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Auburn Annie · 07-08-2009, 09:27 PM

I thought - for a show business memorial (NOT funeral) - it was a remarkably touching service. I sniffled my way through Stevie Wonder's "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and smiled as I listened to Brooke Shields' remembrances of her friend (him starting in show biz at 5 years old made him a slacker by comparison with her starting at 11 months, lol); laughed at Magic Johnson's glee at being invited to dine with his idol, only to discover - to his delight - that "dinner" was a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken; held my breath as his brother made it, barely, through "Smile" (I may never think of Jerry Lewis again with that song); and wept a little at Paris' farewell to her daddy. Very moving and, in her case, spontaneous, then enfolded in the arms of her aunts and grandmother.

I'm not sure I would have included the children at such a public affair, but on the other hand, it gave them the chance to understand how much affection many people have or had for their dad, his music and dance. If nothing else it seems he loved them very much and tried to be the kind of father he never had.

07-08-2009, 09:27 PM	#32
Auburn Annie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 3,101	Re: Michael and the saddest day. I thought - for a show business memorial (NOT funeral) - it was a remarkably touching service. I sniffled my way through Stevie Wonder's "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and smiled as I listened to Brooke Shields' remembrances of her friend (him starting in show biz at 5 years old made him a slacker by comparison with her starting at 11 months, lol); laughed at Magic Johnson's glee at being invited to dine with his idol, only to discover - to his delight - that "dinner" was a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken; held my breath as his brother made it, barely, through "Smile" (I may never think of Jerry Lewis again with that song); and wept a little at Paris' farewell to her daddy. Very moving and, in her case, spontaneous, then enfolded in the arms of her aunts and grandmother. I'm not sure I would have included the children at such a public affair, but on the other hand, it gave them the chance to understand how much affection many people have or had for their dad, his music and dance. If nothing else it seems he loved them very much and tried to be the kind of father he never had.