Thriller Studio Tour - June 28 & 29, 2012

 
There had been communication for months with the president of Westlake Studios where MJ recorded Thriller. All I wanted to do in the beginning was take a walk through tour with a couple of friends. I had heard a group of fans had gotten in a few times and thought I’d check into it; however like all things MJ in my life since his death my interest and request took on a life of it’s own. Soon I had a Face Book page and was quietly putting the word out requesting others to take the tour with me. In the blink of an eye two tours were booked but with no definite tour happening. I had about 30 people patiently waiting for final tour details. Honestly I sometimes was not so patiently waiting as I didn’t want to let them down, although these MJ fans were fabulous every time I relayed there was a glitch or postponement they totally understood. 'If it worked out... fine... or if it didn’t... then it wasn’t meant to be' was their response over and over. Always thanking me for just trying.... for caring. For many it was a dream, never a reality. I simply LOVE these women so much. The support of these fabulous ladies during this 3rd anniversary was such a huge blessing to me.

Finally I heard back and was ecstatic to let everyone know it was a GO! Not only that but 'Thriller Studio Tour' as it was now called would be running for an entire week to accommodate even more MJ fans with our two days set at the end of the week.

Steve Burdick and Al Machera both friendly, savvy business men who own Westlake Studios were there to greet us and shared stories about MJ recording in the studio. Westlake is a working recording studio still in full use today. Many stars such as Quincy Jones, Neo, Rhianna and many more record here along with many up and coming groups and future stars. Michael’s place in history with this studio is a big draw for artists.

Corey Sheppard, one of two tour guides, was a joy and immediately he was included in the MJ fan fold. An MJ aficionado who shared his very first memory at two years old was of none other than Michael Jackson in the Dangerous concert as he explosively popped up out of the toaster onto the stage and then stood strong in his shiny military costume for what seemed like forever. Then ever so sharply and slowly removed his sunglasses. The anticipation of MJ’s entrance, his explosive appearance, his stance, his movement, his presence worked the audience into a frenetic state of hysteria for at least 15 minutes before he ever sang a note. Then he blasted the audience with JAM. Corey freely and energetically shared this and other MJ memories of songs and trivia winning our hearts over completely. We all volleyed MJ trivia about, heads nodding in agreement. MJ fans know the real deal and the Thriller Studio Tour IS the real deal from start to finish. 



 

Mike Salisbury Album cover Off The Wall - pic credit to Chris Tal

Ray Brown the main tour guide whose eyes twinkled while sharing wonderful MJ trivia and facts led us on a guided shuttle tour through the streets of Los Angeles between the Beverly Studio and the Santa Monica Studio. I am a Michaeling fool... always searching for new places to visit where I can follow in Michael’s footsteps and although I had been on Melrose to other Michaeling spots the previous day was introduced to two new places on this journey.  One being the ‘Off The Wall’... wall... where the album cover was taken by photographer Mike Salisbury. Adding now to Michael’s history with alleys... Michael and Mike the photog were traveling around looking for a place to take the cover album pic when they turned the corner and saw the brick wall, spontaneously jumping out to shoot MJ in his tux with the brick wall as the background. This cover was the last time MJ ever wore a ‘Fro’ and although it was adorable he didn’t like it. He changed it up to the gorgeous Thriller era Jheri curl hair which was how you saw him for many years after that Off The Wall album pic was taken. Never wearing the Afro again. Thus only the legs, white socks and shoes on the album cover were shown on the general release of the album. Then again.... that’s all you need to see and immediately recognize.... Michael. Ohhhh those feet.

On the right was Motown West Studios where many Motown artists including Jackson 5 recorded after leaving Hitsville for L.A. and just across the street was the park that MJ talked about. The one where he would become so sad while looking out the window watching the children play while he had to stay in and work on the music. Although apparently there are many pictures of MJ playing with Berry Gordy’s children and J5 in this park. I’m still looking for these. If any of you find them let me know. We all know just by Michael’s statement the long hours of work throughout his childhood clearly took a huge toll on MJ.

All this and the tour had not really begun! None of us knew what to expect but already the day looked to be fun and Thrilling. A three hour tour that goes by in the blink of an eye. The first studio was the Beverly studio an inconspicuous place I had only the day before and many times previously driven right by, never realizing that Michael recorded Off The Wall and Thriller here. This fact made me feel a bit unnerved as I live in Los Angeles and wondered how many times in my life had I been so close to Michael Jackson while he was on this earth and never known it.

Stepping into the lobby we are greeted by MJ decor.... everywhere is Michael. Pictures, platinum records of many artists several of which MJ was close to, wrote for or recorded with including Donna Summers, Van Halen, Quincy Jones and more. There is a wonderful video ending with a great clip of Michael speaking... or maybe that was the image I wanted in my head at the end... not sure. There was so much to take in.

We moved on to the very studio where Michael and Quincy worked together. Sitting center of the room is the sound board where mix of the magical music and sound happens and here we received a lesson from the best in adding the layers of sound.

 
I won’t give every detail of this tour but suffice it to say my mascara was gone... blissful joy of MJ's magical music and then tears streaming. I was very grateful that Westlake kept a good supply of Kleenex tissues. Oh speaking of Kleenex... near the end of the tour the president of Westlake, Steve Burdick, was so kind to bring out a personal possession he obtained while working at Westlake as a runner in the 90‘s. He proudly shared a signed MJ doodled Kleenex box. Only MJ fans could be so excited over an old Kleenex box. This box was doodled on by MJ in his down time while recording. Steve was a runner and part of his job was to run for food and to clean up after sessions. After MJ’s session he came across this Kleenex box signed by none other than Michael Jackson. He also shared a precious memory of being a young intern and meeting MJ briefly when he was there working and recording. Of course we all had to touch the Kleenex box and take pictures of it. For me it was so interesting to look at MJ’s innermost relaxed art expressions on that box. The symbolic doodled arrows reminded me of how MJ used to sign his name with the arrow and circles. 


