Michael Jackson's History - A Lesson in LOVE & Truth

Michael Jackson at Gardner St. Elementary School dedication 1989




Michael Jackson made history in so many ways and on so many levels throughout his entire career and this week a group of determined fans with huge hearts of love for their beloved King, those who felt that this wrong must finally be made right, gave him some history in return. It was a VICTORY for Michael Jackson and it was also a wonderful example of what professional, intelligent, calm demeanor, fortitude and a spirit of love and respect along with much prayer can accomplish. Miracles!

Friday, October 15, 2010: Michael Jackson's name is uncovered. Thank you to Jennifer Marino, Blessy and the Uncover Michael Jackson's Name Campaign team and everyone who persevered to make this a reality for Michael Jackson. Also thank you to everyone who wrote letters and signed the petition. This is proof that what little we do CAN make a difference for Michael. Results!

The School Superintendent said: "In recognition of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy and contribution to modern culture." Also a school district spokesman said... the decision was made in large part because Jackson had been acquitted of criminal charges in the molestation case. Please read the details of the LAUSD announcement below. TRUTH prevails!

I had been privileged to be a part of a group of fans which had just been at the school the previous week to walk the neighborhood streets, talk to residents and store owners and gather signatures for the Uncover Michael Jackson's Name Campaign. These signatures and the letters from all over the world were being placed into a binder for an upcoming meeting with the school board. When God moves he moves swiftly and as God would have it Michael’s name was uncovered before that meeting took place. God’s faithful servant, Michael Jackson, is now once again and so rightfully honored at the Gardner St. Elementary School in Hollywood.



Saturday, October 16, 2010: I just had to see this sweet sight with my own eyes. So I went to the school today and simply could not contain my joy, could not stop smiling. Traveling to Hollywood I listened to MJ sing his heart out asking us to “Make That Change!” My heart was so full as I traveled to see That Change. It is over cast but for me those silver letters are bright as the sun. What a beautiful sight!!





While taking my pictures an open air Star Tour bus stopped and the driver told the tourists, "Here you see the "Michael Jackson Auditorium". This was dedicated to Michael Jackson and there was a big event that day and Michael was present. His name was covered years ago and now thanks to fans who campaigned to have his name uncovered Michael Jackson's name was uncovered this week." Then the driver asked me if I was a fan and I said, "YES! JUSTICE FOR MJ! VICTORY!" and gave them the peace sign or victory sign in this case, that Michael gave so many times in his life. The tour guide gave me the peace/victory sign in return. I smiled big, I simply could not stop smiling. Thoughts of the day the auditorium was first dedicated to Michael and how happy he was fill my mind. I picture him smiling back from heaven at this glorious sight. Can you feel him smiling? Can you feel it?

Moments later a van filled with 20 something guys drove by and I heard them excitedly calling out to one another "Look it's there!!! MICHAEL JACKSON'S AUDITORIUM!!" "Wow!" "COOL!" "They did it!" Neighbors walking by smiled and nodded at me as I took my pictures. I am not sure if they realize why I am smiling but I choose to believe they know it is about Michael's name gleaming on the building I stand in front of.

I continued taking pictures from different angles when I realized how fitting it truly was to see MJ’s name so silvery and shiny overlooking a school yard where children play. His name looks down on what looks to be hop-scotch grids and there is a loose soccer ball which escaped being put away at day’s end. I hear the children laughing and playing in my mind and again I picture Michael’s beautiful smile, the twinkle in his eyes as they light up at that sound. I even hear him giggle. So fitting too there are golden, yellow roses in full bloom just to the right of the auditorium doors. Later I learn why this feels so special to me. Michael himself had a rose garden planted at Gardner St. Elementary School. Now these roses bloom just below his name as a remembrance of Michael's special gift to the school. The paint around MJ’s name needs refreshing as the building looks to have been painted a few times since the boxes were installed. The bright part to that is the boxes preserved the integrity of the silver letters all these years. Oh how I wish Michael could have been here to see this day, to see this hurtful wrong made right.

I thank God for answered prayers. This may be a small step toward the justice that Michael Jackson so deserves but this small event is so huge to us fighting and praying for Justice for MJ. We are encouraged and I pray it especially encourages and blesses Michael's family. It was Mrs. Jackson’s involvement along with Taj Jackson who finally opened the hearts of those who signaled the removal of the covers over MJ’s name. God bless you Mrs. Jackson and Taj Jackson. Myself along with many, many others pray for your family and for Justice for Michael everyday. This is only the beginning of so many wrongs that need to be made right for the legacy of Michael Jackson. We continue to strive for TRUTH.

Mrs. Katherine Jackson released this statement, October 15, 2010:
"After a number of heartfelt conversations between me, my grandson Taj, family friend Jodi Gomes, and LAUSD, I am overwhelmed that the school will proudly bear my son's name on its auditorium once again. This could not have been done without the tireless dedication of my son's fans and specifically the wonderful members of the "Uncover Michael Jackson's Name Campaign"

"Determined spirits fired by unquenchable faith in their mission can alter history." ~ Ghandi

VICTORY for MJ! ♥♥♥ We Are His Voice Now!!

MJ quote about his female fans ~ "Yeah, they are loyal, women. They have been loyal. They are activists. They will fight you about me."

Los Angeles Unified School District Press Release:
MICHAEL JACKSON’S NAME ON DISPLAY AGAIN AT GARDNER SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

Elementary School’s Most Famous Alum Recognized for His Musical Legacy

October 15, 2010

Los Angeles — The silver, foot-high letters gleam once again, proclaiming The Michael Jackson Auditorium at Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood. It is the last public school attended by Jackson—then an 11-year-old sixth grader — who was the lead in a singing group with his brothers. Three months after school started, Motown released their debut album “Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.” And, the young entertainer was on his way to becoming an international star.
“It’s important for the District to value the artistic impact and humanitarian contribution that will be the lasting legacy of Michael Jackson,” said Los Angeles School Board member Steven Zimmer. I’m happy that we will be recognizing and appreciating Michael’s LAUSD moment.”
The sign was originally unveiled at the then newly-refurbished auditorium in 1989. However, when the King of Pop was charged with child molestation, the sign was covered with layered board. For the record, the entertainer was never convicted. After his death last year fans began a campaign to have his name revealed.

At the direction of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines, the tribute was uncovered today.

“In recognition of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy and contribution to modern culture I have directed our maintenance and operations department to remove the layered board covering the tribute to Mr. Jackson at Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood,” said LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines. 

How The West Was Worn by Michael Jackson

It was August 29^th, 2010, Michael’s 52^nd birthday. Each day since Michael Jackson’s death I have thought about him. Today along with a couple of beautiful MJ fan friends we have decided to attend as many Michael Jackson events in Southern California as we possibly can to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson. I am elated because I don’t have to drive, being directionally challenged it is a joy to have someone with GPS, a good sense of direction and knowledge of California freeways transporting us from place to place.

First on the list is The Autry Museum with Michael Jackson’s new exhibit “How The West Was Worn by Michael Jackson”. I have been impatiently waiting to see this exhibit after seeing Michael’s good friends Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins on the news talking about how he had personally approved of this project. This exhibit had Michael’s blessing and he, himself, hand picked personal donations for the museum. Also unlike the Grammy Museum this exhibit is permanent. The ladies with me are true Michael Jackson fans and in true ‘Michaeling’ form we left the ceremony part of the event to sneak in early to the exhibit when no one else was around to see MJ's clothes. They were AMAZING!! I took many pictures of every last detail and angle of each item, each just so fascinating to me, especially the shoes. However I truly wasn’t ready for the sense of emptiness I would feel at seeing his clothes so close and feeling he should still be alive, should still be here, in them. I am only one of millions who wish we had the power to turn back time and bring Michael Jackson back.

We spent at least a good 10 to 15 minutes alone looking at the exhibit. The security guard took our pictures with no one else present, telling us “Picture taking is allowed today only for the birthday of Michael Jackson.” Then just as we had finished taking pictures everyone came flooding in from the ceremony. So we escaped the throngs and moved on out to the front of the museum. My friends decided to stop at the crowded, ladies room, and I decided instead to meander over and nose around the gift shop.

This is another one of those God ordained Michael moments I have come to look at as little gifts from God for honoring his faithful servant. I had just started poking around when I heard men’s voices near me. I casually looked up to see who was talking and standing there RIGHT in front of me were Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins. I said "Michael Bush! Dennis Tompkins! Oh My Gosh! HELLO!" Thinking back now I get a real chuckle about this “long lost friend” greeting to two people I had never met before. The very first thing that struck me about these two wonderful men was how amiable, gentle and kind they seemed. I found myself leaning against the counter where they stood and just openly talking like I had known them for years. I paid them well deserved compliments for the breathtaking, beautiful and amazing exhibit. Then asked them both about MJ’s participation in the exhibit and MJ’s knowledge of The Autry requesting his items for exhibit. They both gave an agreeing nod toward me and freely shared about MJ’s contribution and his feelings about this exhibit at the Autry. Dennis Tompkins nodded again as Michael Bush said “He was so excited they wanted a part of him... and Country Western… he loved this stuff.” He went on to share MJ had talked at length with them about what clothes to use and creating the exhibit and it was something he really wanted to see happen. Michael Bush said, in fact, Michael was so excited he said to him over and over, "They want a part of me! They want a part of me!!" Standing there talking to these two loyal, loving friends of Michael’s I felt as though I was at the end of the rainbow. I have never been a fan type person really, but personal stories about Michael Jackson are like gold to me. I will treasure this encounter with these wonderful men forever.

I stood there chatting with them for quite a while and inquired if Michael had kept in touch with them on a regular basis or if Michael had contacted them from Bahrain when he was away. Michael Bush smiled and chuckled and became animated as he shared “Oh yes. He called all the time from all over the world. His phone bill was ENORMOUS! Just HUGE! There would be times he would just call me from the back seat of his car while traveling and sing to me. Just sing something he had in his mind and say “Tape over” and hang up. That’s it! Just sing, say “Tape Over” and hang up.” I smiled openly picturing MJ in the back of his Escalade calling Michael Bush and singing over the phone some perfect little bit of a song that was running through his genius mind and thought what an incredibly privileged lot in life Michael Bush was destined to live as friend and confidant to Michael Jackson.

All three were so modest and self effacing. The most wonderful time was talking to Michael Bush one on one, off to the side and we discussed Michael in concert. He said "Oh Yes, when Michael was on stage he was total energy! So much energy!" Then he said "Well did you know he glowed?" I said "So it is true what Orianthi and others said about him glowing?" Then Michael Bush said and I will never forget this, "Yes Michael glowed. He glowed. He could light up a room, a stage, an arena. You could be standing in a room alone and with no sound, he would enter and the feeling in the room would change. You could just feel him. You could have your back to him and you knew he was there with no words. He lit up the room." I pictured MJ and his beautiful face and I know my eyes were so wide open as I blurted out "Oh my God! How can a person do that? ONLY God could have done that to Michael!" Then he was called away to the autograph table but as he walked off he looked me in the eye, smiled, nodded and said "YES", and then again looked back at me smiled and nodded again saying, "YES." I felt as though he knew, I now knew the essence of Michael. It was an amazing moment.

Karen Faye arrived and all the fans began to buzz and greet her. She too is a beautiful, gentle and kind lady. I looked at all three of these special people knowing from talking to Michael and Dennis just moments earlier they had all been very close friends of Michael’s for over 35 years. Michael Jackson loved them all very much. I was standing in a room with people who were part of Michael Jackson's heart. Yes each had a job to do for him but it was more than that, they truly, deeply, cared for and loved this man. I could see the same quiet reserve, spirit of love, gentleness and kindness in each of them, that same quiet reserve, spirit of love, gentleness and kindness that Michael Jackson emulated throughout his life. I could see why Michael kept them so close and trusted them beyond measure.

I was so impressed with Karen Faye’s grace. As the three friends sat together later I could also see their friendship and camaraderie but beyond that I could feel and see the heartbreaking grief and ‘missing of Michael’ heavy on their hearts and wondered how they have survived such pain. This realization only made me admire them more.

Dennis and Michael had shared with me that the gift shop had items for sale in honor of MJ’s exhibit and a portion of the proceeds would go to help support Tippi Hedren’s wild life sanctuary, “Shambala Wild Animal Preserve”, where Michael’s cats from Neverland now reside. Although not fair to the tigers, my heart sank as I thought about MJ’s cats out living him, especially since tigers have a much shorter life span than humans, another clear reminder that MJ should not be gone from this earth.



Michael Jackson's Tigress, Thriller, doing the Moonwalk.

I bought the hardbound book, “Michael Jackson A Life In Pictures” from the “How The West Was Worn by Michael Jackson” display for them each to sign and was thrilled later when Karen who had taken her time and thought a bit before signing, beautifully wrote “To Betty, LOVE Turkle” with a large heart under her name. I know it was a little thing, this signature, but I felt very blessed to read this later and felt a bit of Michael in that signature, for this was MJ’s favorite nick name for Karen.

I continued to just stand and observe all the hoopla and frenzy, in between getting pictures with all three. They clearly were not accustomed to the limelight and Michael Bush who does not like to be photographed, joked about taking a picture of people taking his picture and then did just that in one of the group photos. It was very interesting to watch all three of them interact with the fans. Both Michael Bush, who seemed very shy, much like MJ, and Dennis Tompkins said to me at one point “We aren’t used to all this attention. We have been behind the scenes all these years. We have never been the ones signing autographs. That’s what Michael did. We are more comfortable behind the scenes.”

Later as all three sat at the autograph table they all three laughed and shared with us about how much more comfortable they were doing MJ’s makeup, dressing him, getting him all ready and then pushing him out the trailer door while they stayed behind.

The fans slowly diminished, leaving enjoy birthday cake and watch the Thriller Zombie dance but I could not pull myself away from this moment in time. It was quiet inside once again. Karen was still standing and signing autographs for a few fans but Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins were sitting at the autograph table next to where I stood. It was fun to watch and listen to them banter good naturedly back and forth. I stood around a bit more observing until almost all fans were gone and then I too left for the festivities.

I saw them in the court yard before they left taking in the crowd from behind the scenes where they are most comfortable. It was a wonderful experience I will always treasure. I felt like I had touched Michael Jackson, just a little in shaking their hands. Those hands that touched Michael Jackson so many times over the years as they dressed him, tailored clothes for him and applied his makeup. Those hands that dressed MJ and made him up for the very last time, their dear, precious friend Michael Jackson, those hands that lifted him so lovingly into the coffin. My heart breaks for these lovely people. They are truly kind and gentle souls. It was so amazing meeting Michael Bush, Dennis Tompkins and Karen Faye. These three loving people took pain staking steps to care for and love Michael Jackson for more than half his life. This was a day, a moment in time, I will never forget.

If you would like to support the care of MJ’s cats you can copy and paste this url into your web browser. You can buy coffee, the Roar Blend :)) or just donate:

http://www.shambala.org/
 
(Update as of 2015... Thriller has passed away from Cancer. Sabu still resides to live out the rest of his life at Shambala)

Holly Terrace Sunflowers

 
The beautiful little girl with pigtails jumped from her mother’s arms
with glee and ran to the door of Holly Terrace,
eagerly peering through the crack.
Just at the end of the long corridor,
if you looked just right, you could see a noble, marble crypt.
The sun was hitting the Ascension stained glass window
and the entire scene was filled with glorious light.
Many, many more bright and glowing sunflowers
adorned this kings resting place.
A beautiful breath taking sight and outside was a
veritable forest of sunflowers
lined up by the doors to the Kings resting place.

Suddenly she turned to look at her mother with a
shocked and stricken look on her face shrieked,
“I can’t see him! I can’t see him! He isn’t there, Mommy!!
I want to see him!!

Why can’t I see him? Where did he go mommy?”

She began to sob, uncontrollable, inconsolable, heartbroken sobs.

She ran back to her mother’s comforting and safe arms and
held on tight and just cried.

The adults all stood there unable to breath, unable to speak,
grappling for the words

to try to console and explain… yet there were none.

Yes this little angelic baby she said it all.

We can’t see him, our King, we can’t see him.

Why did he have to go?
Our hearts are broken still.

Suddenly a grown up notices and points to a discovery,
back inside the sunflower forest just resting at the base of the sunflowers
is a tiny angel someone has left for Michael, our King.
It rests and sleeps guarding the King’s door.
The child is consoled at last and content
to wander in the sunflower forest but continually,
apprehensively looking toward the door
where her King can not be seen.

How do you explain death to a child?

Her mother says “She doesn’t understand.
She LOVES Michael Jackson and

she sees him sing and dance on TV.
She can’t understand why she can’t see him now.”

We the adults grasp at answers as well and can only nod our heads.
Yes how do you explain the death of Michael Jackson?
Unfathomable.

Forever in our hearts.

How strange that all these tears
could not wash away the hurt!

Then one thought of love pierced my bitterness.
I remembered you in the sunlight,
with a smile as sweet as May wine.
A tear of gratitude started to fall,
and miraculously, you were back.
Soft fingers touched my check,
and you bent over for a kiss.

“Why have you come?” I whispered.

“To wipe away your last tear,” you replied.
“It was the one you saved for me.”

Excerpt from The Last Tear
by
Michael Jackson, from his book “Dancing The Dream”

LOVE has the FINAL Word

There I sat at the doctor's office waiting my turn. Nothing major being done but still a bit unnerving. I had prayed and asked friends to pray for me ultimately always turning to my God, the Lord Jesus Christ for protection and covering in all things. I was at peace and knew I'd be fine but still there was that nagging anxiousness. I picked up a random magazine as they asked me to walk to the back to prepare me for surgery. They mentioned there would be a wait and I might like to read something. I flipped through the pages at first not interested really but thinking more of what lay ahead for me. I have been blessed with good health. As always in every doctor's office time seemed endless as I waited. I began thinking about anything and everything else and of course as always my mind ran to Michael Jackson, his life, his legacy, his music, how he changed the world with his love. Then once again back to my certain reality where I sat waiting. I began passively, off and on, reading each article of the magazine in my lap to fill the time. I looked up at the clock over head and 2 hours had passed and I was still patiently waiting. I returned to my magazine flipped the page and there was an article "Adopting at 55", I immediately thought "How brave this lady is" and began reading. I was enthralled by this woman's spirit. It seemed so familiar. Yet I was just thinking about Michael Jackson and the love he shared with the world.

Then all anxiousness was gone. Instead a feeling of complete reassurance filled me as God through Michael Jackson shared yet another lesson of love. I smiled as I felt once again Michael's global love touch my heart as I read the words:

"When we met, my future daughters spoke only a few words of English, and I spoke almost nothing of their language, Amharic. So I opened the iTunes folder on my laptop, and though I’d brought African music to play, it turned out what they loved best was Michael Jackson. Then we started dancing.

I learned it’s not that complicated, spending five days in the company of children with whom your common vocabulary is perhaps five words, if what those children need is to be held and loved. For five days we danced, drew pictures, kicked around a soccer ball, sang songs. We played with the babies. The girls braided my hair, unbraided it, braided it again. But they were also happy to do nothing more than sit on my lap, so long as my arms were wrapped around them. Never, in all those five days I was with them, did they fight with each other or cry or complain, until the night before I left. We slept in one small single bed together that night. In the morning when I had to go home without them, Birtukan flung herself on the ground and cried so violently, her whole body shook. When I held her one last time before leaving, to say good-bye, I could feel her heart racing and her whole body trembling."



Michael Jackson has touched places on this earth and reached people on this earth that no other human has been able to touch or reach. He continues even now after his passing to globally share his legacy of love with all mankind, every nation and every creed. I read this article and no longer had an anxious thought about what lay ahead for me. God has a plan for all of us. For some it is bigger as it was for Michael. Chosen from the womb to reach the world with his love, music and creative genius. For others it is small but no less important. I love the words of Martin Luther King Jr. as shared by his son at Michael Jackson's Memorial, "That in life one must discover what their calling is, and when they do, they must do their jobs so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do them no better." He constantly challenged us to become our best by stating, "That if you can not be pine on the top of the hill, why just be a shrub in the valley? But be the best little shrub on the side of the road. Be a bush if you can not be a tree. If you can not be the highway then be a trail. If you can not be the sun, just be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or you fail. You've got to be the best of what you are." Michael Jackson was truly the best of what he was. Finally Martin Luther King Jr. said "That in life if it falls ever your lot to be a street sweeper you must sweep streets so well, in fact you must sweep streets like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets like Raphael painted pictures. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth would have to pause and say "Here lived a great street sweeper that did his job well."



Each of us has a calling. A calling an assignment from God. Michael's calling was huge, globally huge yet he walked in humility and grace. He endured so much persecution and pain in his life, yet continued to reach out and love others. Reading about the language of love Michael Jackson's music enabled this adopting mother and these Ethiopian girls to share, I recalled the story of the time Michael sat with his mother crying about the starving and dying children in Africa. Michael made a promise to his mother that one day he would do something about that.

Oh!! How he did! He fed the hungry, provided medical care all over the world, to more than we will ever know. As I read this article I see his inspiration around the world still spreading over a year after his death, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Michael Jackson's love of children, Africa, the hurting and needy still lives on. It lives on in those he has inspired. It lives on in his children as Prince, God bless him, continues to carry on his father's legacy as he works in a warehouse filling boxes of food for "Children's Hunger Fund", fulfilling his promise he made at the Grammys when he said, "Through all his songs his message was simple,"LOVE". We will continue to spread his message and help the world."






As my very dear friend, Bonnie, from MJ-Upbeat, states
"LOVE has the FINAL Word"

Copy and paste links. Sorry they are not embedded.

You can read the entire article in MORE magazine September issue:
Adopting at 55 by Joyce Maynard

http://www.more.com/2051/24763-adopting-at-55

If you feel you would like to help out Prince Jackson and also follow in Michael's Legacy of Love and donate to the Children's Hunger Fund please go to this link:

http://www.chfus.org/en/component/donation/

~ Wishing You Unending Giggles And Laughter ~

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~ Happy Birthday Sweet Michael! ~

I thought of you tonight…but then I think of you daily…
for you have forever changed my life.

If I could help you blow out your candles and make a wish…

Oh yes you know… I’d wish for you to be back…

Yes to turn back time would be my birthday wish.

Put the sand back in the hour glass… 

tip the world on it axis and give it a spin backwards.

Bring you back to us on earth. 

The loving, the living…

But then that is just my earthly, selfish wish.

But love, true love isn’t selfish. LOVE true love is ‘Butterflies’…

Yes love with freedom to fly… 

delicate…allowing the beloved to leave…

LOVE till it hurts and then love some more… open… free...

For you were never really ours to begin with... 

too special for this earth...

Yes this is what you have taught… in leaving us.

For you dear, sweet, loving, kind Michael… 

my wish for you on this birthday

is unending giggles and laughter, 

and the safety, joy, peace and bliss this harsh world never afforded you,
and to be held forever in the arms of the Master Creator.

Yes that is where my comfort abides… 

knowing you are in the LORD’s loving arms

Cherished and cared for… for all eternity… 

for you deserve nothing less.

You are a precious, gilded, butterfly and I wish you peace, at last, 

eternity in your forever bliss.

Yet still on your birthday, Michael, if I could wish for the stars for you … the ultimate…

Just maybe one last touch, one last hug, one last kiss for your precious children.

Just maybe one last kiss for your mother… and then forever bliss?

Oh please, dear God, if this could be so…

only you Dear Lord could allow this birthday gift.

But then… I must let go…

Oh how I wish you were here for them and to see how they have made you proud.

To see how the world celebrates your life.

How your love for us still makes it all just right.

How we hold on to you… your love, your words, your songs….

These are the compass to our sailing ship…

How still yet you fill our days our nights…

To see how truly loved you are ‘For All Time’ …

But then just maybe you can see it, feel it, hear it…

as you peer down upon your beloved blue globe from heaven’s gate.

I hope you are smiling that beautiful smile as you see us celebrate YOU….

For you dear Michael will always be… forever here… in our hearts, minds and souls.

~ Happy Birthday Sweet Michael ~

My Trip to Off The Wall - November 21, 2009

“Off the Wall” is a tiny shop on Melrose in Hollywood, California. I love vintage items and very much wanted to see where Michael Jackson shopped. It was rumored it was his favorite place to shop for vintage items and that he had named his album “Off the Wall” because he liked the name so much. As I walked into the store I immediately was taken by the beautiful, unusual and intriguing pieces surrounding me.

A friendly man behind the counter sitting at a computer greeted me and asked me if I was looking for anything in particular and having seen a few of the price tags I hesitantly told him, “Well, actually I am here to see where Michael Jackson shopped.” He smiled and pointed to three items on a shelf in the corner and said, “He purchased these three items just weeks before his death. He had been eyeing them for some time and finally had decided he wanted them on his last trip in. We were waiting for his manager to finish processing the payment when we learned he had passed away. That is how we do business. Most of the famous people who shop here will come in and point out something they like and then have the manager pay later.” Pointing again at the items on the shelf he said, “We now have them on display.” He explained they were wax forms used in medical school some where back east in the 1900s when cadavers were not available. I turned back to the shelf the body parts were simply fascinating to look at. The detail was incredible.

I looked closely at them and totally got why MJ purchased them. Many people labeled it as ‘weird’ but I felt I completely understood how they would aid with home schooling, having home schooled my own children for several years; I was always looking for teaching aids.

I had read that MJ was always buying books and educational items for his children. If the children asked a question he would stop and say “Let’s find out the answer.” He would then go to his library and retrieve a book to give them the correct answer to their question, and if it wasn’t there he would look for it somewhere else.
I studied the muscles and layers of skin and exposed bones and turned to the nice man behind the counter and excitedly said, “I totally get why he would want these!” He gave me a puzzled, bewildered look and said, “He just liked to buy unusual and weird stuff.” I smiled but felt I knew.

I slowly browsed through the store seeing many wonderful items which I would have loved to purchase myself. I was drawn to the back right corner opposite the corner which held Michael’s last medical school purchase. There was a small glass curio sitting snuggly in the corner and nesting on the top shelf were some amazing rare, vintage Disney items. I was just thinking that Michael may have seen these very items when Dennis, the owner of Off the Wall, approached and readily began talking about Michael saying over my shoulder, “Michael loved all things Disney. He was always intrigued by anything Disney we had in the store. We helped him furnish Neverland and made many trips out to Neverland with our truck delivering the items he purchased.” Later at home when I checked out a website Dennis had mentioned I realized at first with a sense of excitement and then deep loss that that same day I had stood in the very spot where Michael had been.

As I continued to look about the store I was delighted to have Dennis walk next to me and relate stories about Michael’s visits to the store. He smiled and said, “He first started coming here with his sister Janet when they were young, when Janet was in the show Good Times. Do you remember that TV show?” I smiled and said, “Yes, I sure do. She was so cute.” A look of fond memories came over his face as he continued, “Well they both would come in and shop. She would film right down the street and they would come in after she was done working or on her breaks. Sometimes Michael would drop by himself while he waited for her to finish.” Dennis continued, “He came here for years. Those were the less hectic times. Later he couldn’t go anywhere with out security and a crowd gathering around him.” Motioning to the entrance door and shaking his head from side to side he said “We would always know when he was here because there would suddenly be a huge crowd outside, just cameras, body guards, people everywhere in a swarm at the door and outside. It was sad. He just wanted to shop. He loved to shop but he couldn’t go anywhere with out a crowd.”

It is a tiny shop, maybe 20 feet by 30 feet, with the front door facing west and the warm afternoon sun filtered through the door and across the shop like a spot light, gently lighting up several beautiful vintage items. As he spoke I pictured the large crowd which inevitably swarmed around Michael loudly milling, clicking picture after picture, pushing and crowding the front door, chocking out the warm afternoon sun. I suddenly felt great pain for Michael. I could feel the tremendous love and admiration so many felt for Michael but looming larger I felt that frenzied, life squelching, paparazzi madness that followed Michael everywhere shutting out the light in his life.


Dennis continued to talk about the crowds, “It was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anyone else ever be treated that way.” I commented, “He was so dynamic. He had a magnetism that just drew people to him.” Dennis responded with a puzzled look, as if I just didn’t understand, shaking his head from side to side, “I have had many famous people in my shop and no one was ever treated the way Michael Jackson was.” Curious I queried, “Really who are some of the other famous people who have shopped here?” I have to confess he relayed names but for some reason my mind was so wrapped around the thought of Michael Jackson I don’t remember who he mentioned and there were several. However I do remember Dennis seemed visibly upset as he talked. I was able to focus on what he was saying again and heard him say at the end of his list “The Beatles. Even the Beatles never got the kind of attention he got. Both Ringo and George Harrison have shopped here at different times. George Harrison would drop in to shop here when he was in the states. You know someone would say “Hey, there’s George Harrison!” He was big star too and the response would be “Wow!” but they’d leave him alone… but with Michael people were everywhere.” He again shook his head sadly.

I was very intrigued and asked, “You saw him many times? You talked with him. What was it like to talk to him?” Dennis replied, “He was hard to sell things to. He always wanted a deal.” I laughed and said, “Well even stars like to work a deal.” He said, “Yes, he sure liked a deal. He never paid ticket price. It was hard to keep his attention. He would drift off and start looking at other things in the middle of a sale. He would loose interest and just walk away. He was quiet. He was shy so he didn’t really talk much. He was interested in looking around. He loved to shop.” I smiled to myself because I totally related. I do the very same thing when I am shopping especially for vintage items and antiques. I loose myself in those stores. You can feel the character and history in so many pieces and you just get pulled in. It’s a great escape.

Feeling sort of like a dweeb I shyly asked Dennis if I could take his picture. He very amiably agreed and plopped down on a very cool, cow hide bar stool from what looked to be the 50’s era and I snapped his picture. I continued to look around and asked him about a few of the beautiful pieces in the store. There was a 20’s era glass beaded purse that caught my eye and a gorgeous, round, bubbled glass table top which had been turned on its side. The light flowing through the door played with the glass and made it glow. He told me it was handmade and they had custom made the stand to show it off as an art piece. I then asked him about the name Off the Wall saying, “I heard Michael liked the name of your store so much he named his album Off the Wall too.” He gave me a wry smile and said, “Oh yeah, we asked him about that for years but he never would admit it. We’d go back and forth about it but he never would. Then a few years back he finally admitted that he liked our name and used it on his album.”


Dennis then slowly meandered out the front door with me and continued talking about Michael. As we left the front door he turned back toward the shop and pointed to an article taped in the window facing out to the street. There was a picture of Michael; it was the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine and a portion of the article referring to Off the Wall as Michael’s favorite antique shop, “He said you can read about us in the Rolling Stone article.” A reporter had come out to the store not long after Michael’s death and interviewed him. He pointed at it and also told me to check out You Tube saying, “On one of Michael’s last visits to the store the Channel 11 news crew did a news clip.”



