11 months and counting the days.
It seems as if, the Michael Jackson community is heading to the inevitable.
The day of mourning - June 25th. A day we all knew was coming, but we have all feared and dreaded.
Not, that we all - needed a date on the calendar, to remind us.
The mourning, began in the instant , we all heard the terrible news, on June 25, 2009.
There are times, that I have felt that we all are living in an alternate state, an alternate universe.
“You gotta take that chip off your shoulderIt's time you open up Have some faith”
Unions have been created, tested and broken. Coalitions have been organized and and some have been dismantled.
Trusted foundations have started to crumble.... Friendships have become strained, friendships have been strengthened.
The reason, I believe, is because we are operating with a broken heart, a heart that is not soon to heal.
In the last week, the alternate universe has really seemed to really have gone off its axis.
Truths, I would have staked my life, a week ago, are in question.
“Nothing good ever comes easyAll good things come in due time (Yes it does)You gotta have something to believe inI'm telling you to open your mind”
There is a line from the movie “ The Wizard of OZ” - “People come and go, so quickly here”.
That is part of the alternate universe, that many of us are trying to maneuver through - trying to find a place that makes sense.
But how, can it make sense? How are we ever going to make sense out of the last 11 months?
I feel the answer is getting back to the fundamental reason, we all come together, in the first place.
Michael sings “ You got to put your love on the line, You’ve got to put heart on the line, if you want to make it right”
That poetic and genuine lyric is the answer.
We need get back to the place, where we are operating out of love. and Only LOVE.
Put aside jealousy, speculation, competition and ambition.
Those traits, have never been about LOVE.
Those traits are are only centered in self-interests. And it is those self-interests that have taken over the alternate universe, a dark place, that is not based in love.
“Gotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna make it rightYou've got to reach out and tryGotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna get it rightGotta put it all on the line”
Last week, a friend of mine, passed away.
I never met her , face to face, but it never mattered.
We had a relationship that was based on laughter, trust and love.
It was a friendship that began on the internet but it did not seem to matter to either of us.
We were present with each other, when it mattered the most.
So, to honor, that friendship, I have decided to return to the core, that brought me to the internet ..11 months ago.
At a time, when I desperately needed friends, I found them. And it did not matter that , the friendships was borne out of the internet - from the strokes of my lap top keys .
Today, I spoke to a friend today- who was in desperate need of someone to just listen about her trying day, Someone , who just needed a hug.
It is out of that friendship and others, I write today’s blog.
Attention must be paid! We need to get “over ourselves” and remember , why we came together in the first place.
It was Michael’s love and it is his legacy, that our friendships honor everyday.
Those friendship, born of love are as important to me - as any friendship, that I have had. Some may disagree - but, it is my truth , that I would stake my life on.
So, to my friend, who just needed a hug, today. I say , I will always be here for you
and....
To my friend, who is now walking with the angels, I thank you for the gift, you left behind. LOVE.
In the end, it is the love, that stays with you for more than a lifetime.
Michael Jackson’s On the Line
No sense pretending its overHard times just don't go awayYou gotta take that chip off your shoulder It's time you open up Have some faithNothing good ever comes easy
All good things come in due time (Yes it does)You gotta have something to believe inI'm telling you to open your mind
Gotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna make it rightYou've got to reach out and tryGotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna get it rightGotta put it all on the line
You see yourself in the mirrorAnd you don't like what you seeAnd things aren't getting much clearer Don't you think it's time you go for a changeDon't waste your time on the past, no, noIt's time you look to the future
It's all right there if you askThis time if you try much harderYou'll be the best that you can beGotta put your heart on the line
If you wanna make it rightYou've got to reach out and tryGotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna get it rightGotta put it all on the line
If you wanna make it right (If you wanna make it right)If you wanna do it now (do it now)Then you gotta learn to try (Then you gotta learn to try)You can make it work somehow (make it work somehow) No nothin' in life comes free And that's just so easy nowYou gotta go for what you wantYou gotta know what you got to stand for Gotta put your heart on the line If you wanna make it rightYou've got to reach out and try Gotta put your heart on the lineIf you wanna make it right
Gotta put it all on the line
Photo of Azja Pryor- Courtesy of karaphotography.com
Azja Pryor, Friend of Michael Jackson, who testified on his behalf during the 2005 trial, is pleading to Gavin Arvizo to tell the truth.
Gavin is now, a young man and hopefully able to make his own decisions.
We are appealing to the heart of this young man, to find the courage to come forward and clear Michael Jackson's name.
This May 25, MJ's fans will go to Twitter and tweet message of encouragement directly to Gavin. All of the tweets will include;
#GavinTruth4MJ
To sign up for the Twitterthon and receive other suggested tweets
go to : OUR Twitter Event Page: Click Here
Tweets on May 25th -are to Demand Justice and defend Mjs' legacy!
We ask you to" be MIKELIKE" in your tweets to Gavin- so, the young man - can find it in his heart, to tell the truth, finally!
to see video of Azja's Letter:
http://www.mj4justice.com/index.html
Here is Azja's letter...
