Today

Hi All,
It's Tuesday and, well, it's raining again. Nuff said.
As all of the world knows, today is Michael Jackson's memorial service. It is to be televised on all networks live and I know streamed live on the web as well. Whatever you think of MJ, there was certainly a huge, God given talent there and some demons as well. We are not the ones to judge the latter and on his funeral day I say, "Rest in peace".
But, it also brings up a point that applies to us all. What can that be, you ask?
Watch the tributes from all over the world of people dancing and singing to his music, signing the three huge condolence cards out front of the Staples Center in LA, and all the downloads from itunes of his collection. One of his close friends stated, "He would have loved this and finally really known how much his fans loved him."
Think about that. Do *you* really know how much you mean to your friends and family (aka your 'fans')? Do you tell your friends and family how much they mean to YOU??! Isn't it sad that only in death does Michael Jackson finally realize how loved he was by his fans? I think it's deeply sad.
One of my favorite Michael Jackson songs in "Man in the Mirror"-it's about something I believe in-personal responsibility. "I'm looking at the Man in the Mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways and no message could've been any clearer-if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change."
We all want to be loved and cared for by those in our lives but we have to make that effort too. How many times have we gotten upset with a friend or family member and thought, "Well, they can call ME, I'm not calling them!" Silly. I've done it and it's STUPID. It wastes the precious time we have in life. LIFE IS SHORT. Really short.
So I ask you today to tell those people in your life (or show them in a little way) how much they mean to you. Your husband forgets to take out the trash? So what. Take it out yourself or leave it for later that day. Your kids are trashing the family room? So what. You get to hear their laughter, see them play and know they are healthy and happy. Is anything really broken or ruined? Probably not...so let it go. Hug them, laugh, join in and then you can ALL clean it up!
When was the last time you said, "Please or thank you" to your husband/wife/s.o.? Have you just been yelling at the kids and not telling them how special they are?
Do you ever take a moment to bask in the warmth of the family and friends that love YOU? I know I don't. People thinks it means you're selfish or self centered but, really, you SHOULD bask in that glow. You should take time to realize how many people truly love and care about you. Do it when you're HERE for God's sake.
You will NOT get to the last moments of your life and say, "Thank God I yelled at Johnny for leaving his clothes on the floor, that'll teach him." No. You'll say, "OMG how could the last thing I said to my child be in anger? Why didn't I just take a breathe and calm down? Why didn't I tell him more how, though he is disorganized, I love his creativity and his spark for life?"
Michael Jackson had all the money and fame in the world. He lived in lavish homes, drove fancy cars and had legions of people taking care of him (though that CARE is debatable at this point). He died...at 50 years old. He will not see his children grow up, he won't take care of his Mother in her elder years. He won't play music with his brothers ever again. His life, though blessed in many ways, was VERY short.
So, start today. Appreciate those around you and REALIZE they appreciate you. Don't wait, time is of the essence.
Go walk in the rain and splash in a puddle with your kids. Give your husband/wife a hug and tell them you love them.
Then when you look at the 'Man in the Mirror' you can smile at yourself and say, "Everyone's right, I DO ROCK!"