My father died on Sunday. I was still trying to get over that when the news broke that Michael Jackson was dead.

Michael Jackson died today at 50.

It has been a sad week. And it is only Thursday.

My American journey began when my father’s radio beamed Voice of America (VOA) stories into my room. I was picturing life in America based on the stories I was hearing. And then, I heard Thriller. And I got introduced to Michael Jackson. It was magic. There was no other place else on earth to be than America.

I became a fan, like many millions around the globe. I memorized the lyrics of his songs. But I could not moonwalk.

By the time he helped produce “We Are The World,” he was a legend.

I am deeply saddened. Michael Jackson like all great stars died young. He leaves behind a body of work that will secure his place in the annals of modern music.

There was Muhammad Ali in Boxing, Michael Jordon in Basketball, Tiger Wood in Golf, Barack Obama in Politics. But Michael Jackson was all of these great people put together.

Because of the passing of my father and Michael Jackson, I have the feeling that tomorrow will be different from all the yesterdays that have passed.