 

Studio D was Michael's private studio where Quincy and Michael spent 8 years recording Bad and Dangerous. In both studios the sound boards and speakers were the center of attention. We were given a chance to see how the sound is mixed and hear how layer after layer is added. I couldn’t help but think of Michael talking in several interviews about the layers of his music or sitting at similar sound boards in other interviews. This studio was like home to MJ and Quincy for many years. It was just simply beyond amazing to be standing there where his creativity had flowed so freely. I was over come when MJ’s voice acapella came through those magnificent speakers. Even more so when the sound of just his shoes in Bad was played and then his hand claps. Having heard the record so many thousands of times I never realized the sound was his feet. I could have listened to just his voice and shoes all day. The sound of his shoes sliding literally took my breath away. Visually there is something so spiritual in Michael's heavenly gift of movement but then to hear the sound of Michael’s movements so close... Michael’s God given gift of dance isolated and recorded for all time was just utterly astounding. I closed my eyes to hear his voice so clear as if he was standing right in front of me so close I could reach out and touch him. The sound of his voice wrapped around me then I opened my eyes blinking over and over as I wanted so badly to see him standing there or behind the glass at the mic. It was my first visit to a recording studio and the sound quality of the studio speakers was absolutely breathtaking just as if Michael were standing right there in the center of the room singing directly to me. We all felt the same way. Then we were shown the smaller speakers that both Michael and Quincy spoke of when they would record. Ultimately creating their perfectionist best and then changing it down to listen to it on smaller speakers to see if it held up for everyday folks.
There were also speakers in the mirrored ceiling which were installed especially for Michael for Thriller recordings. In a video shown at the start of the tour Rod Temperton talked of the time that Van Halen played for Michel and the speaker literally caught on fire... which for me gives a whole new meaning to "Let it burn!"

We were all still reeling from this experience when we were led into the next room to sit in the very sound booth chair Michael sat in and sing MJ songs into the very same mic that MJ sang into. I have to say it was unnerving and my heart skipped several beats to be so close to where his lips had been. LOL This is the same room Neo always records in as he says he likes the vibe and sound quality and it is the same recording studio that both he and MJ worked in which must have enormous wonderful memories for him. 

Also to our complete surprise was the shower that MJ showered in and where he recorded his hand claps for Bad. The acoustics and echo in the shower made the perfect hand clap and finger snap sound MJ wanted. Yes ladies MJ showered after long sweaty days and nights of dancing, singing and recording at Westlake Studios. We all took our turn standing in that shower... some even clapping their hands. LOL

picture credit to Chris Tal

To our delight we are shown the lounge where Michael hung out in down time with Bubbles. The room and low window in the room were built with MJ in mind so Bubbles could always see Michael. He would get very upset if he couldn’t see Michael and nothing would calm him. So to help Bubbles keep Michael in view a low rectangular window was installed over looking the recording area enabling him to freely watch Michael while he worked. This successfully kept Bubbles calm.

MJ Stage - Pic credit to Chris Tal

Ray Brown on MJ's stage with MJ's mirrors - pic credit to Chris Tal

The end of the tour was absolutely captivating. A beautifully edited montage of many of MJ’s videos is shown and then the curtain rises and lights highlight ‘THE’ piano that Michael and Paul McCartney used in The Girl Is Mine along with a mic stand, fedora and white studded glove on a stool. We are blown away when we are all invited to stand on ‘THE’ stage and look into the same mirrors where MJ danced, created and recorded. The same stage Bruce Swedien spoke of. It was built especially for Michael because he always danced when he sang and they needed to raise him up off the floor to get better sound quality for his voice while he was moving. I can’t even begin to put into words how it felt to stand on this stage and look into these mirrors and picture MJ practicing. 

Thriller Studio Tour Staff - picture credit to Face Book Thriller Studio Tour 

 

The MJ fan community is hard to impress when it comes to Michael tributes and with this tour we held them to it and expected high standards. I have to say this is not just a tour but a true tribute to Michael Jackson, his legacy and genius. Only the very best is fitting for Michael Jackson and Steve, Al, Jacqueline, Ray, Corey and all the staff at Westlake Studios, Thriller Studio Tour have done an absolutely phenomenal job of honoring and paying tribute to Michael. This tour is a class act done with the utmost of respect and dignity for Michael.

I want to thank each and every one who work at Westlake for your time and kindness. A special thank you to Jacqueline for all your hard work and patience in scheduling. Thank you so much to all the staff at Westlake for your hard work in creating a standout tribute to Michael and especially for greeting me with arms open wide. I truly felt like family when I was there with you.

I’m looking forward to more tours and maybe even special event type tours!!

If you are interested in booking a reservation for a tour please contact Westlake Studios at ‘Thriller Studio Tour’ on Face Book at:  
https://www.facebook.com/ThrillerStudioTour


** After writing this I realized that many of the highlights mentioned are not in order as the tour presents them...which is fine... let it be a surprise when you take the tour yourself! There is much I did not mention. The Thriller Studio Tour is an absolute MUST SEE and personal experience for any and all MJ fans when visiting L.A. 


Steve Burdick and Me.
Such a great tour! Thanks Steve!

June 28th Group

June 29th Group

Michael's stunning pop-up toaster appearance as in the History Tour. This performance is from the Royal Concert in Brunei 1996. I could picture this so clearly as Corey described it on the shuttle.
Just had to share it! Amazing and Spectacular Michael!!

Bubbles and MJ - This pic is not at Westlake but shows the bond of love

My Face Book picture album of Thriller Studio Pictures from June 28 and 29, 2012:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4251483248172.177448.1318489535&type=3&l=aa18fefeac

♥ One Rose for Michael J. Jackson 2012

 

*******The Rose account is now officially closed*******
Final Rose count is 10,477 ROSES

Michael was always about bigger and BEST!! He deserves nothing less! It's All For LOVE of MJ!!! ♥ MJ has the most loving and best fans EVER!!!

The One Rose fans will be meeting to give hugs and maybe even a group picture on June 25th at 1:30pm across from Holly Terrace.

It's All For LOVE... L.O.V.E. !!! 

UPDATE announcement on 6/9/2012:
"One Rose for Michael J. Jackson is pleased to announce that 50% of our roses after June 25th will be recycled to Sr. Centers and Homes and Shelters for the Needy. I think this is a wonderful way to spread the LOVE ♥♥♥" - Robyn Starkand

________________
Original post:

This is VERY good news!! 

It is with great joy and happiness that I am able to publish this post. Thanks to loving, caring MJ fans who have worked diligently to turn around a very ugly, hurtful situation all MJ fans around the world will again shower Michael with LOVE in the form of a sea of red roses.

♥  Michael's fans will be able to continue our shower of red roses over Michael's resting place at Forest Lawn, Holly Terrace this year. Thrilling red roses everywhere for Michael Jackson at Holly Terrace to honor him on the anniversary of his death, June 25th, 2012.

