A SMILE IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN A TEAR

by: Maggie

Sometimes life brings you surprises you're not expecting and it can either bring a smile upon your face or leave you in utter tears. Well you can rest assure that this e-mail was something I never expected.

I received notice about another written book about Michael Jackson. I'm thinking not another one, I'm so burned out on all these things cropping up about Michael that you don't know if they're true or not or just out to make a buck of the poor guy's name or a name for themselves within the fan community.

The book I received was free and I thought, that's good, let's see what it's about. "In Search of Neverland" by: Gloria Rhoads Berlin. It's not a big book, rather small and can be read in about an hour or less. Yet what you get from it doesn't bore you, oh no, it takes you on adventure with Michael and once again you learn a few intimate details along the way. It grabs you the moment you put your eyes into the story and keeps you locked until you're finished. It's a cute, comical and yet another look into the life of a man we as fans thought we knew, but really didn't know honestly.

From other books I've read on Michael, I was under the impression Michael didn't drive or if he did, he didn't do it much because he would get lost and he didn't like the Los Angeles freeway's. Can't say that I blame him any. They're horrific and stressful. 

Yet I learn Michael was given a Harley Davidson as a gift. During the time when he lived in Encino, California. He actually rode the bike. Who knew. "I ride it very early in the morning, when there is little or no traffic." ( Michael's own words) He would ride the bike in Encino Glen Park.  In fact he gave Ms. Berlin a ride on the back, giving her a fright, as he took her for a spin on his Harley.  To think Michael's on a Harley riding -- to see that would have been a miracle.

Michael said, " Well, I want to feel the wind. I need to fill my lungs up with fresh air. And I like to purity of the park, the smells in the park."

Simple things that were so important to him, is so touching to read now. This is only a sample, of she gives you. It relays  a feeling of excitement continuing with the adventure and learning  a bit more about Michael, what he truly loved and what was dear to his heart.

 Without giving away too much of the book, it just puts a smile onto your face when you read it. A smile that hasn't been there for me in quite some time. This book -- gives briefly the journey of buying  Neverland, why it was important, how difficult it was for Ms. Berlin, as the realtor to keep both the owner, Mr. Bill Bones, owner of Neverland Ranch, and her client Michael Jackson happy during the transactions of the sale.

Yet Ms. Berlin does speak of how she heard the news of Michael's passing. It was while she was in "Gelson's Market" in Encino when she got the word. She's older, around 80 or so, the news hit hard and was devastating and shocking.  Yet when reading  I could feel the emotion she wrote when she felt the  spirit of Michael touching her on the shoulder and "saying goodbye," to her that day. That was such a special moment.

Ms. Berlin, you are Michael's angel. You have the ability to bring back to his fans, the smile that has been long gone from us, heal us and put Michael love back into our hearts again.  For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I don't know how you found me, maybe Michael helped you, but I am glad that you did and glad to have read your story. It's too bad you can't give us more as I'm sure you have lots to say. But what you DID say was the most sweetest of all.  God Bless you for writing it.

FOOTNOTE: quotes from Michael Jackson  P.08; chapter 1; In Search of Neverland -written by: Gloria Rhoads Berlin: Publisher: Gloria Rhoades Publishing : first edition 2010