Back To Why!

"We need peace, we need giving, we need love, we need unity." ~ Michael Jackson ~ 

          "To be silent in the face of injustice is to be an accomplice to evil. I will not be silent."
                                                            ~ Lori Berenson ~
 
Something has been weighing heavy on my mind and heart, haunting me, this last month since the two year anniversary of Michael’s death. During the week of the anniversary of Michael’s death there were so many activities and events, so many wonderful MJ fans, who are now friends to me, who came to Los Angeles strangers one day and friends the next. Our hearts bonded in LOVE and grief over this amazing human being, Michael Jackson, who was torn from this world, Gone Too Soon. There were several moments in June where I felt God’s hand on my life and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I was where I was supposed to be just at the moment God chose me to be there, my divine appointments. Each time it was clear to me why, except for one. There was one moment when I wondered out loud, “Why? Why Lord? Why did you put me here? For what purpose?”

At first I decided I wouldn’t, just couldn't share that moment on a public blog and then it seemed I needed too. Suddenly it became important to share it. So much so that it began to weigh on me, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I kept pushing it away but it kept coming back, haunting me. The first thing I saw and thought about in the morning was that day, it has replayed in my mind over and over. Finally I reached out to the only person who I knew felt exactly what I felt that day, the only person I knew I could discuss the day with, who understood because she walked hand in hand with me as it unfolded, my wonderful friend Robyn. She agreed that I needed to share as I felt directed. We hadn't really talked at depth about that day or those moments, since it happened until now. As we discussed the particulars of our shared moment in time I felt a stirring in my soul as God began to show me why. I may never fully understand with my finite mind all of it but at least I have a glimmer of WHY.

As we talked the Lord brought to my mind a picture of the billions of people who populate this earth... seemingly endless billions. What am I in those billions? Just one little human being, minuscule, like grains of sand on the beach... billions of grains of sand, just one grain of sand among the others. What are the chances in time and space for that person out of billions... really those two people out of billions, myself and Robyn, to end up together where we ended up that particular night? 

Only God can create that connection, that divine appointment. WHY?

We were happy to be spending time together. We met and joined forces on our Michaeling adventure. We were on our way to not just any Michael Jackson event but the preview of “Michael's Thriller Jacket” which was up for sale at Juliene’s. This sale broke our hearts but it was also our one and only chance to ever see Michael’s Thriller Jacket in person, as well as many other Michael items, like his glittery Billie Jean shirt from Motown 25, worn the night Michael birthed his stratospheric stardom, and the pointy black shirt from Michael and Janet's Scream video... all up for auction. Soon they would be sold, gone forever. It was very sad... more and more of Michael's belongings dispersed to unknown places around the globe. No longer his, no longer the children's. Yet with all Michael Jackson events since his death there was also joy in the air that over shadows the sadness. For you just simply can’t think of Michael and not feel the joy and beauty he brought to this world, brought to those billions of people in this world. Michael was so very special, so gifted, chosen by God to be the modern day musical messenger of LOVE to those billions of people. Michael was no grain of sand. He was chosen before birth to be special, anointed with a talent and tender heart of LOVE not given to others ever. NO ONE, simply no one else has ever accomplished all that Michael accomplished in his life. Not even the masters he studied for they did not live at the time when jets flew to all corners of the earth and literally hundreds of thousands would fill stadiums night after night to see the master at work. They did not live in the technological age Michael lived. God chose him for this space in time to fulfill a purpose and Michael Jackson did not fail, but greatly succeeded beyond anything ever seen on this earth before, nor will ever be seen again.  For me there is no wonder at all about the small minded men of little or no vision who could not and still do not understand Michael Jackson. He was created from the beginning of time for a greatness that they could not and do not still comprehend.

So there we were, Robyn driving and myself shotgun, all dressed up for a cocktail party preview at Juliene’s in Beverly Hills. We were excited and our emotions were wavering between sadness, anticipation and joy as Michael’s voice filled the car and carried us effortlessly onward. It was L.A rush hour and wanting to avoid the freeways to ensure we would arrive on time, Robyn decided to take the side streets. I only had a general idea of where Wilshire lay over the hill and was no help, since I am directionally challenged. I always find where I am going; however it's usually by way of the less scenic route, so I was utterly no help at all as a guide. She however had a general idea of where to go until she found her self at a quandary unsure which way to turn at the light we were sitting at. As the light changed she decided to quickly pull into a fire station on a corner to verify we were headed in the right direction toward Wilshire Blvd. I have had to stop many times in my Michaeling adventures to ask directions and love to meet new people in the process but this was one time that looked to be particularly entertaining as there were several good looking fire men standing outside the fire house, so I certainly wasn’t objecting to her decision. Hee hee! I very willingly pushed the button and lowered my window as one of the firemen came over to the car, with a friendly banter he relayed the needed directions as he stretched out his arm, pointing the way down the road telling us we were on the right path, along with an encouraging, "You can't miss it!"

Robyn was smiling, thanking him when suddenly this stricken look came across her face as she pointed in the opposite direction toward the Fire House exclaiming, “BETTY! Look at the number on the fire house! It’s Engine House 71!” I looked and in disbelief said “What!? OMG! No Way!” The fireman looked at us with a puzzled look at first then in almost a whisper I said “Are you the fire house who picked up Michael?” Realizing we were MJ fans he said, “Yes, we are Engine House 71.” I felt my heart suddenly become so heavy in my chest. I was also so completely shocked to be sitting there in ‘that’ driveway... that particular driveway. All our joy came crashing down. We both sat there in the car, cross wise in the Fire Department driveway with our mouths hanging open, unable to speak, unable to move. For me there were pictures I had worked so hard to get out of mind that were now glaring before my minds eye. Then shockingly as the fireman pointed in toward the end of driveway he said, “Pull your car up right here. I will show you the paramedic truck he was in.” Then pointing further inside the fire house said, “It’s parked right there you can take a look.” I looked where he pointed and there was the truck 71 with the doors wide open. We both looked at one another in shock as I barely breathed, “Should we? Should we?” Some how it didn’t seem right... could God want this to happen? A disbelief that this was happening hit me immediately as I thought what are the chances? I felt I was right where God wanted me. I believe there are no coincidences. We most certainly didn’t plan this, or seek out this moment in time. It had never in my wildest imaginations ever entered my mind at any time to visit the fire house that picked up Michael from 100 N. Carolwood Drive... most especially so close to the anniversary... only two days shy of two years ago. Was this God’s timing? I conceded to my heavy heart it must be.

Robyn pulled the car up where the fireman directed her to park. As she pulled on the emergency brake setting it firmly into place it felt as if she didn’t lock it just right we’d be beamed to some other world... we both looked at the emergency brake and then each other and said, “Ok I guess we're supposed to do this." Then I prayed a silent prayer, "God help us.” My feet were heavy as we climbed out of the car. Then as if in an out of body experience we were given a tour of the Engine House 71 Paramedic bus that rushed to Carolwood on that fateful day. We had no breath, we kept gasping, we moved slowly, taking in everything. Michael's words from ‘Keep Your Head Up’ tell it all... “Suckin up the air in the earth from under me.”

