RIP Michael

I will say it one more time, I was truly blessed to be born when I was. I have a sense of lost just knowing kids today cannot experience what I was able to. Because when "Thriller" was released, all bets were off. Everyone was a fan.
For me it was before Thriller. Anyone who knows me knows I love The Wizard of Oz. The scarecrow was always my favorite. Then came along a very urban version of "Oz" simply called "The Wiz". I remember being so excited to watch it. Watched & then disappointed-except for the scene with the scarecrow singing "Ease on down the Road". Pure magic.
Then along came a channel called MTV & very fast my dad forbade it. I would sneak it in as much as I could when he was at work, back then they actual played videos: Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, Rolling Stones, Black Sabboth-who could blame my dad? But with great rarity, MTV played a video called "Rock with You" by a young black singer named Michael Jackson-back then it had to be added, "from the Jackson 5". I realized it was the same person who was in "The Wiz" & that was it for me. Forget school work-I HAD TO DANCE!!!!
Well, I can't remember who it was, this was back in 1979, I was 6. It was either Kevin or Joe who managed to get me the cassette that probably cost $6 or $7. That Christmas I received my first radio with cassette player & I was good to go.
When "Thriller" came out my dad didn't stand a chance. My mom was just as glued to MTV as I was. "Billie Jean" first, then "Beat It" & lord have mercy, the "Thriller" video.
It didn't matter where we traveled, what state we were in, Michael was being played.
My parents knew I was serious about dancing. I wanted nothing to do with playing kick ball or tag, I wanted my own room-my space to dance.

Only until I became a parent did I realize the sacrifice it was for them to pay for not just one, but three & for a few months, four dance classes-for several years. I am forever grateful to my mom dad for that.

Not only am I thankful for when I was born, but where I grew up. I know my dad has such grief with Michigan, but I know he would agree there was only one Anita.

I am often sad & disappointed that I stopped dancing. I do think that was my gift from God & I hope He holds me accountable. I do believe it is one of my greatest sins for not pursuing my gift-my dream.
I'm pitifully out of shape & overweight but I know I can still dance. I do-often-just in the privacy of my ever-changing homes. I still have the technique (once a dancer-always a dancer for all) & I can still whip out a double piourette.
No matter what song was being played at the dance studio, everyone danced best to Michael.

He didn't stop til he had enough.