♥  Thanks to Robyn and Sarrah for all their incredible, hard work in making it possible to continue to show our LOVE to Michael this way on his anniversary.

♥  This will be a beautiful statement of LOVE to the world that Michael will ALWAYS be LOVED beyond measure and will ALWAYS be in our hearts, NEVER forgotten.  ♥

♥  The sheer joy that I am feeling today is beyond words. We can officially put the terrible experience associated with the original One Rose for Michael Face Book page and the UNICEF Vaccines for children behind us. The original founder of One Rose for Michael, Sofie Stranberg, has been reported to the authorities for stealing the MJ fan's money which was donated for the UNICEF children. We are putting this behind us and moving on to bring honor and LOVE to Michael Jackson as only MJ fans can. 

♥  Robyn who facilitated the delivery of the roses at Forest Lawn every year since its inception has taken the lead along with Sarrah another loving, caring MJ fan to make sure that this beautiful tribute for Michael which expresses the LOVE and hearts of MJ fans around the world will continue this year with confidence and trust.  

We have risen above! LOVE wins! 

♥  MJ fans can now donate with confidence as a DIRECT paypal account has been set up by One Rose for Michael J. Jackson and Passion Growers to purchase your roses for this years June 25th anniversary: 

Go to PayPal - send your payment to this email address:

onerose@passiongrowers.com

 A new Face Book page One Rose for Michael J. Jackson has been set up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OneRose4MJ/186649991448123/

There is also a new blog / website:
http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/ 

♥ Fans will also have access to the website where after donating you can leave a message for Michael and receive a badge like the one above with your name on it for your Face Book page or personal files. 

♥ Breakdown of cost for the $3.00 rose:
PLEASE NOTE: The $3.00 price, which was originally established at the conception of this event in 2010, covers the cost per rose ..PLUS other costs... exchange rate fees for converting into US dollars, Paypal fees % and transaction fee, trucking costs and taxes on total amount of order... ALL MONEY that is left has been put into ROSES so we have been getting MORE roses from the balance of the money.

PASSION GROWERS Philanthropy:
This company is so much what Michael was about. They continually reach out and give back to the community helping the sick children and those in need. They have worked with Robyn Starkand and gone above and beyond to make this project possible for MJ fans around the world to show their LOVE or Michael on the 3rd anniversary of his death.

Please go to this website to see the efforts of LOVE and healing they share with the community at large throughout the year:
http://community.passiongrowers.com/category/philanthropy/

♥There is also a new One Rose for Michel J. Jackson Tumblr page (please copy and paste into your address bar):
http://onerose4mjj.tumblr.com/post/21727039828/lets-keep-spreading-the-word-mjfam-we-have

 

One Rose for Michael J. Jackson Face Book Badge:
http://www.picbadges.com/one-rose-for-michael-j-jackson/2581519/?fb_action_ids=3479837507344&fb_action_types=picbadges%3Aadd&fb_source=message

 

 

 ♥ Below you can read the announcement by Robyn Starkand on March 7, 2012:

June 25th Roses of Love
One Rose for Michael J. Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of the roses for June 25th.This has been the beautiful centerpiece at Forest Lawn from the very first year 2010 and has grown into a sea of red roses, lining the pathway to Holly Terrace. Each rose represents one person,showing their love... roses sent from all over the world honoring Michael & thanking him for all the treasures he created. He is truly missed everyday, but we all carry him in our hearts always.
Let's show him our love and thanks this day with 1 rose ... It's all for LOVE ♥

Passion Growers roses, for the 3rd year, are proud to be part of honoring Michael on June 25th ♥

A direct paypal account has been set up by One Rose for Michael J. Jackson & Passion Growers to purchase your roses for this years June 25th anniversary:
onerose@passiongrowers.com
$3.00 per long stem Freedom Red Rose ♥

One Rose memorial page send your message after your rose purchase
http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

*Some people might say why not donate this money to a charity, however I know all of us have done our part throughout the year so this day is the one day we can give our love back to Michael and show him our love.

**about Passion growers: Now in its 10th year, Passion Growers is a family-oriented company dedicated to growing and providing the most beautiful and highest-quality roses. Passion Growers' has 200+ varieties of roses . Recently, Passion Growers was selected by the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses to become the Rose Bowl's Official Rose of the Rose Bowl, the Official Rose of the Rose Bowl Game, and the Official Rose of Rose Bowl Stadium. Passion Growers was also named as the Official Rose of the 2011 Miss America Pageant.

Directions to make your donation:

1. Go to www.paypal.com

2. Log into your account.

3. Click on 'Send Money'

4. In the box that says 'To (email or mobile phone) enter:  

onerose@passiongrowers.com

5. In the box marked 'Amount' enter the total amount in USD you are sending. Each long stem freedom rose is $3.00. To calculate the total amount of money needed to purchase your roses, multiply the number of roses you'd like to purchase by 3. You may also refer to the chart below:

6. Select 'This is a purchase' and click on 'goods'!

Once you've purchased your rose(s), you may email One Rose for Michael J. Jackson to submit your message for Michael on our memorial page.

Email: OneRose4MJJ@gmail.com

Once you've submitted your message via email we will post it for you to the memorial page, but give us at least 24 hours for it to appear on the memorial site. We will email you to notify you when your message has been posted, provide a link to your message and send you your personalized rose badge as well! All messages will be posted to:

http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

Beautiful video Robyn!  ♥ Thank you for all your hard work!