Why? kept running through my mind. All this equipment, all these highly trained professionals and they could do nothing? I needed to know, I asked him, “Was Michael already dead when you arrived?” Shaking his head he said, “Yes for sometime.” I continued, “Was there anything you could do?” He answered, “We tried everything we could and then the Dr. wanted him transported. The paparazzi took the last picture of Michael right through this window.” He proceeded to show us the exact location of the lens on the window and the angle of the shot. It all lined up with the haunting picture I had seen of both Michael and the call monitor screen inside the truck. “Then he said you can get in. Take your time. I’ll be right over here.” Again we looked at each other and whispered, “Should we?” Then like in a time warp we climbed in. As I looked down on the gurney as he was walking away I asked him, “Is this the gurney that Michael was on?” He said “Yes the very same one.” Then went off to leave us alone. I looked at Robyn and she was sitting in the chair closest to the cab, holding her hands to her face unable to speak, tears brimming in her eyes. It was only later I realized she was sitting in the chair of the Paramedic who was working the air bag for Michael on the way to the hospital. I wanted to cry, to sob, to cry out, “NOOOO This needs to change!!! This can't be real!! We need to turn back time!!” Then as I looked back down to that gurney I realized this... this very spot was the exact place... the last time the world saw Michael... right here. I gulped hard, swallowed the lump in my throat, my aching heart and my tears and before I knew what I had done I reached down and laid my hand where his head had lain that day almost two years earlier... trying... trying hard to feel him... to feel his presence. Wishing with all that was in me I could will him back to life. Wishing I could have been there that night to protect Michael from the evil surrounding him. I could not move, frozen in that spot, that place in time for several minutes my hand stayed riveted there where his head had lain. We looked at the monitor which had read those dreadful words, “100 N Carolwood Drive, 50 year old male not breathing at all.” It was surreal to say the very least. Then after what seemed an eternity we climbed out. I wondered again “Why? Why did we end up here? This place, this moment in time?” We thanked him for being so cordial and kind, for allowing us to take our time inside. Then continued on our way. We were different now and different ever since. The joy was gone that night and we just went through the motions.  The reality of 'Why' we were going to the preview was heavy on our hearts. When I looked at the Thriller Jacket it of course was amazing but I could not shake the real reason it was up for sale, could not get it out of my mind that night or ever since.

I have to say I placed this experience on a shelf somewhere in my mind, refused to feel anything about it. Only shared it with a chosen handful and went on to enjoy a week full of the most amazingly wonderful and blessed moments, filled with so much LOVE. Finally after a full weeks worth of events in Michael’s honor, utterly exhausted I slowed down the pace and returned back to the daily catching up with friends on the internet and Face Book. It was then I have to say I felt a bit like Moses when he came down from the mountain top, glowing from the beauty he had just beheld to find tawdry ugliness. I flipped on my computer and opened up Face Book to find the most vile and horrid comments being made about Michael’s family and friends, and sadly as always the MJ fans fighting like rabid squirrels. I was so angry at first. How could they not see??? I thought out loud "What the Hell is wrong with these people?" I had just spent over a week surrounded by so much LOVE... so much joy.... even the people who disagreed with one another were loving and kind, agreeing to disagree. The reality of why we were even gathering together had hit me like a ton of bricks in that Fire House, completely grounded me.

I hadn't really thought in depth about the Fire House experience. I think truly I was afraid to think about it. It seemed macabre at best. Then this weekend it finally became real to me why I had been placed in that moment in time... as God would have it. He is always so to the point. Not complicated like humans... the purpose was simply to convey the reality of what happened to His chosen child, His messenger, Michael Jackson. Simply to share it.

The fact sadly, sorrowfully is the very thing that has brought us all together:

Michael Jackson is dead. He was murdered. He is gone. Gone forever. That Is IT! Pure and simple.

It isn’t about what 'Jackson' is doing what, what tribute is happening or not happening, what betraying friend of Michael’s said what about what, or what one fan said or did to another. Sooo much ugliness. All of it means NOTHING! Absolutely NOTHING! It does not have one iota to do with why we are all gathered together connecting on the internet or at events. NONE of those things would be happening if Michael were still alive.

The travesty is that he was murdered and there still has been No Justice for Michael Jackson. The reality is that he was dead long before the paramedics were even called. The reality is even when the paramedics were called still not one person in that room with Michael tried to effectively revive him. The fact is there are many besides Conrad Murray responsible for the death of Michael Jackson who are NOT being held accountable. I for one will NOT BE SILENT! I want to see justice served on every last slimy, greedy excuse for a human being that took part in the demise of Michael Jackson. I pray every day for this to happen and I will not stop until my dying breath. If Michael Jackson can be murdered... I am still at a loss of words as to the magnitude of the coldness, the evil, the cover up and greed in this world.

All this made me remember the beginning... when I had first through my own research began to see that Michael had been murdered and it wasn't just Conrad Murray who was responsible and tied to his death. I was shattered by grief over Michael's death. I felt the call to go to the first court house hearing. I felt God wanted me there. I dug out that story and here I am sharing it again. I needed to reread that. That feeling, that reality of true evil that took Michael Jackson from this world is WHY! Why we need to mobilize, Unite and rekindle a mammoth fight for JUSTICE for Michael Jackson! Why we need to put all ill feelings aside and stand for JUSTICE for Michael Jackson!

After attending Conrad Murray’s first arraignment at the Airport Courthouse I wrote a story for the MJ-Upbeat website. Bonnie, founder of MJ-Upbeat, has run this wonderful website and has always loved and supported Michael Jackson through the years and kept her website running for MJ since 2003. I am posting the story below because I want everyone to read it and realize:

It’s Time! It’s time to lay all else aside! It’s time to get back to what it’s all about!
Get Back To Why!

It’s time to UNITE in PEACE! It’s time to stand again and demand JUSTICE! 

The first day of court is Sept. 20th. If you can’t be there then pray. Pray for JUSTICE! 

Start MJ Justice groups in your own towns and cities. Call the press and let them know!
Let the world know we will NOT forget, we STILL
and ALWAYS WILL LOVE and SUPPORT Michael Jackson, his children and his family. 

We are NOT going anywhere!

We will continue to stand as Soldiers of LOVE for Michael Jackson!

What do soldiers do? They focus and they concentrate on the task at hand. Let go of the petty bickering, ridicule, judgement, backbiting, jealousies and futile, useless competition over meaningless things.

Focus on praying and standing for JUSTICE for MICHAEL. We are going up against Goliath’s stacked deck and only God can make that change... and I have learned that as Soldiers in God’s army prayers are important instruments of battle. Michael needs our prayers! I don’t care what group you are from or what level of misdeed toward Michael you believe took place... it all comes down to one thing... JUSTICE for Michael Jackson!

Come to the Courthouse, find a way to get there and stand UNITED in PEACE for JUSTICE for Michael Jackson on Sept. 20th. Let there be no mistake about WHY we are there...something very evil happened to Michael Jackson and we want JUSTICE. 

We Are His Voice Now! 

Sept. 20, 2011 Be There!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 14, 2010 
Betty Shares With Us Her Moments At Murray's Arraignment February 8, 2010

A Day with Dr. Death

by Betty

A call to action for all MJ fans had gone out via the internet to protest against Conrad Murray’s Non Arrest. Fans were now making plans to rally and stand together in protest against the “Non Arrest” on arraignment day at the Los Angeles Airport Court House. I had been one of the thousands of people calling in and emailing to demand Conrad Murray’s arrest “in handcuffs” for the murder of Michael Jackson, seven long months after his death.

I had no idea that my decision to hold a sign and stand for Michael Jackson would turn out to be a spiritual experience for me. I began to doubt I should be there at all, so I prayed asking for direction. I was also hesitant to make the drive there alone. Fear and anxiety had loomed over me... but I wasn’t sure if it was the sickening feeling of confronting Dr. Death or the not knowing where or what I was walking into. Although the drive was more than an hour it seemed to pass in just moments as I sang along with MJ the whole way... but as I reached the end of the journey fear gripped me again. I was praying and asking the Lord to help me as I pulled off the freeway and on to city streets. Feeling not so sure that I would actually take part I sent up one last request for an answer, some sort of assurance that I was truly suppose to be there and… then so crystal clear over the loudly playing MJ music that is the backdrop of my life…I heard MJ's voice from This Is It. "It's an adventure. We're going to go places we've never been before, do things we've never done before." All trepidation lifted from me, joy literally filled my heart and determination took root. Instead I now NEEDED to stand strong as an MJ Soldier of LOVE.

