Michael Jackson – A Memory

Death is generally really difficult for me. When someone I care about (which is everyone) dies, I feel the death of my baby brother, and my husband all over again. I feel a heaviness on my chest and suddenly feel my feet start sinking. In order to rid myself of these incredibly depressing and sad feelings, I usually shrug it off, make a really off color joke or just turn my full attention to something else. Since June 25th, my mind has not been on Michael Jackson. His passing is huge for my heart, so much so that I just couldn’t deal at all.  Finally, today, I cried. I feel incredibly devastated to have lost a beautiful, generous and funny man.

I met the Legend himself. It was a really funny experience. It was the summer of 1995 and I had just graduated from college and had a little job in the toy industry (don’t ask).  I was standing on the corner of 5th Avenue and 18th Street in Manhattan, just across the street from Barnes & Noble (America the restaurant was still halfway down the block) and I was on my way to meet with a friend. I saw Michael Jackson exit the Barnes & Noble and walk to the blue van. Stunned for a second or two I looked around to see who else saw…no one. I started jumping up and down, screaming “Michael Jackson!” and pointing at the van. I expected it to drive away, instead a tall beefy guy got out and motioned for me to be quiet…..Immediately, I complied. Stunned I stood on my corner not daring to move, just staring at the blue van. Some children were escorted into the van and then the motor turned on. I waved and jumped some more, finally, the beefy guy called me over. Yes! Hallelujah! I ran over as quickly as I could, not watching traffic and thankfully there was none (yes, that area used to be quiet on the weekends.)

Anyway, I got to the van and there was Michael Jackson sitting in the second row of seats. Super excited I introduced myself, “Hi, my name is Adiaha….Adiaha Jackson…OMG, Jackson, Jackson!” He replied, “Nice to meet you. What does your t-shirt say?” It said NORMAL upside and backwards….He mentioned three times how much he liked my t-shirt and then I asked for his autograph. He said sure do you have a piece of paper. “Sure I do”, I exclaimed and went into my backpack (silver number that I bought with my first paycheck out of college before my loans became due) and came out with a small spiraled notebook. The cover was clear plastic decorated with insects. Written on the first page was, “Arthropods are FUN!” I had a pen to match. With a twinkle in his eye Michael looked at me and said “Arthropods?” I giggled and said,  “Yeah, I am bio geek, I just earned a BS in Biology.” He said goodness do I wish I had more time t hang out with you..I nearly screamed,  “Me too.” And then it was over and he was gone and all I had was a scribble on a pad and a memory.

I will cherish that memory…….always.

Peace. Love. Light.

Tagged as: 1994, barnes & noble, blue van, cute, dead, funny, icon, joy, legend, light, Love, memory, michael jackson, Parenting, peace