*credit for photos to Robyn Starkand and Brenda Jenkyns

~~~~~~~

**Also if you would like to donate to UNICEF to help children all over the world in Michael J. Jackson's name you may do so via this direct link to UNICEF. All donations go directly to UNICEF in Michael's name for the children.  (This link to UNICEF in no way has anything to do with last years donations, the old One Rose for Michael Face Book page or Sofie Stranberg.)

http://inside.unicefusa.org/site/TR?px=3741362&fr_id=1050&pg=personal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for the Spanish translation Veronica:

'It's all for L.O.V.E.'

♥ Una rosa para Michael J. Jackson, 2012

Robyn Starkand el 7 de marzo de 2012:
25 de junio Rosas de Yolanda Jacksonna rosa para Michael J. Jackson, se complace en anunciar la apertura de las rosas de junio 25.Esta fué la hermosa pieza central en el Forest Lawn en el primer año 2010 se convertió en un mar de rosas rojas, que recubre la vía a Holly Terraza. Cada rosa representa a una persona, mostrando su amor…Rosas enviadas desde todo el mundo en honor de Michael, dándole las gracias por todos los tesoros que él creó. El realmente, nos hace falta todos los días, pero todos lo llevamos en nuestros corazones siempre.
Vamos a mostrar nuestro amor y agradecimiento en este día con una rosa ... Es todo por amor ♥
El grupo Passion Growers Roses, está orgulloso de ser parte de honrar a Michael el 25 de junio, por el tercer año ♥
Se ha creado una cuenta directa PayPal por el grupo ‘Una rosa para Michael J. Jackson’ y el grupo ‘Passion Growers Roses’ para comprar sus rosas para este aniversario del 25 de junio:
La página Web es: onerose@passiongrowers.com
El costo es:
$3.00 por cada Freedom Red Rose♥ de tallo largo
La página One Rose Memorial te enviará un mensaje después de comprar tu rosa
http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

Algunas personas podrían decir por qué no donar este dinero a una organización benéfica, sin embargo sé que todos nosotros hemos hecho nuestra parte durante todo el año, por lo tanto día de hoy es el día en que podemos devolverle su amor a Michael y darle una muestra el amor.
Acerca del grupo ‘Passion Growers Roses’: Ahora en su décimo año, ‘Passion Growers Roses’ es una empresa orientada a la familia dedicada al cultivo y la disponibilidad para las rosas más bellas y de mayor calidad. "Cuenta con 200 variedades de rosas. Más recientemente, Productores de la Pasión fue seleccionado por el Rose Bowl y el Torneo de las Rosas para convertirse en la rosa oficial en el el Rose Bowl; Este grupo también fue nombrado como el Diario Oficial de la Rosa del concurso Miss América 2011.
Instrucciones para hacer su donación:
1. Ir a www.paypal.com
2. Acceda a su cuenta.
3. Haga clic en 'Enviar dinero'
4. En el cuadro que dice "Para (correo electrónico o teléfono móvil) ingrese: onerose@passiongrowers.com
5. En la casilla "Cantidad" entrar en el monto total en dólares que está enviando. Cada rosa de tallo largo cuesta $ 3.00. Para calcular la cantidad total de dinero necesario para comprar sus rosas, multiplique el número de rosas que le gustaría comprar por 3.
6. Seleccione "This is a purchase" y haga clic en 'goods'!
 
Una vez que hayas comprado tu rosa (s), puedes enviar un email de rosas para Michael J. Jackson para enviar tu mensaje para Michael en nuestra página memorial.
Correo electrónico: OneRose4MJJ@gmail.com

Una vez que haya enviado su mensaje por correo electrónico, la publicaremos en la página de memoria, pero nos dan al menos 24 horas para que aparezca en el sitio conmemorativo. Nosotros te enviaremos un correo electrónico para que te avise cuando tu mensaje haya sido publicado; proporciona un vínculo a tu mensaje y te enviaremos tu tarjeta de identificación personalizada también! Todos los mensajes serán publicados en:
http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for the French translation Lid Lilly:
L'évènement One Rose for Michael J. Jackson 2012 est officiellement ouvert aux dons.
En dessous vous pouvez lire l'annonce de Robyn Starkand du 7 Mars 2012
Les roses de l'amour le 25 Juin
One Rose for Michael J. Jackson est heureux de vous annoncer l'ouverture de l'évènement "les roses pour le 25 Juin". Cela a été la plus belle pièce maitresse à Forest Lawn lors de la première édition en 2010 et cela s'est transformé en une mer de roses rouges recouvrant l'allée vers Holly Terrace en 2011. Chaque rose représente une personne, montrant son amour.. les roses envoyées du monde entier honorant Michael et le remerciant pour tous les trésors qu'il a créés. Il nous manque chaque jour mais nous le portons dans nos cœurs pour toujours.
Montrons lui notre amour et remercions ce jour avec une rose .. It's all for LOVE
Pour la 3ème année , la société Passion Growers roses est fière de participer et d' honorer Michael le 25 juin.
Un compte paypal spécial a été créé par One Rose for Michael J. Jackson & Passion Growers pour acheter vos roses pour l'anniversaire du 25 juin de cette année : onerose@passiongrowers.com
3$ par rose rouge Freedom à longue tige
La page du mémorial One Rose enverra votre message après l'achat de la rose sur ce site : http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/
*Certaines personnes pourraient dire pourquoi ne pas donner cet argent à une œuvre de charité ; cependant je sais que chacun de nous a déjà donné cette année aussi ce jour est le seul jour ou nous pouvons rendre et montrer notre amour à Michael.
** à propos de Passion Growers : Aujourd'hui dans sa dixième année d'existence, Passion Growers est une société familiale qui cultive et fournit les plus belles roses de très grande qualité. Passion Growers possède 200 variétés de roses . Récemment Passion Growers a été sélectionnée pour être le fournisseur officiel du Rose Bowl, du Rose Bowl Game et du stade Rose Bowl .Passion Growers était également le sponsor officiel de Miss America 2011, Miss Pageant
Pour faire un don :
1 Allez sur www.paypal.com
2 Connectez vous à votre compte
3 Cliquez sur "Envoyer de l'argent"
4 Dans l'onglet "email ou téléphone portable" , entrez cette adresse : onerose@passiongrowers.com
5.Dans l'onglet "montant "entrez le montant total en $ que vous envoyez. Chaque rose Freedom à longue tige est à 3 $ . Pour calculer le montant total nécessaire pour acheter vos roses, multipliez le nombre de roses que vous souhaitez acheter par 3.
6. Sélectionnez "c'est un achat "et cliquez sur marchandises
Une fois que vous aurez acheter votre ou vos roses , vous devrez envoyer un email à One Rose for Michael J. Jackson pour soumettre votre message pour Michael pour la page du mémorial Email: OneRose4MJJ@gmail.com
Une fois que vous aurez soumis votre message par email , nous le posterons pour vous sur la page du mémorial mais donnez nous au moins 24 heures avant qu'il apparaisse sur le site du mémorial. Nous vous enverrons un email pour vous notifier que votre message a été posté , vous fournirons un lien vers votre message et vous enverrons un badge Rose personnalisé aussi Tous les messages seront postés ici : http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

(`’·.¸_♥ The Broken Heart Stone ♥ (¸.·’´

“Speak of others in LOVE lest you break their heart.” by Dawn Wilson

This story is being rewritten and will be re-posted

“Make Love Your Weapon To Overcome Any Evil”
~ Michael Jackson

Dreams - We All Grow Wings

“Those are moments when fate is unsealed. Nothing is impossible, we can soar, we can fly, walk on fire, navigate the sky” ~ Michael Joseph Jackson 