Because of this experience and a few others I feel MJ is so truly in heaven with the LORD! The Lord confirmed it for me again that day as I heard MJ’s words ring in my mind. I now know beyond any shadow of doubt that MJ is with his heavenly Father.

I arrived to find news crews and media from all over the world everywhere. A plethora of cables, trucks, satellite feeds, antenna towers and people just everywhere. Picking up my step I forged on up the drive and as I approached the curve to the front entrance suddenly a police officer barked “Mammm!” I looked around for the Mammm and realized he was referring to me. Ha-ha!. The sheriff impatiently repeated “Mammm” adding “PLEASE move to the side!”  I did a quick side step and turned my head to see and feel the heat from the front Jackson caravan SUV glide by me. SUV after SUV motored up the driveway to the court house. I tried to quickly raise my sign to show them my support. Heaviness began to fill my heart. I was to find out later that the 1st SUV was indeed Michael’s dark blue Escalade.

 

                 

Quickly I sought out familiar faces and found my wonderful, loving friends from MJFSC (Michael Jackson Fans of Southern California Face Book Page) were there at the front line. Every where I looked fans from other websites and Face Book pages were there in support of Michael. Some famous faces and every day people like me. Many new found friends with one common thread of love that ties us inexplicable together. My friend Robyn says “Each fan is a thread of a large tapestry woven together in a shroud of love to protect Michael forever”. Before me were people of all races, nations and creeds, there to stand as Soldiers of LOVE for Michael Jackson, standing now for JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON.

 

                                                                                      

As I approached the front of the line, with sign in hand, where MJFSC friends stood, a sheriff deputy instructed me to stay back on the other side of the court yard. Signs were not allowed within 150 feet of the walk way.  I stepped back a few feet and lowered the sign. I was given a red armband to wear by Heidi and we helped each other attached our arm bands. Moments later the Jackson family emerged from their cars. The entire court yard seemed to take a simultaneous breath in. It may have been me but it was suddenly VERY quiet in spite of the clicking, flashing and camera jockeying everything suddenly seemed to all move in slow motion. The air was thicker and the grief was palpable. 

First Jermaine and his wife stepped out and began to move up the walk toward the building, and then Joe Jackson who stood and waited for his wife and family, Tito also waited at car side and extended a helping hand to his mother, Katherine. Then Jackie, Rebbie and Latoya emerged along with some of Michael’s nephews, family members and friends.  Katherine stood waiting for a moment or two for her family to gather around her and then began the slow, painful walk to the courthouse to confront her son’s murderer. I had the feeling Michael was at her side.

Oh how he loved his mother. Perfection is how he described her.
There were some fans who cried out “We LOVE you Katherine”,
“We LOVE you Jacksons”, “JUSTICE for MICHAEL”.

 

About fifteen minutes later Randy Jackson arrived. At first everyone thought it was Conrad Murray and the energy level immediately shot up several hundred notches, then realizing it was Randy immediately another collective breath out. Randy stepped from his car looking fresh and sharp but clearly weary from grief. He too received the same encouraging cheers of “We Love You Randy”, “JUSTICE for MICHAEL”. Then while sitting in the courtroom on Twitter Randy told the fans:  Sitting in court and I'm sad. Those profiting most from my bro’s death: AEG, Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega, Estate Executors r nowhere in sight 12:17 PM Feb 8th

 

We all took to our posts to wait for Dr. Death to arrive and then 1 hour later a white SUV pulled up. Was it just a coincidence a white SUV taxied him to the courthouse? I remembered a white SUV many years earlier in a slow chase by the L.A.P.D. down the 405 freeway as O.J. ran for his freedom. Others made the same comment. If CM’s lawyers had planned to bring him in on a white horse the plan had failed in our eyes. It was a detail not missed by most. The energy level shot up. I felt sick. My skin was crawling. I have never ever felt anything like it in my life. There was a force taking over. I had chills; the hair on my arms was standing on end. My feet left the ground as I sprang forward toward him hoisting my sign.

 

The justice on this day was quite different from the harsh treatment Michael received in his lifetime. Michael was handcuffed, humiliated and drug off to jail and he was completely innocent. This man admitted to giving the fatal medication which killed Michael Jackson and Homicide charges are already filed. I am hoping that at the very, very least the sheriffs will have him in handcuffs. He however stays true to his deceitful self and emerges from the car with his hands behind him and I am asking everyone around “Is he in handcuffs?” Everyone is looking and acknowledging “Yes he is in handcuffs!” Then he reveals as he walks and swings his arms freely to the front and adjusts his suit jacket that he is not hand cuffed at all.

We the fans had promised the Jackson’s we would be dignified and handle ourselves respectfully and I for one tried very hard to follow through with that request and stay civil and calm but when Dr. Death walked down the path I simply HAD to scream MURDERER! MURDERER!! JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL!! Most all of us did! Some just yelled WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL! I guess that would have been the more loving and dignified thing but I just couldn't muster it.

Everyone could see him clearly. He is very tall. People began to talk about him openly. I was disgusted he was not handcuffed. Somehow for me if he would have been hand cuffed it would have been a sign that justice would be served. Seeing him walking freely spoke volumes to me and it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. The gravity of the injustice extolled to Michael Jackson in his life and I began to cry openly. I had my sign and hid behind it and sobbed for Michael. That is when a journalist from Japan approached and behind my sign asked if he could interview me. He was a kind, soft spoken man and told me in Japan, Michael has many, many fans, which I already knew but hearing him share it was comforting. He seemed to love Michael too. So I spoke to him about my feelings and why I needed to be there as I cried for Michael.

 

 

The media was interviewing all the fans. It was so crazy. Media frenzy at every turn. I called in sick so couldn't let my face be seen on TV but apparently when you want to hide from the pap they only get intrigued. I realize now that I may have ‘possibly’ looked like Debbie Rowe hiding with my blonde hair behind my sign. I think every one of us was interviewed by news centers and stations all over the world. TMZ and CNN ran live feed. I hid behind my poster most of the day until my son called my cell and said "Uhh mom, I know you don't want to be seen but you are on live feed on CNN right now and they are filming your face" So I gave up hiding and helped to hold up the JUSTICE banner too. I was very low key but was personally interviewed by Los Angeles, Japan, South American and Australian news crews; those I remember but there were more. I was dizzy there were so many. I declined many requests. Most especially ALL of the Channel 7 interviews letting them know it was because they hired Martin Bashir to cover this trial. Martin Bashir a despicable man who I also hold accountable for Michael’s death, as well as Tom Sneddon. They might as well have been in the room with Murray that night. It felt good to voice that I have boycotted channel 7 because of Bashir’s dirty, twisted documentary and untrue, salacious treatment of Michael Jackson. I am sure the reporters really could care less about not getting an interview with a nobody like me but it felt darn good to stick up for MJ and voice my opinion to someone from the ABC.

 

We waited for any news from inside the court room, as crew after crew photographed posters and banners and interviewed fans non stop for what seemed like hours. I lost all track of time. It was a complete whirlwind.  I began to get a tiny glimpse at Michael Jackson’s life. The non stop paparazzi frenzy that followed him everywhere was really too much to bear. The delicate way you have to word everything so it isn’t misconstrued or twisted. So much disregard for personal space, wishes and privacy. My heart ached for him, his family, his mother and his children.

Slowly messages were passed from friends who won lottery tickets to sit in the courtroom. The DA was asking for $300,000 bail. Not enough as far as the fans were concerned. Then shockingly it was lowered to $75,000. That was worse but better than the unfathomable $25,000. First no handcuffs and then a drop in the bucket bail amount, we all wanted him in jail NOW.  Then the biggest insult, the end to this day of so called justice is just so sad.

My stomach aches. My heart breaks. My tears flow.

