Dear Michael...

June 25, 2013

Dear Michael,

It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since you left us. 4 years ago, you were in the process of preparing your final tour, This Is It. 4 years ago, I barely knew who you were.

4 years ago, I was in grade 4, only 9 years old. I didn't grow up with your music, and I had seen the Thriller video for the first time only a few months beforehand. That year, my teacher was a huge fan of yours. I didn't know who Michael Jackson was before she taught our class about your music. I can remember listening to the Off The Wall album during class, and realizing how much of an icon you were. 

On June 25th, 2009, it was the last day of grade 4. We got our report cards, celebrated the end of the school year, and said goodbye to all of our friends. I had no idea what was happening to you. When my mother came to pick me up from the last day of school, the first thing she said to me will haunt me for the rest of my life.

"Michael Jackson just died." 

I had no idea how to react. All I knew was that this was a big deal. I knew that the world was going to have a huge reaction. I was worried about how my teacher was going to react, because I knew how much she loved you. I remembered all of the great things that she said about you during class. Even though I barely knew anything about you, I knew it was a huge loss.

And now, 4 years later, I've found myself to be completely in love with you, your accomplishments, and your music. I'll always regret not learning more about you while you were still alive, but I will help to keep your legacy alive forever. So instead of being depressed and mourning your death, today I will play your music as loud as I can. I will moonwalk down the hallways. I will wear my MJ shirt with pride. I will spread love and peace. Because I don't think that you would want us to be sad when we think about you. I think you'd want us to celebrate your life with love and pride. You'd want us to continue helping the children, and healing the world. You may be gone, but your message and legacy will live on until the end of time. 

Thank you Michael for teaching me about the true meaning of love. Thank you for comforting me through your music. Thank you for giving me somebody to look up to. And thank you for making our world a better place.

I miss you Michael. I love you from the bottom of my heart...and love lives forever.

Love, Delaney <3