“When all life is seen as divine, we all grow wings.” ~ Michael Joseph Jackson

I will forever be counting backwards from June 25, 2009 the day my life changed forever. I never met Michael or attended a concert which I deeply regret. Maybe this is the motivating factor that pushes me to all things Michael. I simply can’t get enough Michael Jackson. An overwhelming need to be where he once was fills my days, a force pushing me to strive to be closer to him in whatever way possible even though he is gone. At first the grief over Michael’s loss was so devastating and unrecognizable for me I simply didn’t understand what was happening to me. How do you explain to your family that your heart is shattered and your life has come to a complete halt over the loss of someone you don’t even know and have never met? I couldn’t explain because like millions of other MJ fans I didn’t understand it myself. All I knew is my heart was broken, simply shattered, my life’s axis forever altered, never to be the same.

God knew what I felt. God saw my heart and touched my life in those months following MJ’s death. My mind became filled with words. I had not written in many, many years and such overwhelming sorrow for Michael resulted in words filling my mind non stop pouring out from my broken heart. I simply had to write... write about Michael. I felt the Lord leading me to go places where Michael went. I watched online as thousands of people who felt just as I did also poured out their broken hearts and my heart broke with them and for them because they were so far away from where Michael lived here in Southern California. At least I had that. I could visit Forest Lawn, Hayvenhurst to drop off flowers, Carolwood, the MJ Hollywood Star and many more MJ places and feel some sort of connection to Michael. I felt an urging a prodding from the Lord as if to tell me I must go and walk in Michael’s footsteps and write about my Michael adventures so that others could also feel closer to Michael.  I felt maybe in some tiny way possibly this would help bring a bit of healing to a few of the broken hearted. Consumed by grief with no idea of what to expect or what was in store I could never have imagined in a million years how my life would change with the decision to step out and follow the Lord’s leading. Michael’s compassionate touch brought healing and joy to so many people when he walked this earth. For me even in death Michael still continued to touch my life and change me. It’s been a long road in the grieving process for myself and millions of others around the world and I have been privileged to watch as so many have taken steps to heal and grow through this process.

I could never have believed my life would be filled with so many wonderful and amazing people since Michael’s death. All I wanted to do was to feel Michael in my heart and erase the pain of missing him. A true analogy for me since Michael’s death is a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. For many years I lived a shell shocked life wrapped securely in a church cocoon, protected, licking my wounds, shut off from the outside world healing from a deeply massive pain caused by the devastation of abuse in my life. I really felt I could not go on living at times the emotional pain was so great but God had other ideas for me. I struggled through life and spent every moment I could in church as it was the only place where the pain lifted. I had grown so much and healed so much. Then Michael Jackson died. An overwhelming feeling of devastation inexplicably hit me. A tsunami of grief I could not control took over my life. I was in the process of reading ‘The Shack’ when Michael died. An amazing book which deals with the unfathomable pain of a father helplessly watching as his little girl gets kidnapped and then is later found horrifically murdered by the abductor. Not surprisingly the emotional pain had ended the father’s life as he once knew it. Not to compare that horrific experience to mine but he too like me was no longer living but just existing surrounded daily by a dull shell of pain. A war shocked victim of this cruel world. Then God stepped in took over and healed him. I could relate this pain to Michael and all he experienced on this earth. This book is so beautifully visually descriptive and teaches of a God who deeply LOVES all people on this planet beyond measure. New realms of thinking had opened for me, completely different ways of looking at the Trinity and God as my source and loving Father.  Then... Michael Jackson died and I put the book down unable to finish it... unable to continue... but then everything in my life came to an abrupt halt when Michael died. The world as I knew it ended when Michael died. Looking back with 20/20 hind site I now realize my good and loving Father God prepared me for Michael’s death with this book. Prepared me for the incredible changes that he wanted to bring and mold into my life.

"...I Don't Need No Dreams When I'm By Your Side
Every Moment Takes Me To Paradise
Darlin', Let Me Hold You
Warm You In My Arms And Melt Your Fears Away
Show You All The Magic That A Perfect Love Can Make
I Need You Night And Day..."

by MICHAEL JACKSON

There have been times when other MJ fans have shared dreaming about Michael. They share their dreams and I am amazed and I have to say although happy for them and enthralled by some of the dreams they share I feel a bit jealous because when Michael died all my dreams stopped. The only dreams I have had since his death are a few nightmares about work...Ugh! I won’t go there and another dream I had after praying, “God please give me a dream about Michael.” I had this dream only a few days after praying this prayer and woke up wondering “What? Why Lord after no dreams for soooo long then I have a dream about my boss?” A boss who in my large company would not know me from Adam. Nice guy but another Huh?... UGH! Then I realized his name... yup you got it “Michael.” Yes God has a sense of humor. Reminding me yet once again you must be very specific in your prayers. So I prayed specifically for dreams about Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop, "Any kind of dream but please make it about Michael Jackson, Lord.” Yet still no dreams... after all this time still no dreams.

You may be wondering what this all has to do with my Michael journeys... well last night I was so thrilled and blessed to be attending yet again for the third time the Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque du Soleil, Los Angeles premier. I found myself once again in awe of how Michael and God have changed my life as I looked at my good friend Robyn saying, “Can you believe this night?” Suddenly I became acutely aware that in many ways even though I don’t dream my life has been touched incredibly by Michael and I am now living my dreams. 

I bought my ticket to the MJ Cirque Immortal show in October 2010 not long after the first announcement was made that they were available early for MJ fans. I had to wait over a year for that show but I didn’t care. I had my ticket. I clicked and clicked looking at the best seating for the Staples Center until I found the seats I wanted with the very best view middle stage in the loge section left, for the price I could afford. I found them and thought they were just perfect. Then amazingly in September of 2011 I was invited via Bonnie and MJ-Upbeat to Montreal to view one of the last rehearsals of the Immortal show before it’s big premier in Montreal. No I wasn’t dreaming... this was real life. I flew to Montreal by invitation of the Michael Jackson Estate and saw the show with 13 other fans and sat almost exactly in the same spot where I had purchased tickets for the future show in Los Angeles, January of 2012. John Branca had remarked to us that the location of the seats we were in to view the rehearsal in Canada afforded the absolute best view in the house of the show. I had to agree and was simply ecstatic to know I had almost the exact same seat location for L.A. in 2012.

