Life is short...death, funeral & Michael Jackson

In the last week the following people have died: Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, Ed McMahon, a few other celebrities, and my grandma Joni's best friend...also recently passed...Grandma Bobbi's brother and sister-in-law....aand of course, the now late-great, legendary Michael Jackson. It seems like people are dropping like flies, literally, and it's not funny, it's sad. I know that death is inevetably a part of life and EVERYONE has their time. It's not a matter of IF we die, but WHEN. And with all of these people dying lately, it's hard to think about certain things, but it sure makes me put it all into perspective. All this death makse me count my every blessings, tell everyone how much I love them (though I think I always have), and praise God for my life and my health--and the life and health of those I love. And tonight, well, tonight was a hard night in our household. And in the middle of it, I stopped and realized how STUPID it is to fight and yell. Granted, some things ARE worth fighting about (VERY few all be it), but still...life is short and so much of our time is wasted yelling and fighting and sweating the small shit. And it's so not worth it. Really, truly, not worth it. My grandma E. been sick lately and in and out of the hospital and is finally doing better, but it's been up and down--truly--more than ever. And that scares the shit out of me. But I do know that whenever the day comes that my mom/grandma go, they WILL go knowing that I loved, respected and appreciated them. And that my friends, is a FANTASTIC feeling! It's not the best feeling thinknig about our loves one not being here, but it's also real, I'm 25, I'm married and the older I get, the older my parents/grandparents get. And you know, time is fleeting and life is short. I can't say I'm ready to deal with the loss of my own loved ones, but I do know they'll experience peace on the other side, and that it's rather selfish of me to want them here until I personally die. I don't think I'm gonig to die anytime soon, but you just never know. It could happen anytime, anywhere. And that is exactly what makes life precious and beautiful. It's what makes it grand and miraculous. It what makes it worth it and wonderful! When I go, WHENEVER that is, (and hopefully not for years and years), I want 'The Dance' played at my funeral/wake...no, I have to have 'The Dance,' played there. It's a requirement. I to remembered as strong, passionate, loving and loyal. I hope 'kind,' 'nice,' and 'stubborn,' are in there as well; stubborn isn't always a bad thing but it can be. I try and keep it in check, but I can't say I always succeed. I want to go before my sisters because I'm the way oldest out of the four of us and that just makes sense...I want good food and tiramisu served at the service and I want people to DANCE---put their inhibitions aside and dance and have fun! That is what I want. I want roses and lilies and lots of pretty flowers! I want lots of fruit for snacking. Lemons, watermelon, cucumbers, grapes and oranges--I want it to be a feast. And I want to be up in Heaven looking down and smiling at the positive impact I've (hopefully) made! I want to go out knowing I helped people, inspired them and at the very least, made them think. And if I loved them, I want them to know I loved them hard and deep and with all my heart! And I've loved many! Again, there's many things I want to accomplish before I die--A LOT....I want to author a book, see Italy, maybe have a child, etc, etc, etc.....and I don't plan on going anytime soon--but it seems important to write it down. Somewhere. I want my husband to know, now & today, that despite our tough times, I am not sorry I married him and never will be. I love you, Colin, so very much and if/when we challenge each other, we grow--and we took vows to grow--even when difficult to do so--and it is my dream that we grow together for years and years to come! And to everyone who's lost a loved one recently--celebrity or otherwise, they are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they find peace during these difficult times and I hope all of us are reminded to truly cherrish every single moment, day and breath we're given. Our health is our greatest wealth (truly, millions of dollars couldn't save Farrah & Michael) and we are meant to live this life learning and growing and loving every aspect of it possible! Here's to the good life, the healthy life, and hopefully, a long life! God Bless Us Everyone!

In Light N' Love,
-Sarah Liz :)

P.S. Michael Jackson was a legendary artist, and an artist in the truest sense of the word. Despite the allegations, courtroom drama and crap that plagued him later in his life, there is absolutely no denying that he had one heck of an impact on music. Whether or not you agree with him personally, he needs to remembered for his music. His musical genius and songs about life, love and equality for all--cannot be denied. My personal favorites are "Black & White," "Billie Jean," and "Man in the Mirror." MITM is one of my favorite songs ever, and Billie Jean is the BEST song to roller skate too! I spent my formative years roller skating to "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," and "Can't Touch This," so whenever I think of Michael, I think of roller skating and videos! B&W was the coolest video ever at the time and my family & I waited with baited breath for that one to come out! It remains one of the coolest videos ever, along with so many other Michael Jackson videos. My husband and I fell in love to his music and played a lot of it at our wedding, so that's another nice memory too! There will never be another Michael Jackson, he was truly one in a million and his fifty short years touched more lives than most do in several lifetimes! He wanted to live on through this music and he will, he most definitely will. Rest in peace, Michael and rock on!