Michael Jackson's memorial service: His kids remind us that he was more than a celebrity

photo credit: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)
photo credit: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)

I wasn't glued to a television to watch the memorial service for the late Michael Jackson. I almost hate to admit that I didn't even remember it was taking place today.

My first glimpse of the coverage was watching a short video of Paris Jackson's emotional words about her father. I felt the tears after about five seconds. And when I saw her big brother, 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., gently rest his head on the shoulder of his aunt, Janet Jackson, my heart just ached with sadness for those kids.

Don't even get me started on the photos of little 7-year-old, "Blanket," Prince Michael II, holding a Michael Jackson doll. He looked lost and scared in most of the photos, and this would make complete sense with thousands of people staring at you on a stage while you mourn your dad's death.

But the video and photos are a reminder that despite what we may have thought of his parenting skills, his three children adored him. Sandy Cohen from the Associated Press has a good read about Jackson's kids "emerging from a veil" that you should check out.