When we were little, one of my younger sisters had the odd habit of exclaiming “Michael Jackson!” in place of “Oops!” or a curse word. She would do this when she tripped, ran into something, dropped something or anything else that would elicit a surprised response. We always thought she was unique in her weirdo-ness.
One summer afternoon, she and I were in the food court of our local Walmart, probably snacking on something barely passible as food. A girl I knew from my high school, who was a grade above me, was working there and mopping the floor next to us. Suddenly, Jamie slipped on the wet floor and let out a loud “Michael Jackson!” as she regained her balance.
Having overheard her, my sister and I looked at each other and mouthed “Oh my god.” We could not believe that someone else besides her did that. To this day, I remember that moment vividly, and his death today made me think of it again.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson.