Summer flew away so fast that I could hear September calling my name and reminding me to be back on my daily grind. School breaks, such as the long ones have been my respite from work. The perfect time to unwind and recharge.
After being away for a month, I found myself on a plane bound for New Jersey. I was quite thrilled since it will only be my second time to go to the East coast. The excitement grew since I knew that New York will just be a stone throw away from where we will be staying.
Jersey may not be as lively as Vegas but I liked the serenity and calmness of the place. I quickly adapted to the weather ( which is the exact opposite of what we have in the West Coast) and loved instantly the incredible people I met there. I believe that's the most gratifying part of traveling. The bond and connection created along the way made our journey extra special.
We stayed in a hotel which was only 10 minutes away from where Mr. Jackson and the children stayed, just 20 minutes from New York City and 5 minutes away from the shopping mall, Garden State Plaza .
While in Jersey, we would regularly go to New York. Stayed at the famous and luxury hotel,The Carlyle while Mr. Jackson had his photo shoot in Brooklyn for the Ebony magazine. The Carlyle is a luxury property on Madison Avenue and is the recipient of several awards. Uniformed, white-gloved elevator operators whisk guests up to spacious Empire- and Art Deco-style rooms. Built by noted architects Bien & Prince and named for British essayist Thomas Carlyle, this charming, quietly elegant hotel has been a city mainstay since 1930. The hotel is two miles away from the Empire State Building.
How could I forget the time when we went out to see the Broadway show, The Wicked. Knowing that Mr. Jackson did the musical film, The Wiz back back in 1978 was just amazing. The people's eyes maybe glued to the family instead of the performers but it didn't distract us from enjoying the outstanding show. Elphaba and Glinda's story was surely a hit among the audience. Surely, a must-see when you're in NYC.
On weekends, the children and I of course with the security busily strolled down the streets of NYC and went from one museum to another. Dressed in our casual attires, I was so happy to see the children walked freely without rushing and running away from people with huge cameras. This was one of the reasons why Mr. Jackson opted to cover their faces with masks so that people won't recognize them in public. People not knowing who they are, couldn't care even if they wander anywhere and anytime. Some found it weird or ridiculous but in the eyes of a father who was only after of his children's safety, that was the right thing to do. Who could blame him when people insensitively attacked him on tabloids saying things that were untrue. He was just protecting his children.
I never understood it at first but when I was exposed to how harsh media could get, I started to fathom the whole idea of the cover up. It may have attracted loads of negative comments from different detractors but still nobody has the right to question the way a father would protect his children from what he thought would be a threat to their security.
His ways maybe odd for some but who are we to critique?
And there goes this introspection... the rude remarks, tactless words and hurtful comments could offend even the most popular person on Earth.
While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, we must understand that words are very powerful to ruin somebody's life. What I am asking here is basic courtesy to the feelings of another human being. It may be Michael Jackson or somebody we know. Let's be accountable to every single word we utter and let these words harm no one.
I was neither blind nor deaf to the malicious rumors about my boss but I never wasted my time believing them. Why would I? This person only showed me kindness and generosity. He may not be perfect but he was far from the personality the media tried to portray.
Hopefully, after his passing, we will have enough time to rethink our values and see things at a different light.
I sincerely thank the fans for continuously loving Mr. Jackson up to this day. If there is a true manifestation of an unconditional love, that is the love that I saw and witnessed from the loyal fans of Michael Jackson all through the years. Death wasn't powerful enough to hinder them from adoring the icon. In fact, it made them appreciate the King even more.
Mr. Jackson if this blog reaches you in heaven, please know that we miss you so and we will never stop loving you... we simply just can't stop.
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