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Originally Posted by Auburn Annie
I thought - for a show business memorial (NOT funeral) - it was a remarkably touching service. I sniffled my way through Stevie Wonder's "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and smiled as I listened to Brooke Shields' remembrances of her friend (him starting in show biz at 5 years old made him a slacker by comparison with her starting at 11 months, lol); laughed at Magic Johnson's glee at being invited to dine with his idol, only to discover - to his delight - that "dinner" was a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken; held my breath as his brother made it, barely, through "Smile" (I may never think of Jerry Lewis again with that song); and wept a little at Paris' farewell to her daddy. Very moving and, in her case, spontaneous, then enfolded in the arms of her aunts and grandmother.
I'm not sure I would have included the children at such a public affair, but on the other hand, it gave them the chance to understand how much affection many people have or had for their dad, his music and dance. If nothing else it seems he loved them very much and tried to be the kind of father he never had.
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I thought it was a remarkably 'low-key' event and for the most part I too felt very sad and teary that such a tortured, talented soul never knew a real life. Seeing the videos and pics of him over the years from the age of 8 and just owning the stage to the last video of his rehearsals two nights before he died that showed that dynamic energy was very moving. He truly was an amazing artist. Listening to the lyrics of some of his songs now that he is gone really demonstrated the magnitude of his pain. Yet it also showed his compassion and wishes to live in a world of acceptance and love.
Being in the embrace of the family gave great comfort to the children and young Paris showed herself to be strong enough to speak to the watching world but still be a heart broken little girl.
I also was left wondering where all those people were when he was in his darkest years a few years ago. I'd read that Liz Taylor, Berry Gordy and some others all abandoned him.
Michael was a talent like no other and his gifts of music and dance have been and will always be his legacy.