Marie Osmond Speaks with Oprah About the Death of Her Son Michael

If you didn't get to see the Oprah interview on television, don't miss it on the Internet. It is one of the most gut-wrenching interviews that I have ever witnessed. I know that being a parent, and having gone through many of the experiences that Marie has gone through makes it easier for me to relate to her pain.

I have watched other interviews with Marie Osmond in the past; including her weight loss, experiences with postpartum depression, divorce and the death of her mother. In this interview the raw pain was nearly unbearable to witness. Her bravery was one of the most powerful things that I have ever witnessed. The loss of her baby, whom was adopted and loved along with her other children were palpable.

Marie brought along a scrapbook that Michael had made. Each of her children had made their own scrapbooks. She was visibly emotional through the entire interview. She was able to talk about her relationship with her son and how that he was sensitive and caring of her and his family. She said that he has been through drug rehab many times and was abusing drugs as early as 12 years of age. She didn't hold anything back, including putting the rumor to rest about his being homosexual. She said that she has a daughter who is gay and that she was the most ticked off about the rumor of anyone in the family. Marie said that the fact that her daughter is gay or that if her son was gay made no difference to her. She loved them just as they are. In spite of her religious beliefs she is very accepting of different sexual orientations.

She talked about preparing her son's body for his funeral with her daughters. It was a healing experience for them all. She also prepared her mother for her funeral. There was not a dry eye in the audience. I am sure that anyone witnessing this powerful interview could not possibly be unmoved by it. I was openly sobbing.

Donny, who so often would banter with his sister not unkindly, but in a brotherly teasing way, gave a heartfelt brief statement to her on the Oprah show. He said that she was his hero. It was obvious that no brother ever loved his sister more than Donny loves Marie. He talked about what a loved and loving son that Marie had and what a deep loss it is to him and the rest of the family as well.

Marie talked about her bouts with depression and the horrible childhood abuse that her son and his siblings endured at the hands of her ex-husband. At the request of all of her children, her husband was not allowed to attend the funeral. It is obvious to me that the abuse inflicted on Marie and her children had to be monstrous, although she didn't elaborate one can only imagine how badly they were all abused.

She encouraged parents to listen to their children and still tries not to beat herself up for not being there when her son called her on the telephone. He called within an hour of jumping off of the balcony of his 8th story room. She was just walking out to perform and planned on being with him in a matter of days.

She talked about his warmth, talent and sensitivity. I believe that her son Michael may have been one of those who are just too gentle for the madness of this world. He didn't have any drugs in his system when he committed suicide. That in itself is somehow even more horrifying.

I am no stranger to depression. As Marie said as adults we can many times reason that this feeling of despair will pass. Teenagers and many adults too, can't get beyond that. Marie also stressed the importance of grieving openly with your children and family. People should not be afraid to share memories of joy and sadness with each other. It is all part of the healing process. She also said that this holiday would have to be different than last years because the memories are still unbearable.

I cannot imagine any loss greater than the loss of a child. I have lost children not to death, and hopefully I will pass many years before they do, but I have experienced unbearable loss with my children. Prison, estrangement and other tragedies, but they are still living. Only a parent, and I believe a mother's love is many times deeper yet than a father's, but then that is me, can feel pain this deeply.

Marie sang an opera, and I don't know the name of it, as a tribute to her son Michael. She was so emotional that she had to start over again. I cannot imagine having that kind of courage. Her voice was angelic and more beautiful than I have ever heard her sing before. It is coming out on DVD in time for Christmas. All of the proceeds are going to be donated to help children.

God bless you dear Marie and to all of your children and family. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to all of you, I would never tell you that it would get easier with time. I believe that there will be small respites, but it will never go away. You will see him again in heaven someday. I have no doubt that your dear beloved son is singing with the angels now.