The arraignment is over. The judge sent the case "for safety reasons" to L.A. court after a minor scolding. CM’s punishment for murdering the biggest, most beloved entertainer in the world is:

1. He is no longer allowed to administer propofol.

What? Wouldn’t an anesthesiologist and not a cardiologist administer propofol anyway? 

2. Oh yes and the very harsh disciplinary action by the judge also prohibits him from practicing medicine in California.  Oh yeah that’s right…hmmm… his practices are in Texas and Nevada. 
3. He was ordered to surrender his passport. 

4. The next court appearance is set for April, if continuances are not granted.

Like a hot potato the judge said good riddance to the case and sent it downtown. Slapped CM on the wrist and basically sent him out the door. He arrived with bail bondsman in tow... paid the bail and left, somehow smuggled out. A travesty!

MJ’s song “They Really Don’t Care About Us” springs to mind.  

Let's all pray the next judge is an MJ lover or at least a lover of common decency and

true justice. In the end Michael’s family went out the back door and the paparazzi ran to the back to mob them and Katherine was practically crushed. I felt so badly for her having to go through such a terribly long and unbelievable difficult day.

Myself along with many other fans were rooted where we stood waiting for the press

conference to begin. Several fans who only met one another that day stood together to hold up banners and signs for “Justice for Michael”.  We placed ourselves directly behind the
Conrad Murray’s defense team on a wall where we were visible during the conference.

They said something about “If the prosecution had any real proof of Conrad Murray’s guilt they would not have taken so long to bring charges." Our signs and chants calling for justice countered their typical hype and posturing.

 

 

Michael’s little brother, Randy Jackson, came out the front door, the same door he had gone in upon arrival and escaped most of the paparazzi. There was a sad and respectful silence in the courtyard as he walked through. Then shouts of “I Love You Randy”, “Thank You Randy”, “We Love You Randy” rang out. He very humbly waved to the fans and unceremoniously climbed in the front seat of the limo with his driver and they left. We waited and checked several doors but Conrad Murray was smuggled out.

 

Every time I picture those police officers huddled around Conrad Murray protecting him from the "fans" I just feel sick. How deeply I wish the fans could have protected Michael Jackson from Conrad Murray and so many others. I picture the raid on Neverland and the bruises on Michael’s arms. I am certain of one thing… NO ONE in this life gets away with murder…even if you manage to walk free on this earth. You will answer to the ultimate judge! Your evilness does not escape God’s eye.

I am feeling as if I will never stop, the world will never stop grieving the loss of Michael Jackson. Evil tried to stop Michael Jackson but has not succeeded. Will not ever succeed! Every fiber of Michael’s being was all about LOVE and even in death he is STILL spreading his L.O.V.E. 

The tapestry of MJ’s LOVE grows more everyday as fans continue to connect with one another all around the world, brought together by Michael Jackson, and in so doing one of his greatest desires to unite the world in LOVE is being achieved. 

What a legacy!!! What an incredible man!!!

 

Photo credit CowboyMJ Jackson MJFSC, Karlene Taylor MJFSC, Toby Canham/Getty Images, Fredrick M. Brown/ Getty Images,

- Betty

Posted on MJ-Upbeat February 13, 2010

---------------------------------

Thank you Betty!

 "I will Forever Be Counting Backwards from June 25, 2009"
Betty Byrnes

Awesome Justice video which incorporates groups, by Robyn Starkand. 

Please as you watch this video remember why we are all gathering at the courthouse and bring honor, respect and LOVE with you for Michael on Sept. 20, 2011. All differences and opinions pale in comparison to what happened to Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009.

LOVE Lives On! Gardner St. June 25, 2011

There was a sense of joy in the air this warm summer day on June 25th, 2011. It always strikes me as so contrary to the sadness... this bittersweet feeling. The purpose of this event, this gathering of MJ fans from all over the world, on June 25th was to promote donations for William Wagener’s documentary which is intended to finally turn the tide and put Tom Sneddon in jail. A documentary which apparently will gather facts and garner the attention needed after all these years to expose the underhandedness, the lies and the laws Sneddon broke in his vicious vendetta against Michael. I pray this documentary is made and as a result former Santa Barbara D.A. Thomas Sneddon is finally no longer above the law but brought to justice.

Beyond this purpose was another even more important purpose for myself and many other fans, the celebration of a victorious fight which has brought honor and vindication to Michael Jackson... Uncover Michael Jackson's Name at Gardner Street Elementary School. Two Soldiers of LOVE from Michael’s Army, Jennifer Marino and Catherine Gross, were present at this event and each spoke. Their team worked very diligently with determined commitment to achieve this goal. I felt so elated to personally see with my own eyes the fruition of all the hard work of this team from Face Book “Uncover Michael Jackson’s Name (The Gardner St. School Issue Campaign). Many fans from all over the world, including myself, had joined in on this effort and signed petitions and also carried petitions in Hollywood for neighbors and local businesses to sign resulting in thousands of signatures in support of this cause. It was a successful community effort to turn the tide of negativity toward Michael Jackson. I know myself along with multitudes of others feel that the “Uncovering of Michael’s name” was a turning point in vindicating Michael’s name and public image from all the damage a slanted, greedy, slanderous media have unjustly heaped upon him even in death.

There were many great moments in this day starting with pulling into the school parking lot at Gardner, looking up and right there big and clear for all to see is Michael’s name gleaming shiny bright above the auditorium doors. The building has been crisply painted and the shiny, silver letters are clean and pristine. Rounding the school building on my way to the auditorium I see a mural of children and adults in silhouette holding hands which brings to mind Michael’s song "Cry" and under it the inspired artist penned the words, “ Rise from your slumber and remember who you are, the sky is not the limit when you're a STAR.”

The first thing you see when you enter the hallway which leads to the auditorium and main school office are framed pictures of the student’s art work. In these pictures they have artistically completed Michael’s portrait at different times in his life. Half of the picture is Michael’s photo and the other half they have drawn in the rest of his face. I love this so much and believe Michael too would have loved to have seen the children’s artistic endeavors, some are really very good.

There were many there that day lending to the festivities including SUNN, a young new artist, who sang a beautiful tribute to Michael she recently released. Larry Nimmer was present video taping the day’s events, also sharing portions of his video from the court hearing in 2005 which was instrumental in revealing the truth about Michael and Neverland for the members of the jury. This is now a documentary, "The Untold Story of Neverland." His narration was wonderful and the pictures of his recent visit to Neverland were captivating. Beautiful Tatiana from Michael’s video “The Way You Make Me Feel” was present. Majestik the Magnificent was the emcee. William Wagner spoke several times about his planned documentary. The realtor who sold Michael Neverland was present and spoke so highly and lovingly of Michael. There were several Michael Jackson impersonators, including Michael Kiss who amazingly ramped up the energy level and love in the room bringing great honor to Michael Jackson. Also the Michael Jackson bike which recently was shown to Prince and Paris at their home was present outside for fans to view first hand.

                                  Hallway pic of children's MJ art projects c/o Debbie Jackson

The ultimate moment of the day though was when Thomas “Hurricane” Mesereau entered the auditorium. Mr. Mesereau was the main reason I was in attendance at this event. I had left my cherished visiting and paying respects to Michael at Forest Lawn to come to the school specifically to see Tom Mesereau. As he came in the back doors and walked down to the front the fans all flew to their feet and went wild with applause and cheers. My heart over flowed with love and gratitude toward Mr. Mesereau. Sitting in the end seat of the row I was thrilled to see him walking down the isle right by me. While enthusiastically clapping with all my might I heard myself yell above the cheers “THANK YOU for all you did for Michael!” and was ecstatic when he looked at me smiling, nodding in return, mouthed the words “Your welcome.” He was so gracious and humble. He truly is the greatest defense lawyer in the United States, an honor which he earned with integrity, humility and deep personal commitment to his daily fight for truth and justice; not just for Michael but for all his clients, a true rarity in today’s legal profession. Later to be sure my thanks were conveyed and as I posed for a picture with him, while standing in Michael’s classroom, I was able to look him in the eye and tell him personally “Thank you for all you did for Michael.” He said “Your welcome. It was my pleasure to help Michael.” Then he pointed and asked me if I had seen the display the children had arranged with the signed chalkboard preserved and framed behind glass. This was from the original dedication where Michael signed “Love the Children ~ Michael Jackson.” Below is my cherished picture with Tom Mesereau and just behind us is the chalkboard. Thank you so much, Sandy, for sending this picture to me.

Every where you look in this school which honors Michael so beautifully you are reminded of Michael’s spirit, his essence of artistic creativity and heart for children. I sat there in the audience in the original wooden auditorium chairs that Michael once sat in and felt Michael’s presence everywhere. I smiled as I glanced to the back of the room and attached to the wall were hundreds of butterflies the children had drawn and colored. Michael’s music played and beautiful brown skinned babies danced in the isles to Michael’s voice. The entire school is frozen in time, preserved just as it was when Michael attended. At one point in Michael Kiss’ performance I moved up closer to get a better picture and felt a rush of elation when I realized as I stood in between Tom Mesereau and Michael Kiss on stage that I was standing in what seemed to be the very same spot that Michael himself stood in when he attended the original dedication and listened to the children’s choir sing "We Are The World." I pictured his beautiful face and felt the joy he must have felt that day when he stated, “This is the happiest day of my life.”  

After the last performance and the photos were completed I returned to the auditorium and took my seat only to be summoned away. I heard those words “Go to the principal’s office” and needless to say even after all these years they brought feelings of anxiety fluttering up in side me. I laughed loudly as I realized it was Michael Kiss who wanted to see me. I happily climbed the stairs I knew Michael Jackson had also climbed in his life and found my way through the corridors and entered the main office. I was standing waiting to talk to MK who was literally using the principal’s office as his dressing room, when above me on the wall a TV was running a loop of the school announcements. I stood there holding on to the cool counter as Michael's voice filled my senses. He was speaking, giving his acceptance speech, with that gorgeous smile saying the very words I had just earlier heard in my head. My mouth hanging open and covered in chills I realized that all day long, every day the children in this school hear Michael’s beautiful voice and see his face…what an inspiration Michael is for the generations that have been and are to come. I glanced down from the over head TV and standing before me was the man who made all this possible, the man who fought right along side the team of Michael fans, the man who went to bat with the board and pushed to bring honor back to Michael Jackson at Gardner St. Elementary School, Principal Urbina. I delightedly said “Principal Urbina you are the one who fought so hard for Michael! It’s so nice to meet you. I want to personally thank you for all you have done for him and getting his name uncovered. All the fans appreciate it so much. The school looks just great!” He said as we vigorously shook hands, “It was my pleasure. Thank you for coming today.” Then Michael Kiss’ team member stepped out and called me in to his dressing room. It was an amazing day filled with closely held surprises and many blessings.

                                Picture of the TV monitor in main office c/o of Debbie Jackson

                                 

                             Principal Urbina and the children on February 2011. Victory!

As the day ended many fans went outside to look at an amazingly crafted motorcycle, the Michael Jackson bike, where builder of this bike, Marcel “Porkchop” Miller, adorned the bike with many renderings of Michael through out his career. All the fans looked closely at his beautiful work and wished we could have a ride. 

It was, as always, with most all Michael events a blessed day filled with LOVE about and for our beautiful Michael Jackson, our inspiration, the connector of hearts and lives around the globe. Michael’s wish for unity and LOVE around the world in action… his wish fulfilled one more day… proving truly that LOVE never dies.  LOVE will always Live On in Michael's name!

Video of Michael Kiss by Larry Nimmer. Thank you Larry!




Video by Debbie Jackson. Thank you Debbie!

Greed Destroys - LOVE SURVIVES Updated 3/7/12

Update Roses for MJJ - 3/7/12:

I want to update and clarify this year 2012 One Rose for Michael is NOT being facilitated by Sofie Stranberg or the original One Rose for Michael Face Book page. She has been reported for stealing the fan's money and the authorities are looking into it. I was going to delete this blog post but then thought, No, it needs to stay because people need to know what Sofie did to Michael, the children and the fan community at large. What she did is incomprehensible and should be shouted from the highest roof top for all to hear. 

Always be careful where and to who you donate your money. There should always be full accountability at all times for all money donated.

http://mjbliss.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-rose-for-michael-j-jackson-2012.html

Please see my latest One Rose for Michael J. Jackson blog post (the link is above) for all the new exciting details about how to donate with complete confidence. Know that your money will indeed go directly to the Rose Grower this year with no fan middle person ever touching or seeing the money. All donations go directly to the provider of the roses, Passion Growers, and those roses will be delivered to Holly Terrace for Michael on June 24th the day before the June 25th anniversary. 

If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comment section below or you can go to the new One Rose for Michael J. Jackson Face Book page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OneRose4MJ/186649991448123/

You can also access information about this year's 2012 One Rose for Michael J. Jackson at the new website:
http://celebratingourbelovedmichael.blogspot.com/

Update 3/14/12 - UNICEF link:
** Also please see this additional link to UNICEF in conjunction with the new 2012 One Rose for Michael J. Jackson roses. If you would still like to donate to directly to UNICEF to help children around the world in Michael Jackson's name you may do so via this link.

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


 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Updated on Vaccines posted 7/4/2011:

It is with great sadness... 

That I remove / rewrite / update this post on my blog.

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every person's need,
but not every person's greed"

This post was made originally to support a cause "One Rose For Michael - Vaccinate the Children for Michael." I felt this was an amazingly awesome and worthy cause! Some thing so beautiful, something that fully honored Michael! Fans from all over the world donated to Sofie Stranberg from One Rose for Michael Face Book Page to raise money in Michael's name for UNICEF.  I gladly supported and donated personally and asked fans from all over the world via my blog to support this cause in honor of Michael Jackson's 53rd birthday, August 29, 2011.

Sofie Stranberg from One Rose for Michael told us she was collecting donations to vaccinate children against disease all over the world via UNICEF. We were asked to donate just $2 per vaccine per child. Fans everywhere sent in their money and now it is gone, Sofie is gone and the children who desperately needed these vaccines will not get them. Nothing has been given to UNICEF, not one cent! In fact UNICEF has never heard of Sofie Stranberg or One Rose For Michael or the cause we were supporting.

Sofie had told us that we had raised enough money to vaccinate 5353 children. We don't even know if that is true at this point. All the fans who joined in the effort know is at least $10,000 has vanished because of greed, lies and selfishness. The very thing that stalked Michael his entire life is still here dogging his legacy of LOVE. I am beyond disappointed and very angry. I am angry at myself because I rarely ever donate to MJ Fan causes. I generally donate directly to organizations and charities. That way I know my money is going exactly where I intend it to go and receipts are provided for record keeping.

I apologize to each and every person who read my blog and donated to this cause. We were all duped. We were all lied to. My prayer is that the authorities track down Sofie and get the money back and it will finally go to UNICEF and the children. However since she has not been heard from since Nov. 17th and no one has been able to find her, not online, nor by telegraph or phone, or at her home, the chances of that are very slim.

Again I apologize for ever having promoted this cause. We must not allow the greed and dishonesty of a few to discourage us from reaching out with out hearts and wallets to help the children and other worthy causes. Michael was relentlessly besieged by liars and greedy scam artists from all angles his entire life. He never let their evilness dampen his spirit of caring and LOVE for the needy and hurting. We must not let this dampen our spirit of caring, but just learn from this and move on. Be wise in our donations and efforts to help others.

If you still would like to donate and know without a doubt that what you donate will truly help the children here are two links that will take you directly to beautiful, well known and established,  trustworthy organizations: UNICEF and World Vision.

