by Glodean Champion

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Everyone's talking about what we should remember about Michael Jackson. How he came from Gary, Indiana; he was a child prodigy; his father abused him; he was the greatest dancer; and the list goes on. There's no denying Michael's talent, and despite the rumors and innuendo, there's something bigger that we should be remembering right now. What did Michael Jackson mean to each and every one of us?

To say Michael Jackson was a big part of my childhood would be an understatement. There isn't a memory from 1970 to 1984 that doesn't have Michael Jackson dust on it. From elementary school to high school, Michael was there. Summers in Chicago with my family, Michael was there. First dates and first dances, Michael was there.

And now, following his untimely death, it is with sadness and joy that I will always cherish and remember:

Wearing an afro the exact size and circumference as Michael's and then walking around like a bobblehead so it would bounce.

Singing ABC and dancing around the living room until I was hoarse and dizzy!

Getting a subscription to Right On! magazine just because Michael was in there so much and then littering every inch of space on my bedroom wall with anything Jackson (especially Jermaine because he was fine).

Standing in front of Peaches record store in Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. waiting for the doors to open to get the Off the Wall album on the day it was released (album=vinyl).

Screaming through Michael's entire performance of "Ben" on the Sonny and Cher comedy hour.

Begging and then being allowed to stay up late to watch Michael Jackson on the Johnny Carson show.

Studying Michael's moves, learning the robot, and listening to "Dancing Machine" over and over and OVER so I could perform for the 5th grade talent show...and winning!

Watching Penny on Good Times because she was Michael's sister (and 'cause she was cute).

Learning the lyrics to "I'll Be There" and shouting "Just look over your shoulders honey!" at the end as if I really had someone I'd always be there for.

Playing the "Off the Wall" album so much it got scratched and then having to save up my allowance to buy another one, because my mother said she wasn't thinking about wasting her hard earned money on another one!

Sitting in front of the television watching OnTV (cable back in the day) waiting for MTV to play the "Thriller" video and then screaming like an absolute maniac through the entire thing. Then being grateful that my mom's friend was recording it on his BETA so he could rewind it

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