Local fan heartbroken over Jackson's death
BOISE - News of Michael Jackson's death stunned millions around the world including right here in Idaho. But for Boise resident Teri Gomez Jackson's death stirs more than just reaction, it's almost like she's lost a member of her own family.
"I was pumping gas when my niece called and at the same time I got a text and they said are you watching the news," said Gomez.
Jackson isn't just a music icon to Gomez, he's her icon and now he's gone.
"I'm still in shock. I think I'm not going through the emotions right now because I am literally in shock," she said.
It may be hard to understand, Gomez admits, and even harder to put into words, but she doesn't just consider herself a fan of the king of pop.
"In my heart I am the one fan," said Gomez.
Her favorite song is: "Got to be there."
Her favorite moment is helping celebrate the Jackson's 45th birthday in Los Angeles five years ago.
"There was so many people there and everybody could relate, so I just felt like part of the family" she said.
Gomez finds some comfort in knowing millions of others just like her are mourning.
Just down the street at the Record Exchange, news of Jackson's death spread quickly.
"Started getting a bunch of phone calls asking if it was true," said Chris Smith, an employee at the music store.
Smith says they answered phone calls as customers showed up looking to buy some Jackson jive.
"Maybe just a reminder, 'Oh ya, I love that song, I love that album,'" said Smith.
And that's exactly what Gomez says can't be taken away. While the man behind the music may be gone, she says: "The music will go on forever."
Gomez says the one thing she never got to do was see Jackson live in concert. She bought tickets to two shows but both were canceled.
Gomez says she was already to go to London for his latest tour.
She says to this day she still has the piece of birthday cake from his party, Jackson handed her, inside her refrigerator. Gomez says it will be there forever.
"I was pumping gas when my niece called and at the same time I got a text and they said are you watching the news," said Gomez.
Jackson isn't just a music icon to Gomez, he's her icon and now he's gone.
"I'm still in shock. I think I'm not going through the emotions right now because I am literally in shock," she said.
It may be hard to understand, Gomez admits, and even harder to put into words, but she doesn't just consider herself a fan of the king of pop.
"In my heart I am the one fan," said Gomez.
Her favorite song is: "Got to be there."
Her favorite moment is helping celebrate the Jackson's 45th birthday in Los Angeles five years ago.
"There was so many people there and everybody could relate, so I just felt like part of the family" she said.
Gomez finds some comfort in knowing millions of others just like her are mourning.
Just down the street at the Record Exchange, news of Jackson's death spread quickly.
"Started getting a bunch of phone calls asking if it was true," said Chris Smith, an employee at the music store.
Smith says they answered phone calls as customers showed up looking to buy some Jackson jive.
"Maybe just a reminder, 'Oh ya, I love that song, I love that album,'" said Smith.
And that's exactly what Gomez says can't be taken away. While the man behind the music may be gone, she says: "The music will go on forever."
Gomez says the one thing she never got to do was see Jackson live in concert. She bought tickets to two shows but both were canceled.
Gomez says she was already to go to London for his latest tour.
She says to this day she still has the piece of birthday cake from his party, Jackson handed her, inside her refrigerator. Gomez says it will be there forever.
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