Friday, January 27, 2012 finally arrived and last night I attended that show. Excited like a kid at Christmas I couldn’t wait to get there. My dear friend Robyn attended with me. We found our seats and found many other fans we knew were also there. It was like a huge MJ party. We waved from across the stadium to our friend Debra who drove in with us as her seat was separate from ours bought at a different time. Another friend from Italy found us and we reconnected. It seemed everywhere we looked we saw beloved MJ fan-amily. Another MJ friend who had just danced in the Thrill the World Flash mob approached and was surprised to find familiar faces as she took her seat next to me on the end of the row. Then as were waiting for the show to start we happily sat talking about Michael and recent MJ events when I was surprised to see John Branca walking up the stairs where we were seated and sit down just on the opposite side of us. Not long afterwards the members of his team all came in and sat down directly across the isle. Now a days I am a celeb watcher at these type events, so I had my binoculars out perusing the crowd for both MJ fan friends and celebs. We were told by excited MJ friends that Usher was in attendance and looking really fine in a blue suit and that Tito and Jackie Jackson were also there, as well as Michael’s children and Katherine. The front row end stage seats were empty so we were curious and hopeful to see if the children would be seated there just like in Las Vegas. Then all those seats filled up but not with the children and Katherine. Also there was no sign of Tito and Jackie. Then as I looked through my binoculars Tito and Jackie's faces suddenly loomed VERY large through my binocular lenses... in fact they were right in front of me and along with them was Jackie's son Siggy and Chris Tucker and his son. I laughed and commented, “Well I sure don’t need binoculars at Staples” and quickly stashed them in my purse. We all curiously watched to see where they would be seated. I joked with Robyn and those around me “Wouldn’t it be funny if they sat right here in our row?” The man in front of me cynically chuckled, “Yeah and Chris Tucker can sit right here” as he nodded to the two empty seats next to him and directly in front of me. We all chuckled about it and then simultaneously our eyes grew bigger and bigger as Chris Tucker and his beautiful son, as well as Jackie, Tito and Siggy Jackson and their girl friends all walked up the isle towards us. Chris Tucker and his gorgeous little boy taking the seats right in front of me that the man had just nodded to. The man smiled at me with an incredulous look of complete disbelief and I looked back at him sharing the same astonished look. Then first Siggy, then Jackie and his girlfriend and then Tito’s fiance and Tito all walked in front of us in our row and over to their seats. The ladies were just beautiful. Those handsome Jackson men certainly do attract some gorgeous women. They weren’t seated long before I couldn't resist saying hello to Tito and asked, "I hope you don't mind if I scream. I get rather loud at the Immortal show." He smiled and said, “No not at all. Go a head and enjoy yourself” which only triggered the Jackson song "Enjoy Yourself" in my mind. I smiled and resisted reminding him of his own song. I wasn’t sure if he was being polite or not but I simply couldn’t contain my rapturous joy as I was unable to stay in my seat hopping up several times to clap and whoo hoo. Even with all the celebs around I just had to be me and danced in my seat, clapped, laughed, waved my arms, sang along and cried. At one point in the show I yelled out "Michael we miss you! Michael we LOVE you!" I think I might have scared Chris Tucker a bit but then again I think he knew exactly how I felt. It just had to be said in the house where Michael last practiced, in the house where Michael's memorial took place. It just had to be said. It was an emotional roller coaster ride the entire night. Chris Tucker was rockin’ out to MJ’s music in his seat in front of me and singing along so I wasn’t alone. Robyn and all those around me also were dancing at their seats. Others around me also jumped to their feet once and awhile and by the end of the show the band had gotten the entire arena to their feet clapping and enjoying Michael’s Cirque show.

When first seated before anyone had arrived we met two cute young girls from Canada who were sitting behind us as we talked about the show and the MJ hand and footprint ceremony on Hollywood Blvd. the day before and they were already fascinated and wanting to know more about our MJ fan activities saying, “You lead such interesting lives. We love Michael Jackson but we don’t ever get to do anything like that.” Then when they saw Tito and Jackie Jackson and Chris Tucker come and sit down I turned around to them and mouthed the words “Oh My God!” Wide eyed they looked like two fawns caught in headlights. I was smiling and grinning from ear to ear seeing their priceless expressions. Yes this is my life. I don’t need to dream. They later said it perfectly “I think I’m in a dream. Is this really happening?” I said “Yes and I have asked myself that same question many times over the last year or so.”

Across the isle from me was, Jeff who I had met in Montreal. He heads up the MJ Online Team for the Estate. He was surprised to see me when I waved at him to say hello and laughed, “You two again?  Everywhere I go there you are!” I laughed as I retorted, “Well there’s no way I’d miss the Immortal show in my own home town. I bought my tickets over a year ago.” We exchanged some fun conversation as I joked, “I didn’t realize I’d be sitting in the VIP section.”

Then I just sat there drinking in the joy. God is always treating me to the most delightful things. He perfectly knows the little things that bring me great joy. Anything Michael of course. My affordable seats which I had scrimped to pay for were ‘good seats with a great view of the show’ now suddenly became 'VIP seats with celebs and a great view of the show.' Ironically I had just prayed the same day about stepping back from the MJ fan life for a while to concentrate on ‘me’ as I had lost my temper with a fan, be-lie-ver, just the day before at the hand and footprint ceremony. I had just told God I didn’t want to be that person. Michael is about LOVE and the LORD is about LOVE and I don’t want to be that person who rips someone’s head off because they are sick or sadly mixed up. My patience for those who believe Michael is alive or living somewhere in some warehouse as a slave music maker for Sony is just plain gone. Yet still I don’t want to be a person that hurts others. I keep my distance from them but don't like to lash out. So I was telling God maybe it’s time for me to step back and if so give me a sign. This thought was still in my mind when I heard my name called and turned to hear, “Betty, I want you to meet someone.” I turn around, look up and see Siedah Garrett looking back at me. Unbelievable! Of course I squealed like a crazy fan... something I always tell myself I’ll never do and proceed to tell her how much I love her and admire her and gush on and on. Thankfully I got out something intelligent about how wonderful her new project is. She gives me a hug and thanks me and then returns to her seat. The gentleman with her was smiling at me really big so maybe I wasn’t too far over the top... hopefully. I have never been the star struck type until Michael died and now... well I admit it... the previous words tell you how I’ve changed; however these people are so special. They worked with Michael. They knew, respected and still LOVE Michael. Now I could probably meet any other celeb and it just would not be the same. I’d be impressed and I’d just say, “Hello and nice to meet you” and go on about my business unfazed but these people are special uber talented, beautiful people Michael chose to work with. That says it all. Michael chose them.

