Gone but never forgotten.

Sunday, June 28th my husband and I drove 8 hours from our home to travel to Gary,Indiana to pay our respects to Michael Jackson. Michael has been a part of my life for 20 years. Taking this trip to Gary was made without even the slightest hesitation.

Gary is a predominantly African-American community and, sadly to say, very downtrodden. Crime rates (I hear) are high in this once very successful steel working town. The people however you can clearly see mean well and are trying their very best. It is an incredibly humble community.

The Jackson Family home a simple white 1 story building no larger than what most of us would have for a garage. It sits on the corner of 2300 Jackson Street and Jackson Family Blvd. The road leading up to the home is blocked to keep traffic at bay. As we walked up the sidewalk you could feel a sense of pride. Michael’s music drifted out to the streets from homes of the local residents. One fellow was selling memorial t-shirts out of his Cadillac. Normally that is something I would not even consider but we did buy a shirt from this man. It is a little piece of pride from the humble folks of Gary for us to treasure.

The front lawn of Michael’s home has been covered with teddy bears, letters, flowers and artwork. We met some very kind residents, one man in particular who grew up in Gary but now resides in Chicago. He just beamed with joy as he shared stories with us about Michael’s childhood and the music. Behind the home is Roosevelt High School where Jackie Jackson was a student.

A reporter, Heather Lindquist, took a photo of me placing my roses under the tree on the front lawn. She also took some photos of the tattoo I have for Michael. We found out that she lives in Chicago and works for the Syndicated Press in NYC! Her photos could be published in many papers and magazines. She left me her card so that she can send me her photos and let me know if/when/where her pictures are published.

My experience in Gary was definitely wonderful. Folks from all over have come out to pay their respects to the world’s greatest entertainer. Some came from as far as Japan! It felt like being among family. The kindness was amazing and seeing how much Michael is truly loved by those far and wide speaks louder than words ever could. It was not so much a goodbye but a celebration of Michael’s simply outstanding life and legacy. Michael always stood for unity, equality and peace. The people of Gary, Indiana hold true to this and I am sure Michael is proud.

Becoming a fan at only 5 years old, he was my first musical love. Michael embodied everything I strive to be, everything we all should strive to be. He was the greatest humanitarian the world had ever known. Michael did not pass judgment. Michael did not exclude anyone. Michael simply wanted the world to live as one in harmony. The world truly was a better place because we had him. His generous and caring nature changed the lives of so many. I cannot even begin to put into words the joy he brought in to my life. Losing Michael to me feels like the loss of a brother. However, I know that Michael would not want us to cry. He would want us to smile and to remember all the wonderful things. Michael’s favourite song has always been Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” and those lyrics speak incredible volumes today.

My thanks to the Jackson family for allowing all of us to join in and pay our respects with them today, July 7th 2009.

Thank you Michael for the music, the joy and the wonderful memories. I know you are smiling down at us while you teach the angels to dance and Moonwalk across the clouds. I’ll never let you part for you’re always in my heart. I never can say goodbye.

Smile tho’ your heart is aching, Smile even tho’ it’s breaking, When there are clouds in the sky You’ll get by,

If you smile thro’ your fear and sorrow, Smile and maybe tomorrow, You’ll see the sun come shin-ing thro’ for you

Light up your face with gladness, Hide ev-’ry trace of sadness, Al -’tho a tear may be ever so near,

That’s the time, You must keep on trying, Smile, what’s the use of crying, You’ll find that life is still worth-while,

If you just smile,