Archive for July, 2009

Now, Michael is finally an angel.

Of course, I (and so many) wish it weren’t so. But, if it must be, then…

Now, in his death, Michael brings the higher level of awareness that he so longed to facilitate. In a more literal way, the awareness comes in the form of a broad re-awakening of his profound talents. Despite the life events that tended to distract many people from this fact in recent years, many more people are now able to think of this individual, and his incredible volume of songs and videos, in a more pure manner- to appreciate all that Michael Jackson the performer has so uniquely and profoundly inspired.

And now, in his sad passing, he also brings a wider, metaphorical level of awareness, of appreciation. We as humans have the most incredible tendency to overlook the ones we love. Michael Joseph Jackson was always loved, but often in ways that hurt as much as healed. It is no secret that he did not live a life free of pain and conflict. As is true for every person alive (in their own way), this is simply part of the human condition- and as part of that…human nature…Michael was as human as any of us.

But his death offers yet another reminder of a broader truth- that we as humans so frequently only demonstrate our true feelings for those we love when they are no longer with us. It brings to mind a scenario that has perplexed me for many years, and while of course no statement of this type can be made that applies to all people in exactly the same way, I have noticed a pattern that appears to represent an overwhelming majority of us.

The scenario is this: someone dies at an earlier age than expected, in some especially upsetting or tragic manner. At his or her funeral, there will be clusters of friends and family, many of whom have a long-standing and close relationship with one another (often, ironically, because of the person who has died). You would hear conversations in which these groups of people, in their sadness and reflection on the nature of life and what truly matters, speak to one another in a more serious and genuine tone than they normally would. They will shake their heads, and be reminded, despite their great fondness and rich history together, that many of them have not seen (or even spoken) to one another for months or even years. In their sincere, deeper reflection, they will solemnly promise to do better. That, in honor of this too sad and real reminder, it really is people and relationships that matter the most in life, that they will commit to being more mindful, more appreciative, and to make greater, purposeful efforts to stay in touch. And, as truly sincere and heartfelt as these promises will be, it will (not always, but very commonly) take only a matter of weeks or months before the busy, hectic nature of life takes over, and these well-meaning promises will again fall by the wayside…often, until the next sad reminder.

This story in some ways is all the more difficult to reconcile because it is usually not because people just don’t care. They most often do- genuinely. But the inertia of people’s busy lives, family obligations and financial responsibilities tend to take over in a way that is almost “involuntary.” It truly takes consistent, conscious effort to reverse this inertia, and for many people this commitment is strong and real enough to remember only in times of pain and loss.

Michael Jackson, in one of these moments of sincere reflection, stated that perhaps his greatest wish in life was to be “immortal.” That no matter what may happen to him in his own fragile human existence that he may somehow have the comfort of knowing he would be able to live forever. In this way, as much as is humanly possible to do, maybe Michael will be able to achieve his greatest wish, and in the process, offer us his most precious gift…and for that, perhaps we can all be grateful.