UNICEF - Home Page
http://www.unicefusa.org/?utm_campaign=MS%20-%20Brand&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=MSN&utm_term=unicef

World Vision - Adopt a Child Home Page
https://my.worldvision.org/

Beautiful Michael Singing "What More Can I Give?"

Excerpts: Heal The World by Michael Jackson:
" There's a place in your heart and I know that is love... 
It only cares for joyful giving... Feel God's Glow... 
If you care enough for the living... make a little space...make a better place 
for you and for me and the entire human race. 
In my heart I feel you are all my brothers...
There are people dying... if you care enough for the living... 
make a better place for you and for me."

Neverland Forever by Air - June 2011

 

‎‎"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!" — J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)


It was Friday morning. I had been impatiently waiting for this day for weeks. The moment I saw the advertisement, without a moment’s hesitation I called Channel Islands Helicopters and reserved my spot. In speaking with very friendly, Sean Casey, the brother of the owner, Dan Casey, I learned I was one of the first to book, so a prime time was available… no marine layer expected at that time of day and still plenty of time for traveling by land to visit the gates afterward. Sean was so easily accessible to make plans with, as well as fun and easy to talk to. He assured me it would be a smooth flight. I have a fear of heights but even that did not deter me from making this reservation. Over and over I tried to picture in my mind what it would be like to be so close to Neverland…there was just simply no way of knowing what to expect. I had visited the gates of Neverland many times and each time wishing upon a star that one day… just maybe... one day when I had the nerve and accessibility I’d somehow fly by helicopter over Michael’s beloved Neverland and see it with my own eyes. Other than physically walking on to the property here was a dream come true. Moreover if we could turn back time 10 years that of course would be my ideal, ultimate, perfect dream… but then I wish that everyday since Michael’s passing.  

The 25^th of every month holds a somberness but in June so much sadness envelopes the MJ community. I have been missing Michael everyday since his death and always think of him daily, throughout each day, but in May I felt the wave of grief and sadness begin to wash over me again. I know I am not alone. Thankfully with the millions online around the world it is easy to find others who feel the very same way about Michael Jackson. This last weekend I heard it explained by a wonderful MJ fan, a scientist, from Spain:  This phenomenal world wide continuous grief over Michael’s loss has not gotten better but only continues to grow. The normal grieving process has been circumvented by the circumstances of Michael’s death and magnanimous person that he truly was. In fact now two years after his death in the normal grieving process of loosing someone you love when acceptance is the next step, many have found themselves instead needing to feel even closer to Michael Jackson. The missing him, the tears, the longing and need to feel closer to him in some tiny way has such a strong, organic pull in each of us, because Michael Jackson was so huge, bigger than life in all he did, so LOVED around the world. He had the ability to personally touch each person’s heart and soul. He was our Peter Pan never meant to leave us so soon and in such a horrific, shocking way that the normal grieving process did not take effect around the world but was sidelined. As a result and with the aid of the internet the MJ community has drawn together to comfort and heal in a way never seen before on this planet. 

For me the grief has gotten better because I am able to visit so many places where Michael spent time and then channel my experiences in my writing. It is very cathartic for me. Somehow I need to be where he was, meet people he knew or even shopped with, it is healing for me, yet there is never enough and always no matter where I go or who I meet there is emptiness because he is not there. He will never be there. He is gone… only his LOVE lives on, a giant, global LOVE that surrounds this planet touching people on every single continent.

I am one who believes beyond a shadow of a doubt that Michael Jackson was murdered and the man on trial for his murder, Conrad Murray, although culpable for his actions in Michael’s death is only the fall guy and did not act alone. Michael was always different when he walked this earth. He thought outside the box and never followed the normal societal boundaries in his artistic way of thinking. He was a genius motivated by the music planted in his soul while he was still in the womb. An artistic genius elevated to a spiritual level seen in only a handful of humans over the centuries. This world will never see the likes of this amazing man again. I feel so blessed to have lived in his lifetime. He was motivated by LOVE pure and simple and held on to the child like quality that most adults loose early in their tweens. Michael kept it because it was there that he felt most LOVED, most free to be himself and where the source of his creativity dwelled. Michael said “In children I see the face of God.” This LOVE that Michael shared with the world still LIVES. It lives in the MJ fan community. It grows each day and as I prepared for my flight over Neverland I felt it consume every fiber of my being. Yes the LOVE, Michael’s LOVE, is the anecdote for the grief, Michael’s invisible thread of LOVE weaving its way, connecting hearts around the world, connecting people from all parts of the world in a planetary grieving process.

Like a little child at Christmas I felt that June 24th was never going to arrive. I could hardly contain myself. I had not realized how nervous and excited I truly was until my friend, Kathy, just in from Cabo, sported us off in her little, bright lime green, rent a car. Taking no chances of missing my flight she obliged arriving extra early so we would have maximum drive time in case of hold ups.

My plan was to take a single red rose to drop from the helicopter over the far hills of Neverland and say a prayer for Michael. We weren’t long on our journey when I felt something missing and suddenly realized what that was as I blurted out as if the world had ended, “Oh my God! I forgot my red rose!!” She quickly veered the lime green bullet into a grocery store so I could obtain another red rose… I simply had to have my red rose. Instantaneously my cell phone rang and my dear friend on the other end of the line said “Betty, I have two UK MJ fans here who are taking the 1:00p.m. Channel Islands Helicopter flight. Isn’t that your flight?” Amazed I answered “YES! They must be my co-passengers since there is only room for 3 passengers on each flight.” Thinking to myself how that is SO God and SO Michael to introduce me to my fellow helicopter co-passengers on a dream come true flight even before I get there! I just sat there dumb founded as she continued to tell me their names saying, “They are bringing you four red roses.” Suddenly Nicky from the UK was on the line and I was talking to someone I had never met before who had traveled from the other side of the planet. We mutually shared our uncontainable exuberance over our upcoming flight together and for one more time in this amazing Michael journey I felt truly… I was Not Alone.

In my life there have been meager and hard felt times when as a struggling single mother, living off one sparse income, I fed and clothed my children on a wing and a prayer, so I am not unaccustomed to miracles like food on my door step or a check I never knew I was owed arriving in the mail or $50 in my purse seemingly from no where. This was just a little thing…a needed single red rose for Michael that I could easily afford; yet still as I sat and heard those words and felt the rush of God’s graceful reassurance and blessing flow over me I felt peace fill my heart and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I was exactly where I was suppose to be, doing exactly what God wanted me to do, at exactly the moment assigned…. my divine appointment.  Astoundingly reassured God proved to me one more time that He knows the smallest desires of our hearts and gladly and freely blesses us with them when we are in His perfect will. I so love those affirmations from God.  So… having pulled into the market place to buy a single red rose and with never stepping out of the car I put my purse down and felt blessed abundantly with not one red rose but four red roses instead. As the bible says “My cup runneth over.” My Christian friend smiled and supportively said, “See, God is in charge” as she directed her bright, lime green car away from the grocery store and on down the road to Neverland we flew as we both said “Thank you Lord!”

We quickly traveled along the now very familiar, beautiful road which runs through my neighboring valley, emerging with the Pacific on our left as we veered right in pursuit of our destination, the Santa Ynez Airport. However my mind and heart were racing so that I was not able to drink in the landscape as I normally do. The usually soothing journey, even the beautiful Pacific seemed dull and dark with the heavy marine layer surrounding us like a cumbersome thick blanket. The normally comforting feeling I get from the low lying clouds only seemed instead to be holding me back from all the day had in store. I couldn’t wait to break free from it. I noticed little, but took great comfort in Michael’s beautiful voice serenading us as we traveled. All was a blur to me until we made the turn up into the Santa Ynez Valley and broke through the marine layer. There the sudden brilliance of the azure blue sky glistened and the wild flowers greeted us as if to say ‘This day was made especially for your Neverland flight.’