I noticed Dennis now looked pensive and clearly wanted to make sure he finished our conversation by telling me about Michael’s beautiful children who had accompanied Michael on more than one occasion to the shop. He expressed with great admiration, “His children were just wonderful. They would come in to shop with him often. Very bright, asked a lot of questions and were very respectful, very intelligent children. He did a beautiful job raising them. You can tell what a child is like when you are in a living room setting and that was what it was like with them in the shop.” Nodding his head up and down saying a thoughtful and definitive, “Yes. Good children.” I thought about the paparazzi again and said, “Well hopefully they will be left alone and will not have to go through what their dad experienced.” Dennis responded, “Unfortunately they are in a fish bowl. It is really too bad. They are beautiful children. Very well raised, very considerate.” My heart sank as I sent up a silent prayer asking the Lord to protect each of them.

Dennis then detailed the story of Michael’s last purchase for me, “You know he bought the body parts just a few weeks before he passed away. He would just point out something and say he wanted to buy it and then leave. It would be delivered later. He had his eye on the body parts. He had been in several times and this time made up his mind to buy them. You know, they are real wax teaching tools from a 1900’s medical school. If they couldn’t get their hands on a cadaver they could learn from the wax body parts.”

Then he motioned and pointed from the door to the street where Michael’s assistant walked out of the shop one day with a purchase saying, “One time he was in and bought a big, shiny, silver airplane and his body guard carried it out to the car.” I asked him if it was for his children, and he shrugged and said “I don’t know why he bought it. He just liked it. It caught his eye. He would just buy different and unusual things. We helped stock Neverland with many, many items over the years. He would shop and then we would drive out and deliver them to him there.”

I thanked him for his time feeling in my own way a small sense of closeness to the King of Pop. A deep sadness filled my heart as I pulled out of the Off the Wall drive-way on to Melrose to make my drive home. I turned my music up loud and listened to Michael Jackson’s beautiful voice with the perfect pitch and incredible range. His gorgeous smile, kind eyes and his electrified dancing image moved across my mind. His deep love of art, history and beauty shared and indelibly etched yet deeper into my heart.


www.offthewallantiques.com

The Rolling Stone Magazine article which mentions Off the Wall antique shop can found in Issue 1084, page 50.

Michael and Blanket on a different shopping trip to Off The Wall

Michael Jackson - For All Time

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~ Happy Birthday Sweet Michael! ~

I thought of you tonight…but then I think of you daily…
for you have forever changed my life.

If I could help you blow out your candles and make a wish…

Oh yes you know… I’d wish for you to be back…

Yes to turn back time would be my birthday wish.

Put the sand back in the hour glass… 

tip the world on it axis and give its a spin backwards.

Bring you back to us on earth. 

The loving, the living…

But then that is just my earthly, selfish wish.

But love, true love isn’t selfish. LOVE true love is ‘Butterflies’…

Yes love with freedom to fly… 

delicate…allowing the beloved to leave…

LOVE till it hurts and then love some more… open… free...

For you were never really ours to begin with... 

too special for this earth...

Yes this is what you have taught…in leaving us.

For you dear, sweet, loving, kind Michael… 

my wish for you on this birthday

is unending giggles and laughter, 

and the safety, joy, peace and bliss this harsh world never afforded you,
and to be held forever in the arms of the Master Creator.

Yes that is where my comfort abides… 

knowing you are in the LORD’s loving arms

Cherished and cared for… for all eternity… 

for you deserve nothing less.

You are a precious, gilded, butterfly and I wish you peace, at last, 

eternity in your forever bliss.

Yet still on your birthday, Michael, if I could wish for the stars for you … the ultimate…

Just maybe one last touch, one last hug, one last kiss for your precious children.

Just maybe one last kiss for your mother… and then forever bliss?

Oh please, dear God, if this could be so…

only you Dear Lord could allow this birthday gift.

But then… I must let go…

Oh how I wish you were here for them and to see how they have made you proud.

To see how the world celebrates your life.

How your love for us still makes it all just right.

How we hold on to you… your love, your words, your songs….

They are the compass to our sailing ship…

How still yet you fill our days our nights…

To see how truly loved you are ‘For All Time’ …

But then just maybe you can see it, feel it, hear it…

as you peer down upon your beloved blue globe from heaven’s gate.

I hope you are smiling that beautiful smile as you see us celebrate YOU….

For you dear Michael will always be… forever here… in our hearts, minds and souls.

~ Happy Birthday Sweet Michael ~