When I heard the news this morning that Michael Jackson has died, I must admit my first reaction was shock. It was almost as though I couldn't quite believe that a celebrity I knew of could die, just like that. What is rather funny about this situation, if my mom phoned me and told me old aunt Aggie had passed on, I am sure I would have less of a shocked response.

This is the thing with society. We focus on what someone has done, how much money they have made and how "important" they are. I mean look at half the people who are weeping and wailing over wacko jacko's death. Some of these people have never in their lives met the man and had a personal conversation with them. Perhaps they have listened to his music and followed his numerous trials etc on the news and in the papers, yet they seem to be having somewhat of an emotional breakdown at the thought of Michael leaving the world. I fail to see the logic in this.

Perhaps we should all take a closer look at our lives and take stock of the people who are REALLY there for us. Those who have had an impact on our lives and not just because they sang a few lyrics to a silly song or pulled a few dance moves with seemingly rubber legs. Appreciate those who you do still have as part of your life and let the celebrities families do the mourning for their loved ones.