“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”. ~1 Corinthians 13:13
August 30, 2024
It’s been a little over one month since my John was so tragically and suddenly taken away from us. One month of tears, one month of heartache and one month of pain that just never seems to go away.
I’m so angry about what happened to John. But I still thank God for all the love I’ve received from so many.
I’ve said this before. I’ll say it again. I firmly believe our loved ones who pass away send messages to us. We must be open to receiving them.
John sent me a wonderful message today that turned my tears of sorrow into tears of joy.
It’s been a very rough day. I went to the grocery store, which I never like to do. I needed to pick up a bag of potatoes for dinner tonight.
On the way home, the song “Missing You’ sung by Brandy and Tamia came on the radio. Of course, that immediately made me think of John and the tears just wouldn’t stop.
I walked in the door with my bag of potatoes and Ronnie gave me a hug. Usually that would help me stop crying but for some reason it only made me cry even more. He’s so understanding and told me not to worry about fixing dinner.
“We could order out tonight” he said.
I shook my head no and said, “I already went to the grocery store so I may as well go ahead and make dinner.”
I took the bag of potatoes over to the sink, wiped my eyes and washed my hands. Still thinking of John, I whispered “I love you and miss you so much.”
When I reached into the bag and pulled out the first potato to wash, I started crying even harder.
Ronnie looked at me.
I looked at him.
I then lifted my hand and showed him my message of love from John.
Just when I needed it most.
MJ Family L.O.V.E.
I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan. I’ve been a fan since the Jackson 5 first came on the scene in 1969. I’ll continue to be until the day I die.
The Moonwalkers are an amazing group of Michael Jackson fans from all over the world. We continue to share not only a love for Michael, and his music, but also his message of L.O.V.E.
My fellow Moonwalkers have been so supportive since John was murdered. They not only showed support by donating to my GoFundMe which helped lay my son to rest, but also send encouraging messages and check to see how I’m doing.
They have also sent me presents wrapped in L.O.V.E. I have to take a minute to show how much they love me!
Ron Pia and the We Are The World Facebook Group
Ron is an amazingly dedicated Michael Jackson fan and does wonderful things for the fan community. He’s the creator of the Michael Jackson – We Are The World Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/275858221000987/).
Every year on Michael’s birthday, Ron makes a trip to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale CA where Michael is buried to deliver individual flowers from Moonwalkers all over the world. He places them outside Michael’s window which is located in the Holly Terrace Mausoleum.
This year, he not only brought birthday flowers to Michael but also included special roses and a sunflower to honor John.
He then placed John’s flowers with all the others under Michael’s window.
MJ LOVE From Belgium
The beautiful Chrystal Lee is another member of the Michael Jackson We Are The World Facebook Group, who lives in Antwerp Belgium. Chrystal has kept in constant contact with me via Facebook since the loss of my beloved son. She sent me another love package which left me speechless and brought me to tears.
Inside the card that bears the Madonna with child on the front reads:
Dear Shari,
I think of you every day and hope you can feel comfort in the idea that the MJ family is always here for you.
I send you my love and strength.
Chrystal Lee
In addition to the beautiful cards, and MJ contents, the package contained several items that have blessed my soul and brought some comfort to my broken heart:
- A crucifix made out of wood from Bethlehem, blessed by the highest priest of Our Lady Cathedral located in Antwerp Belgium, in John’s name and his memory.
- A Kathedral guide and incense of their holy Virgin to keep me in a blessed state of mind. The incense truly smells divine
- A beautiful angel and butterfly handmade by nuns (both are my favs) and love hearts, which were all also blessed, and symbolize my eternal connection to John
- Some MJ items including two beautiful wooden pictures of Michael Jackson.
As I was looking at all the beautiful contents from the package, Michael Jackson’s favorite song “Smile” started playing on my phone.
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by
If you smile with your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.”
I sighed and said, “I’m trying to Michael, but it’s just so damn hard. I miss my son.”
Moonwalkers Stationhead Love
Next is my Moonwalkers Stationhead Family. The Moonwalkers Stationhead Channel is a radio show on the Stationhead platform that features Michael Jackson music and live broadcasts.
Lead by DJ’s Jennifer Jackson, Raye Schmidt, Aquarius_Future and the late, great Melanie Freeman, this station is a positive and loving place to go when you want to listen to the King of Pops timeless music.
I was, again, surprised to receive a box of L.O.V.E. from my Moonwalkers Stationhead family and I appreciate everything so much, especially the book, Parents’ Grief, Daily Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Child.
If you have a premium Apple/Spotify account, I invite you to join us on the Moonwalkers Stationhead channel for great music and great conversation by clicking the link below
https://www.stationhead.com/c/moonwalkers
MJ Love From Lena
I met Lena in The Michael Jackson Book Club on Facebook, of which I’m an Administrator (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mjbookclub)
Lena has a deep and passionate love for Michael, which is truly endearing. Recently, she took a trip to California to visit several places associated with Michael Jackson, including Neverland Ranch, where he lived and found joy for many years. Knowing how I’ve been struggling with the loss of my son and my own love for Michael, she decided to pick a few wildflowers growing outside the gates of Neverland. She then sent me a resin necklace made with those flowers, so I will always have a piece of Michael and Neverland with me.
MJ Love From The UK
My dear friend Dee, from Michael Jacksons Legacy (MJL), of which I’m also a part of, planted a tree in John’s memory.
Michael Jacksons Legacy is a charitable organization that continues Michael Jackson’s humanitarian work.
MJL has been in operation since 2011, and is still going strong, but welcomes donations to continue their mission by focusing on issues that Michael cared deeply about, such as children’s welfare, environmental protection, and ending unnecessary suffering.
Heal LA Love
Last but certainly not least is the love I received from the non-profit organization Heal Los Angeles Foundation, founded by the King of Pop’s son, Prince Jackson and John Muto.
Just when I think I have no more tears left to cry, my MJ Family seems to squeeze more out of me. This Heal LA care package, along with a beautiful card with a very touching message, arrived after Prince Jackson and John Muto heard about John’s murder.
This is why I’m proud to be a Michael Jackson fan. Michael was taught principles and values from his mother. He then passed down principles and values to his children. Among them were: Take time to heal the world by touching those in need with L.O.V.E
Their acts of kindness have proven they listened to their father and I’m so grateful.
I encourage everyone to support Prince and John’s charitable organization Heal Los Angeles Foundation because as you can see, they truly care about healing the world and making it a better place.
John knew all about my love and dedication to Michael Jackson and I’m sure he’s happy to see all the love my Moonwalker family is giving me in my time of need.
I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.
Do you have a special group of people outside of your family that have helped you feel better while grieving? Who are they and what did they do?