Written by : Maggie
Who am I and how long have I been a fan of Michael Jackson? Did I ever meet him? How many concerts have you attended?
The answer well since Michael was with his brothers as the Jackson Five. It this outdates me so what. I can say I am very proud to have followed this amazing talented family. Watch the youngest of the brothers move up and become the "King of Pop." Everyone knew then Michael would be the biggest and brightest star.
Yes I've met him more than once, never been to any full concerts, but have seen him perform. Remained with Michael throughout his trials and tribulations in his life, even at his 2005 trial.
Michael was someone who was my rock in life, didn't heal me, but helped me get through the roughest periods of my early twenties and later on in life. I won't go into it deep because many of you already have read them in the book, "It's all for L.O.V.E."
Loving Michael:
There was the beautiful times when projects had to be made and fans always came through with such beautiful things. That is what strengthen my faith in doing this for so long. The fans from all over the world. It was amazing how Michael brought us all together
There were the fun times as well. Like going to his home for the first time, to bring the fans things to him, how fearful I was to be there at his home and yet excited and hoping Michael would drive out or something. ( I have this on video and have to laugh at myself then.)
The meetings with him, what should I do or say, does he like older woman or would he ignore me? How does one try and keep up with the younger generations of die hard fan, when you haven't a clue how to be a fan yourself. ( Video's of me frighten to death seeing Michael, never knowing what to expect, would he reject me and move to a pretty fan, very insecure...then whenever I saw Michael.)
There were the crazy times during the trial, when we had to drive through Neverland speeding around on a one horse lane trying to escape the media that wanted interviews. Putting everyone in jeopardy by driving up besides us, hogging up the small highway , with booms hanging out of their windows and huge cameras pointing at us, yelling, turn Jackson's music up, stop the car so we can talk to you, etc. Oh it was purely insane in those days.
I was shy and didn't know if I fit in. Being around 20 something's wasn't easy, especially those fans from Europe. They were the hardest to get friendly with then. Even when you offer to donate money for supplies to make things for Neverland. It was a constant struggle. Yet I kept forging on and pushing myself closer and finally the ice began to melt and they knew you were not one of those judgmental people out to get Michael or worse yet a reporter.
On my first day I got into the court, that was interesting in itself, and yes I wrote about this as well, and won't go into in full again here. Yet the funny part was during a break we had. I tripped over huge camera cords and fell down. Michael too was coming out for his break. He rushed over to give me his hand to get up. I took it and got up and as I did and nearly spoke to him to say thank you. One fan behind me put her hand over my mouth. If we spoke to him, we'd be thrown out.
Yet I met Michael without even trying many times by just being patient and waiting and observing his fans. I am glad that I stood ground and got some fans to listen to me to do one final project that I brought to Michael's home in Beverly Hills in April. I was always this stubborn girl who did things "her" way, and no matter what, regardless if was accepted or not, regardless if I wasn't looked up to as I once was. I wasn't going down as a failure of a fan to Michael Jackson. I got these gifts inside of the home and met Alberto then.
The very last time I met Michael was when I wanted to go and wish him luck. My friend didn't like Beverly Hills, didn't like being around the area, yet knew if he didn't take me there would be war. I got to go, as I said I am very stubborn when it comes to doing things my way. While parked on the side of the road he met and began to talk with Alberto the guard. At the time Alberto was going out to get Michael some medication and take his costumes to the cleaners. The last time I met Michael, looking at my forever calendar page here, marked Michael's trip, was on June 23, 2009, to wish him good luck on his tour. That was it and we went home, only to be slammed hard with the devastating news and return back again.
Loving Michael wasn't the easiest to do and remain his true fan all throughout. There were the ups and downs, the distrust, loathing and arguments, cutting throats along the way and driving good honest fans away without regards of who got hurt. Yet I was warned in the very beginning to be very careful, don't get too close from one very important person of Michael's company, I won't mention, yet all I'll say is that she was so right.
The adventure is over now, there are no more surprises to be had any longer from the man who gave so much of himself to all. Now we can just see what his music, his accomplishments will bring in the years ahead from those who carry out his legacy in music and dance.