The girls don’t know this, but tonight begins our hiatus from all things Michael Jackson-related. This includes Janet, Free Willy and “We Are the World.”

What a ride it’s been.

At first, it was nostalgic. Every new song I introduced them to was a walk down memory lane.  Then, it was amusing. I couldn’t believe how quickly they latched on to his music. They couldn’t get enough of it—saying things like, If we’re good tonight, can we listen to “The Way You Make Me Feel” before we go to bed? 

Then it got tricky. Because we started watching his videos, and I found myself trying to explain not only Michael’s evolving appearance, but his signature dance move that’s NOT the moonwalk.

And then they wanted to know if they could ever go to one of his concerts…and get his autograph…and meet him.  Which meant I had to tell them no, and explain why. This came as a shock, because, thanks to YouTube and iTunes, he was very much alive in their world.

But fatigue has set in for Diggs and I. We have very sophisticated taste in music and we’re ready to get back to Clint Black and the Love & Basketball soundtrack.

I captured this little medley tonight, so we’ll never forget what a magical time this was.