The show begins and although I am a star struck fool it is not at all hard to focus on the show. The main character, a mime dancer, Salah from France which I feel Michael would have so enjoyed takes us on a journey through Michael's genius. Salah’s amazing abilities and talent are showcased throughout Immortal, here at the very start he begins interacting with the audience. My heart skips a beat and tears come when the Neverland gates and bronze statues come to life before my eyes. The band is spectacularly, “kick ass” amazing. There are changes in the show from the very first moment which make it feel like I am watching a completely different show. Later as we talk to Stephane Mongeau, Executive Producer of the MJIWT Cirque du Soleil, we compare the ever evolving Cirque way of perfection to Michael’s perfection and his now iconic This Is It phrase, “Let it simmer.” Daring aerobatics have been added and amaze. Stunning backdrop curtain effects make each act bigger than life. Then the most surreal moment happens as the Jackson 5 music plays and I just simply can’t resist a big smile as I look down the row at Tito and Jackie to my right. They smile back at me... now that is an awesome memory. The show is simply spectacular. The music is of course electric and Michael’s beautiful voice moves me to tears more than once. The show ends with everyone on their feet giving a thunderous applause and cheers for each cast member. This was the most magnificent tribute to Michael in the very house where he last practiced before his death. As Michael's drummer Jonathan Moffett, Sugar Foot, phrased it this morning: Last Night, "The Immortal", "M.J.'s Return" INVADED Staples Center and "Took Hollywood and L.A. by STORM" and it was 'ELECTRIC'!!!

I was completely taken off guard and gob smacked when I was told during intermission I was invited back stage after the show. Immediately following the last applause we stood from our seats and began to move across the main floor to the back entrance of the arena where we met the Cirque cast, directors, producer and the band. Steve Perry from Journey was there as a guest. Chris Tucker was now mingling as were Jackie, Tito and Siggy and their group.

I had met Greg Phillinganes in Montreal with the other fans but this night I also met his beautiful girlfriend, Jory Steinberg, who is also a sensational singer in the show. She was wearing a stunning Swarovski crystal chain and lace out fit from the show. When I first saw Jonathan Moffett I gleefully yelled out "Sugar Foot!!" Although he smiled and seemed to like hearing "Sugar Foot" I felt a little embarrassed to say the personal name which Michael used to call him having never met him before, so then called him Jonathan instead. He was gracious and kind and posed for a picture with me while still holding his drum sticks and before going to change. Travis Payne who I met as a fan in Las Vegas I teased again about his jacket as he wears the most gorgeous jackets. He was gracious and kind as always. The extremely hot and incredibly talented Cellist, Tina Guo, was also very humble, sweet and kind and it was such a pleasure to talk to her. So many from the incredible Cirque du Soleil cast were present and everywhere were their familiar faces. I was thrilled to be able to thank the lead dancer, Salah for his incredible, stunning, moving and inspirational performance. One cast member I so wanted to meet was Cameron McKinlay, a French one leg dancer from Canada, originally from Vietnam. His performance never fails to amaze and inspire. I managed to get a picture of Cameron and beautiful Shantal Tremblay, Director of Creation. All these talented genuinely gifted performers bring so much of Michael’s heart and drive for precision to this fantastic show. The LOVE they have for Michael is so evident as we talked to several of them a heartfelt look of admiration and respect for Michael glows on their faces as they respectfully pat their chests over their hearts as we thank them for honoring Michael’s legacy. Although I felt out of place in my comfy, bull dog sweats I normally always wear. It was simply surreal to be so close to so many extremely talented people. 

It was a night of amazing and special memories... yet another incredible night to add to the list of dreams I have lived since Michael’s death. That being said ultimately I’d give up all of these wonderful experiences in a heart beat to have Michael Jackson back on this earth again with his family. I have come to accept that Michael has found his forever bliss in heaven. This night was a magical and beautiful celebration of Michael's amazing legacy, his genius, music and LOVE which he generously shared with this world.

God knows the desires of our hearts and is only too happy to fulfill those desires. Thank you God for the gift last night of a very blessed and magical Cirque du Soleil and thank you to Jeff and the Estate for your kindness and generosity on such a special night.

 ... and I'm so very sorry Chris Tucker and Tito for Woo Hooing so loudly in your ears.


“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Jonathan Moffett "Sugar Foot" commented the following on his Face Book Page after Saturday night's show. Jonathan, thank you for being such a loyal and loving friend to Michael For All Time. You are an honorable and wonderful person. God bless you Sugar Foot!

Jonathan Phillip Moffett

Staple Center, The Building of "Bittersweet" for me. For 'This', is where I am Now Performing our 'Astounding' Show presentation of the Tribute Show and Tour, Cirque Du Soleil Michael Jackson "The Immortal" with performances last and Friday nights. And "That, Is the Sweet." But also, for me, Personally, This building holds significance in a greater, more darkened way. For it is the place where 'Last' I Saw and was With Beloved Michael. Rehearsing for the now ill fated World Tour "This Is It" on the day and night of June 24th, 2009. The place, also, where I had to play, and perform at the services televised of his public funeral, while he lay there. And 'This Evening' Still, I'll be there once again for our 3rd and final show of L.A. dates. It will be a Good Day, A Good Day Indeed. But a Bad Day as well. 'Good' as Another Day to Celebrate his life and legacy to Honor him in a Positive Way. To bring the public together 'All As One' as he wished and tried to do in his life and time World Round And he 'DID'!!! But a Bad Day as I will once again, face the inner visions of that Other Last Day which haunts and has haunted my memory for the past 2 days walking the backstage halls and tunnels ways of the Final place. Of the time and the dreadful Day, of the Dreadful news I came to find were Really True when I arrived there. But, I am Resilient and I am Strong now. And I am Determined, to mask the Dreadful, with the Wonderful Light', this show and tour Celebrates his life and deeds in. So I shall focus on the positive, and Overshadow the Negative. I will "Turn On The Lights" in my mind to Drown Out the Darkness of the bitter day. I will Perform, as I've Always performed in his presence for the 'Greatest of Perfection' as he always did. "I Will Perform for Him, . . . . . Michael, . . . My Friend, . . . . The Jackson, and Once Again, strive to find his grace upon My Work, he put faith in me in....."_ "Look Down My Friend, . . . . AND 'STILL Find', . . . . . . . "You Are Not Alone, . . . . I Am Here With You, . . . . Though You're Far Away, . . . . I Am Here To Stay, . . . . You Are Not Alone, . . . . I Am Here With You, . . . . Though We're Far Apart, . . . . You're ALWAYS In My Heart, . . . . And 'Tonight', You Are Not Alone........"_

