Losses and respect

Am I bothered more by the fact that Michael Jackson died today or that he was two years younger than me when he died from a heart attack? It is a quandry, for sure. I was watching television all during the time when Michael Jackson was living and performing, so I was privy, like all of us, to his performances over the years. I wasn't a big fan, but he did some nice music over the years. I particularly liked the album he came out with when I was a first year law student. What happened afterwards wasn't my favorite. In the end, he became quite a caricature.

I wasn't much of a fan of Farrah Fawcett either. I always went for the smarter of Charlie's Angels: Kate Jackson. Farrah Fawcett was the blonde, with all the stereotypes that go along with it. Still, I felt sorry for her when she got sick. I wasn't much of a fan of Ryan O'Neal either, but it was good to see him standing by her when she was suffering.

It is interesting to see what sometimes happens when people are placed under stressful situations. I think Farrah and Ryan rose to the challenge. It does engender respect.

When I was a young man, I don't think I could foresee the anxiety and stress to come when I was older. The key is how you respond when it hits you. I am working on it. It is often tough. But I am working on it.

Cindy is too.