Excitement continued to spill over in my heart as we flew down the road to seek out the airport. We arrived with time to spare to find the cutest, quaintest airport located just moments away from Solvang. There was a wonderful cool breeze, an amazing beautifully well cared for flower garden complete with luscious grape vines, which of course the gardener in me noticed and took comfort in immediately. A giant shade tree set in the middle of emerald green grass with an inviting row of wooden Victorian lawn chairs looked out over the small airstrip. There was a group of MJ fans gathered at a picnic table and I smiled and greeted them as I walked toward the airport office to seek out my pilot. I met and introduced myself to the pilot, Dan Casey, a very nice man who seemed eager to learn information about Neverland from the fans and without prompting I immediately began to regal him with stories I had read. One in particular about Michael’s award house on the Neverland property. He was attentive and very accommodating while he answered my questions about where we would fly and what we would see. The staff was welcoming and ready for excited and exuberant Michael Jackson fans and were very open, reassuring and friendly. 

In my anxiety and need to leave early we had arrived over an hour early so we decided to travel on into Solvang for a quick look at Michael’s favorite Solvang antique store. I wanted to show my friend the wonderful Violina Virtuoso music box. To my delight Dorothy was working and I was able to talk to her again about Michael and as always the love that fills her face at the mention of his name glowed forth. She quickly offered to play the music box for us and proceeded to turn it on. My friend was amazed. I love to see the look on the faces of those who have never heard it before. The gasp as the sound greets their ears and travels to their heart. A Face Book friend, Siren from Canada, who also visited the antique store over the week of June 25^th described this music as “A heavenly sound, like angels weeping, touching the depth of your soul.” I was thrilled to learn this week as well that this beautiful and unique piece may still be on the premises at Neverland.         

 

After our visit to the antique store we scurried on back to the airport but stopped briefly as my eye caught sight of the most amazing sign posted in front of the local school which I found so fitting for this journey. I could not resist jumping out to snap a pic of, “An Invitation To Dance” another sign from God I was on my right path. Hopping back in the bullet we sped off to the airport where I physically met my co-passengers, Nicky and Rachael, from the UK. We immediately bonded and they gave me my roses for the flight. Also each of us were given sunflowers for Michael. It had been a concern for me that tossing out anything from the helicopter including biodegradable flowers may be considered rude and inconsiderate. Then I learned that the flowers would be thrown out at Zaca Lake which is on the border to Michael’s Neverland property, it will always be Michael’s Neverland to me. I had learned on previous visits to Neverland that Michael had planned on buying this Zaca Lake property because of the Indian spiritual history behind it but cancelled his plans when in 2004 and 2005 he had to turn his attention to surviving living hell. So it was with deep sorrow that on our flight I tossed the flowers out the helicopter door over Zaca Lake and Neverland and said a prayer for Justice for Michael Jackson and safety and protection for his beautiful children. It seemed the most appropriate place to say such a prayer for that is where one of Michael Jackson’s dreams died and in opposition to what was done to Michael I wanted to be a teeny part in the process to reignite hope and healing over Michael’s legacy. 

 

The three of us, the 1:00 o’clock passengers, met and immediately began enthusiastic conversation. There was an instantaneous bond in LOVE for Michael and our excitement was almost uncontainable. We laughed, hugged and shared about how we met ahead of time through my beautiful friend, Robyn. I looked at each and felt I’d known them all my life. They were my sisters immediately. These two lovely ladies traveled from the other side of the globe for just this moment in time to stand with me, for the three of us to fly together our hearts connected by Michael's LOVE. Only God can do this… create this divine appointment.

Travis Olson approached us, in a smiling and reassuring way stating he needed to take us aside for a safety meeting. I perked up and immediately pushed to the back of my mind any past conversations and warnings from well meaning people about how dangerous helicopters are, refusing to allow negativity in. Turns out he just wanted to give us a very simple explanation of how to approach the helicopter, where to step and how to handle the seat belts. As he talked I was so excited I could barely retain what he was saying so I just prayed, “Dear Lord please don’t let anything happen. Give us a smooth safe ride” and then as soon as he finished I turned back to talking to my new friends about Neverland and their journey to this moment in time. 

 

We made our way out on to the tarmac and waited for our bird to arrive. Just like in the movies we heard it before we saw it, then there it was the blades whirring loudly above. Somehow it looked very small in the air but when it landed it looked so much bigger and sturdier. We stood back at a safe distance while three fans with smiles big as the sun hopped out and walked toward us, Speechless, thumbs up. That was all I needed to see. I was more than ready to jump on board. All fear of heights waylaid for the moment. I was wondering how I would react since I was sitting in the front and don't do well with heights but mentally reassured myself  that I’d be strapped in and the pilot was experienced. Travis escorted us out to the helicopter. The sight, sound and wind of the blades whooshing way over head like a giant wind machine. I found myself wondering why everyone always ducks when around a helicopter; the blades seemed so high there was no danger... but then was told later ducking is a good thing around a helicopter... as not everyone is a vertically challenged short person like myself. Then Travis helped us in with a little step stool and we were careful to step only where he had instructed us to do so. Dan Casey, the owner and pilot, sat inside and greeted each of us with a big smile while handing us individual head sets with microphones to wear. It is very loud in the helicopter and speaking into the microphone headset made it very easy to communicate. Dan turned on the helicopter IPOD and Michael’s beautiful voice filled our headsets as we lifted off up, up, up into the air. He whisked us away from the airport... destination: Neverland. Literally… the GPS was set for NVRLND. I felt like Tinkerbell… if you only believe! “I do believe! I do believe!” My stomach was absolutely fine and it was such a smooth ride I had no fear of heights at all; only the most amazing view of Michael’s beautiful neighboring countryside. I was amazed to learn as we flew that we were traveling at 120 mph… it seemed like only about 4 mph. It was such a smooth and comfortable ride I quickly settled in and all qualms and nervousness about the flight itself vanished. Dan was fun, friendly and accommodating and confirmed we would look for Michael’s awards house on the property and have a very close up view of Neverland. I was happy to realize he was very interested in new information about the property and was happy to help find this house for us. 

 

Before you know it rising up out of the seemingly never ending dry, scrub brush an emerald island of green appeared, there it was… Michael’s beloved Neverland! It took my breath away. We flew over the main gates which are now re-installed; however are missing the incredible gold filigree arch and adornments, apparently all sold at auction. It was very sad to me as they do not look like Michael’s gates although I am happy they are back in some form. What struck me the most were the trees, so many trees around Michael’s main house. The trees made it difficult to see the house and I immediately thought of Michael saying how much he loved trees and made a mental note to search for The Giving Tree. Everything went so quickly as we circled lower and lower. I was torn between just looking and taking pics. Dan must have noticed my anxiety and reassured me saying, “Remember to take time to just look and take it in and don’t worry about the pictures.” So yes I did… I tried to snap pics and was able to get some but my UK friends obtained many more. We later made a pact to share all of them with each other. The pictures you see in this story are from all three of us.

The grounds are very well kept up, like a beautiful sanctuary. Clearly you can see why Michael loved living there so much. The rides are gone now; however the grounds around each area where a ride was placed is maintained and restored to just as it was when Michael lived there and the rides were present. I got the feeling of “If you build it they will come.” The lake is just beautiful with its gushing towers of spraying water. Then I noticed right there before us lay the bridge. The same bridge Michael and his good friend, Ryan White, walked on and happily talked and laughed. The flower beds are gorgeous, filled with brilliant glowing flowers, and the train station and Neverland logo are simply beautiful, restored on the outside just as Michael would have had it, albeit the statues are still missing. Seeing the crystal blue pool brought a huge smile as memories flooded my mind of Michael’s home movies when his nephews kept pushing him in the pool. Also the rolling grass triggered pictures of Michael on an Easter egg hunt. What great times Michael had living in this oasis, his retreat from all the evil that stalked him.  I felt such pain for him as I thought about how he was forced to leave this incredible place because of greed and lies. Like all things Michael the heartache never leaves; however the beauty and joy always seems to over ride it, creating the most bittersweet of experiences. I don’t think I stopped smiling once the entire trip even when I welled up with tears. I thought I would cry, I mean loose it, but I didn’t because it was simply just too amazing and I didn’t want to miss a thing. 

