I haven’t written in almost a year now. I guess I have been busy….or lazy. I used to love writing on my blog but it I think it got to be a chore. I think I just needed to say some things so here I am.

I grew up with Michael Jackson. I even remember the Jackson 5 cartoons…granted they were probably reruns when I saw them considering I was two years old when the series ended. I always loved Michael Jackson even if it wasn’t cool. He was an incredible musical and performing genius. He transcended so many things. So many barriers. Later on in his life things got weird and late in his career I didn’t follow him much. I was torn. I was torn about the allegations. He was never convicted of anything but he did settle out of court. Thus I am torn about MJ. I’ve been watching videos and listening to his music constantly since his death. I understand the magnitude of his passing. I understand the impact he had on the music world. It may never be surpassed. It will never be surpassed.

I am torn though. For the handful of people that truly know me understand why. They might actually be surprised that I can feel torn. It’s weird even to me….believe me. I think a lot of it has to do with my nature. I am a terribly forgiving person…..to a fault. I am also the type of person that gives people the benefit of the doubt……to a fault. How can I feel sadness at Michaels passing? I do. Terribly.

I wonder if it is just something that brings up a feeling or a memory that you bury for most days of the year and when it comes to the surface the person that is accused is a person you like or even love. Then, you have doubts. Growing up I always wondered how the kids at St. Judes could still love their parents even after all they put them through. I understand though…now. Even before, I guess I understood, because of things that happened that forced me to look at someone I loved and to ask the question as to whether they were guilty or not. I think in my heart I knew the answer. I think the same applies to Michael Jackson. Still….how can someone like me be torn about these things? How can someone with my perspective feel this way?

People without the same perspective might easily play judge and jury or they might even deny the person they love could do anything wrong. The feelings and stances are all over the spectrum. For those that love Michael, they might easily toss allegations aside because they just can’t believe it to be true. They won’t believe it. They will protect the person no matter what. Those who are realists easily point the finger and contend they know the truth. They don’t need proof.

We can rationalize anything away if we love someone. For some it is George W. Bush. For some it is their favorite musician. For some it is family. Is it because the truth hurts too much? Is it because you have so much faith in that person that anything undesirable is unimaginable? It doesn’t matter what anyone else says…..YOU KNOW THE TRUTH. Or so you think.

So I am torn about Michael. I will miss him regardless and will always love his music.

Last game of the season and Aidan gets his first touchdown. They call him “Crazy Legs” because they are soooo long but once he gets them moving he’s pretty dang fast. He played on the line most of the season but got to run a center sneak once. It was the third quarter and neither team has scored. It’s a defensive clinic out on the mighty flag football field and no one can move the ball. Zach finally breaks free and gets just past midfield. The next play I see Aidan on the line through my camera and decide to just snap a shot of him blocking. Before I know it Crazy Legs Hamilton is streaking down the middle of the field. Coach called a trick play where the QB hands off to the tackle….40 yards later my buddy is beaming from ear to ear and I am beside myself with excitement! What a fun moment. What a lucky time to snap a photo too…..

Tonight I am proud to be an American. I don’t see eye-to-eye with Barack Obama on all the issues but I think his winning this election will be good for the United States. I am not one of those that see a Democrat in the White House as impending doom. I look at tonight and see how far we have come in this country with race relations and it makes me very proud.

America needs two parties…it is part of what keeps us balanced. For me this is a cyclical change that is not necessarily bad. I know there are those out there that think America would be just fine with a Republican in the White House forever. There are Democrats that probably think along the same lines. It wouldn’t work. So, though you may be hurt because John McCain lost, do not fret. This is America and we need to give our new Commander in Chief a fair chance to lead us.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Tonight we are closer than ever to living up to the above sentence from the Declaration of Independence.

Obama just came on stage and said, “Is there anyone out there who still thinks that all things are not possible?”