends. Sara did not have millions of fans, but touched many lives and brought much happiness nonetheless. I did not know Michael, and you may not have known him either, but his music and dancing touched me, just as it touched many of you. His music has been part of my life and yours, and has brought much joy and inspiration to many. The global outpouring of grief following his death was overwhelming.

I couldn?t help but wonder: Did he know how much he was loved?

Did Sara know?

Do your loved ones know?

Source: http://www.womenfavor.com/home-and-family/death-dying/michael-jackson-and-sara-b.html

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