I told the pilot a group of friends would be on a bus at the gates so he circled back around to the front gate. They had not arrived yet so he circled back to show us the view from the other side of the gates looking out. Something I thought I’d never see but yearn to see each time I visit. To be on the other side of those front gates was simply amazing. He decided to look for the bus as we circled around again and there along Figueroa Mtn.Rd. we spotted it running a bit late moving on down the road to Neverland. I couldn’t believe it when Dan said lets just fly along next to them for a while so you can wave at them. I laughed a big belly laugh and waved and waved as we did indeed fly along next to the bus and then he jokingly said “They can’t see you.” Later I was told they did see us… well the helicopter anyway flying along next to them. Like a big kid I happily said “That was ME!!”

He flew us over to Zaca Lake at this point where he hovered as each of us dropped our flowers saying a silent prayer for Michael. Dan was so kind, considerate and understanding as he said “Did you each have time to say your prayer?” as we nodded and said yes into our headsets in response, then I was astonished as he maneuvered the helicopter back and dropped the nose so we could get a good look at our flowers laying on the Neverland hillside. It was the most considerate and kind thing he could have done at that moment. “God bless your sweet soul, Michael, and your children” is all I could think of at that moment as tears filled my eyes. 

 

Dan then asked the question he already knew the answer to, “Would you like to go take another look at Neverland?” A huge unanimous “YES! OMG Are you kidding? YES!” echoed through the microphones and he spun us around and we flew back over Neverland for another closer look. I had wanted to get another pic of both the butterflies at the base of where the ferris wheel once stood and also of the train station. This time we also looked for the house, the three bedroom house on the Neverland property which held many of Michael’s awards. He did not keep them in his main home. As the most incredible and loving father he wanted his children to have the most normal childhood he could give them, so he did not want his children to know him as anything but “Daddy.” Dan had said there were a couple of places it might be so he zoomed us over to the Zoo area. I didn’t see any animals but we all now know, with thanks to Larry Nimmer, that the staff are housing animals there today, tending to sick animals that some how have come by way of Neverland. Somehow I believe Michael would approve wholeheartedly of this wonderful kindness. We found a large building near the barn but it didn’t coincide with the story I had read. So he flew over to another area and there up and away from the house back on a dirt road and up a hill was a small house. Yes this one fit the description completely. I looked down on this humble, unassuming, certainly less than glorious house thinking about how in the rolling hills of Neverland for many years this simple house stored such incredibly, priceless, one of a kind items all in one place belonging to our King of Pop, Rock, Soul and LOVE. According to the story there were so many awards that even the bathroom and kitchen held MJ’s awards. They weren’t just on a wall or in a room but every room in the house was filled with his awards. How many people on this planet could claim that? I sat riveted in my seat staring at the roof of this unassuming home and wondered where they all were now and sadness creeped in yet again. Then smiled as I couldn’t help but picture Michael pulling up to that simple house in his Bentley and jumping out like he was going to a neighbor’s to borrow sugar but instead dropping off another MTV award. Hee hee! Yes this was the place. It has been there along time now and the roof looks as if it needs replacing. This house was the only other possible large structure that lined up with the details of the story I had read.  Once again I thought “God bless your precious soul Michael.”

 

Again we took a closer look at the grounds and this time I noticed the Arcade. This was not far from the house and I laughed as I thought of Michael running over to play the games anytime of the day or night, his child like spirit free to be who he was in this wonderland. I remembered an interview where he said he loaded up some of his favorite pin ball games and flew them with him on tour. We flew over the railroad tracks and saw how they connected to the Railroad Station, Michael’s own Disneyland train station. A Neverland logo of the little boy sitting on the crescent moon was there just to the side of the train station beautifully maintained on the hillside. The barn where the trains were stored is there as well as all the Zoo structures, all beautifully maintained. Circling again we took another look at the lake and front house area, then flew on back to the front gates where we checked out the visiting fans. It was around about this time I thought the ride would be ending and we’d be on our way… then Dan shocked me by saying “Well did you see enough?” I responded with “Oh I really wanted to see The Giving Tree. It all went so fast I forgot to look for it.” So he said “Ok! Well let’s take a look” and turned the helicopter around and went BACK to Neverland!! We passed by a couple more times and I looked and looked but I could not figure out of all the trees there which was The Giving Tree and then suddenly I blinked and looked again and there it was in all it’s glory with the platform and all before my very eyes. Then it was gone. If you asked me to point out where I couldn’t, as it all happened so fast. Oh Dear Lord how much comfort and inspiration that blessed tree brought to Michael. Thank you God for a glimpse of that beautiful tree. The Giving Tree a monument For All Time to Michael’s incredible, spiritually inspired genius and artistic gift of music and LOVE. My trip was complete. My dream come true. 


Dan turned the helicopter back toward the quaint little airport in the Santa Ynez hills and as we flew off over and beyond the Neverland gates I felt Neverland tugging at my heart, pulling me back, beckoning me not to leave. I so did not want this flight to end. I thought about how incredibly painful and deeply heart wrenching it must have been for Michael to turn his back on his beloved Neverland and walk away. He had said in his home movies, “Neverland is the totality of me, the culmination of all that I am.” Then they robbed him of his beautiful home. I could see the sadness in Michael’s eyes as we flew towards the airport. It was mostly silent now in the cockpit, just the sound of the blades whirring above. I took in the incredibly beautiful horse ranches below and tried to assimilate all that I had just seen. Somehow though I will never be able to assimilate all the torture Michael Jackson was put through. For me this place, this oasis, this land of wonder should never have been taken from Michael and it will For All Time be Michael’s home, Michael’s Never-Neverland, a very spiritual place where so much joy, healing and good took place.

Before we knew it we had arrived back at the tidy, picturesque airport and Dan skillfully landed the helicopter smooth as butter. We were all smiles as we profusely thanked him for an amazing journey. What an awesome job you have Dan! Travis graciously helped us out while the next set of passengers eagerly waited to take our place. 

  

Nicky and Rachael will always have a special place in my heart because of this once in a lifetime mutually shared experience. We decided to drive on to the Neverland gates together. They followed along behind the lime green bullet for a visit at the gates by land. Then later in the week we met several more times and shared some amazingly touching moments including visiting Michael at Holly Terrace, Forest Lawn until closing… we will always Remember The Time. 

Thank you Dan, Sean and Travis from Channel Islands Helicopters for the most unforgettable, magnificent day of flight over Neverland…. just there the second star to the right and straight on till morning!!!   

Update 8/11/2015
For all those coming to Southern California and are interested in taking the Neverland Heli Flyover.... Channel Islands Heli is no longer in business. At this point in time there are no more flights with this company or any other heli companies in the Santa Ynez area. Sadly the June 2015 Neverland Flyovers were the last flights.

Side note:

** After writing this story I realized the sequence of flight returns over Neverland may not be in the precise order they took place; however the feeling and sights seen are as written and captured. It all happened so quickly. 


* If you intend to ever take this flight be sure to take a video camera for best results on pics. It has been rumored that Channel Islands Helicopters will possibly be doing flights over Neverland on Michael’s birthday in August, 2012.

A sign posted on the tree by an MJ fan at the Neverland front gates on June 25, 2011.




"Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us... Unto Him be the glory." Ephesians 3: 20-21

Beautiful Video by Robyn Starkand. "Michael loved DeBussy's Claire de Lune and its perfect for the magic at Neverland...enjoy the journey....." ~ Robyn ~