Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson: They Say Death Comes in 3's

We have just witnessed the passing of 3 well known celebrities: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, all within 3 days. Michael Jackson's death is the most shocking and unexpected. Ed McMahon was older and had a full life, and Farrah Fawcett had been battling a deadly cancer for 3 years. Michael Jackson, as far as we know, did not have any life threatening illnesses, plus he was only 50 years old. 50 is still considered young, by today's standards. However, when it's your time, no justification is needed. We just say goodbye.
Some balk at mourning for those we have no direct personal relationship with. However, when it comes to celebrities, we always feel we know them because they have entertained us for many years; giving us laughs, drama and music. We've all grown up together, and that's what we remember. We played as much a role in their lives as they did in ours.
Michael Jackson's life will be recalled for the extreme way he lived, the greatest entertainer in the world and the most mysterious. His music will always draw a foot tapping at any given moment, and occupies shelf space in millions of homes. We watched him over the years transform from an entertainer with style to someone who was unrecognizable. Still, when he engrossed us with his talent, we knew this was the one and only Michael Jackson.
Farrah Fawcett, I believe, brought awareness to domestic violence with her movie, The Burning Bed. She wanted to be known for more inspiring and meaningful roles other than one of the Charlie's Angels, and she succeeded. She was also known for her feathered hair and started a trend for many women. Perhaps her most personable moments were when she let us be spectators to her battle with cancer, through her own filmed documentary.
Ms. Fawcett wanted the world to see the effects cancer treatments have on the body, and the emotional toll this disease takes....which many of us can relate to because we've lost loved ones to cancer. For her illness, which she handled with dignity, grace and strength, Farrah Fawcett was just Farrah without the glamour. It brought her to a level that many of us could empathize with.
Ed McMahon was the comforting voice of late night television with Johnny Carson. Growing up, Johnny Carson's time slot meant bed time for us. However, that introduction Ed McMahon gave Johnny Carson every night lives on in my memory. Sadly, Ed McMahon, in his elder years had to experience the pain that so many in this country are feeling, foreclosure on their homes. He did admit that much of it was his fault due to poor financial decisions. On the other hand, I'm sure if Johnny Carson were here, he would have made sure Ed McMahon was taken care of.
So, this has been another one of those weeks to commit to memory, and to say I was there to observe yet another piece of history. As with our own personal loved ones, death is never final which is what we often here. It's not final because they are transitioning, and we are left to continue learning lessons from their lives. The entertainment they provided will be enjoyed many times over. They are in good company, and will create harmony wherever they go; let's hope we can learn from that too. Rest in Peace.

Article written by Debra Barrow