Much Love and Peace I leave you All my friends.
Jonathan_

A Mother's LOVE - Mrs. Katherine Jackson

It wasn't too long after Michael died as fans were collectively grieving around the world and connecting in a way never before seen on this planet via the internet, sharing their grief and broken hearts over loosing Michael that my dear friend, Bonnie Lamrock, from MJ-Upbeat asked the MJ fans who visit her beautiful website to share notes, letters, poems or writings expressing their hearts for Mrs. Jackson. MJ-Upbeat was my lifeline in a sea of grief and I felt so honored when Bonnie posted my writing next to so many other fan's contributions for Mrs. Jackson. All the writings were then lovingly put into a book by an MJ-Upbeat MJ fan, Sheril, for Mrs Jackson which I was then honored to deliver to Hayvenhurst on behalf of MJ-Upbeat, Bonnie and the fans. 

https://www.mj-upbeat.com/Mrs.KatherineJacksonsBookDeliverybyBettyByrnes.htm 

When Bonnie first asked for contributions for Mrs. Jackson's book I remember thinking there was just simply no way to put into words how I felt at the time knowing her heart was so shattered. What do you possibly say to someone who has lost their child especially the mother of Michael Jackson? I simply had no words, every time I sat down to write the words just seemed to get stuck in the caverns of my own broken heart. Then I went to church, prayed about what to write and felt the Lord tell me, "Just write what's in your heart... set your pain aside and write from your heart." Then the words came pouring out. I am not a poet... never have been. That is not how words come to me. God gave me the words that day and I feel the very same today. I felt my writing was so inadequate for what I really wanted to express especially next to so many who write so wonderfully, but sent them to Bonnie anyway. I was absolutely amazed when a lady at work told me she had Googled me and found my note to Katherine. Then even more shocked when she said she had read my contribution to Katherine and it made her cry. She is not an MJ fan so it was even more poignant for me. I felt blessed that I was able to share with someone in the world the LOVE I feel for Michael and the gratitude and respect I feel toward Mrs. Jackson.

Now again over two years later there seems to be a shameful, unbelievable attack of disrespect from some misguided MJ fans towards Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson. So I deeply feel its very necessary to speak my heart again.

I just want to publically thank and acknowledge her and express my LOVE and gratitude.

God bless you Mrs. Katherine Jackson. 

Thank you for sharing your gifted son with us, with the world. 

Thank you for caring for and loving Michael's children.  

Below is my contribution to Mrs. Jackson's book just as it is still posted on the
MJ-Upbeat website as well as the link to the original.
There are many, many beautiful writings much better than mine on Bonnie's website.
Please visit and read them. Be blessed by them

https://www.mj-upbeat.com/ToMrs.KatherineJacksonFromBettyByrnes.htm

November 14, 2009 To Mrs. Katherine Jackson From Betty Byrnes

Perfection

You were there....
When God filled Michael’s little body, as he kicked in your womb, did you feel him dancing?
You saw his first beautiful, radiant smile and heard his first sweet angelic laugh.
Your ears heard the first time his sweet crescendo rose, filling the house.
You witnessed his first dance steps as he grooved to the sound of the washing machine.
Did you marvel to see his first audience clap for him at the laundry mat as he danced and sang?
You woke him for late night TV shows and sat with him watching his idol James Brown.
You were with him and your hearts broke together as you both sat watching and crying for the dying children in Africa on TV, you were the one he turned to and promised
“I will do something about that someday.”
Oh how he DID!

You carried his life within your heart and upon your shoulders as you walked along side him through joyful times and oh so very difficult times.
You were his beacon in the night, his comfort, his shelter, his lifter of spirits, his rock.

A Mother’s love...
He loved you beyond measure...no others could come close to his esteem for you.
No other could ever hold a candle to the bright, shining love he carried in his heart for you.
He emulated your love for him as he reached out to heal the world with empathy and compassion.
God filled him with a tender, sensitive, sweet, caring, giving spirit.
God instilled the most intelligent, creative, genius and musicality.
Of all the women in the universe God chose you to teach him how to share it with the world.
Oh how you DID!

A Mother’s heart ...
The world has lost the kindest, most loving man that has ever walked this planet as he emulated Jesus. I wish I could say we valued him as you did while he was here.
I am so sorry for all he endured by those who could never understand what a precious gem he was. Only a mother knows a son’s pain. I am so sorry for all you have endured.
No one will ever know what you feel. No words can describe a mother’s loss.
The world is left darker, more silent, and less joyful as his perfect pitch now entertains the heavens.
A love angel... yes, he truly was... but you have always known that.

You loved and shared him... he loved and changed the world...
He will forever be the fabric of love that governs my life... given by the Lord to bless.
I thank you Katherine, for sharing your beautiful, God gifted, seventh child, Michael.
Michael Joseph Jackson in life and in death has changed my life, and is still changing the world.
His love...the love you nurtured in him... lives on.

You are prayed for ...
I just simply can’t imagine the loss and emptiness you must feel.
We, his fans, all mourn; but you... you truly knew him with a mother’s heart.
The missing him, the loss, the grief must be unfathomable.
I pray for you, your whole family and especially Michael’s children.
I pray for peace, comfort and sweet memories to fill the void, to fill your days, nights and dreams.
I pray his smell lingers and a sense of closeness be there for you,
and chimes of his sweet laughter fill your ears on the difficult days as waves
of grief and acceptance ebb and flow.
God bless you always. You are a wonderful woman, mother and grandmother,
for as Michael said “My mother is perfection”.

God Bless You and Yours Always,
Betty Byrnes
(California, USA)

Most pictures care of Bonnie and MJ-Upbeat. Thank you Bonnie.