Dear Gavin, Star, Davellin, and Janet:
After Michael's tragic death last week, I have to say that all the negative feelings I've had towards your family following the outrageous claims made by you Gavin and your mother Janet--against Michael--came back to me tenfold. The pain, disappointment, anger, and betrayal I feel towards you simply cannot be put into
words.
You have shown me that your greed, lies, and personal gain override any "morals" your family claims to have; and you have proven yourselves to be the kind of people capable of turning your back on the very person who came to your rescue when you were most desperate.
The fact that you falsely accused Michael of the most heinous of acts, and made
his life a living hell in what would become his last years is unthinkable; and I am sure some would say, unforgivable. In your attempts to destroy him once again, you, Gavin, accused the man you called your "best friend" of the one thing that you (and everyone else) knew would completely turn his life inside out.
You took the one thing we all know that Michael cared about most in life--children,
especially children who are suffering, and you tried to turn it into a bad thing. You Janet, as a parent, allowed this, encouraged this, and went forward with the awful lies in an attempt to destroy Michael Jackson and swindle money from him.
Shame on you!
This man did nothing but help your family in their darkest hour. I know Michael was just like my family. We were all pulled into your woeful stories and shared your family's plight as Gavin fought for his life during his battle with cancer. Gavin, you told me that Michael's love helped cure you of cancer.
Your entire family praised Michael privately to everyone who would listen, yet turned against him so viciously in public. I have remained silent for many years, but I can no longer do so. Right now I struggle to find the words to adequately write this letter, as I am so filled with anger towards you and pain for the Jackson family.
You call yourself Christians. If this is true I call on you, Gavin, and your mother Janet to finally do the right thing for Michael in death that you never did during his days here on earth. You need to completely exonerate Michael's name and legacy from the awful, disgusting claims you made against him.
Claims and allegations that you and I both know are completely false and utterly ridiculous. Whatever your motives at the time to create such accusations are now minute and unimportant.
It is much bigger than you.
We are speaking on this man's legacy; a man who positively touched lives around the world. A man who is arguably the greatest entertainer the world will ever know. Michael is someone who shared in your family's pain; opened his home to you and included you in his very own family. He was a human being who never deserved any of this.
Gavin and Janet, you can change your identity and try to hide from the public scrutiny, but ultimately, you cannot hide from the wrath of God's judgment. This is
the right thing to do. It is the very least you can do for Michael, his children, and
his legacy.
Gavin you are now 19 years old, no longer an impressionable young boy under you mother's guidance, nor are you a pawn in this grand scheme to assassinate Michael's character. I know your heart, and I know that you are capable of doing what is right. Clear Michael's name of your ugly accusations once and for all. You owe it to him. You owe it to his family. And you owe it to God. Let's finally give Michael the ability to completely rest in peace.
Azja Pryor
July, 2009
"Lies run Sprints - Truth Runs Marathons- Michael Jackson"
For those who suggest we do nothing about this injustice - I share with you the following and ask you to " Look at the Man in the Mirror"
THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”...Michael Jackson
To this day, it still takes my breath away, when I read something, that mentions Michael Jackson, in the past tense.
It is still unbelievable to me, that he is gone. There are those moments, the mere thought of it, still takes my breath away.
How can it be possible, that someone , who has always been part of my life, not be here, anymore? I have not experienced , one significant life event or memory, that Michael and his music, has not been part of:
Hearing “I want you Back” on the radio for the first time with my 5 childhood friends, watching the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan show with the entire neighborhood in my living room, My father heading to Madison Square Garden at midnight to buy tickets for his then,10-year old daughter. and then,my first live concert - the Jackson 5 at Madison Square Garden- when I got to shake Michael’s hand, my first kiss with Jackson 5 music playing on the radio , family car trips with Michael’s music playing, My first slow dance , Dancing to Michael’s music at my wedding etc., all of these precious memories are connected to Michael and his music.
Michael has always been part of the fabric of my life.
When, I think back upon the last 12 months, I often try to make sense- So, what is the reason for all this, What is the lesson we should all learn ? .... Like many fans, I turned to the internet on June 25th, 2009. - to get information, to mourn, to talk to other fans, to cry, to scream and to feel connected with anything that had to do with Michael...anything.
The last 12 months have been a roller coaster for fans , some of us took different paths , but we joined forces to fight for justice. We had to do something! It was inconceivable to us, that the most famous man in the world could not receive justice!
But during this journey something truly amazing happened, and I believe that it is Michael’s divine intervention, at work. I have been blessed with Tina and Jakki!
They are truly gifts, sent by Michael. These amazing, fearless women, have taught me patience,love, forgiveness and laughter.
Together, have celebrated each other’s joys - the births of glorious new babies in the family, the end of relationships , holiday celebrations , old careers and the beginning of new ones!
We have share it all- all in the name of LOVE!
We are connected daily via phone,skype,email ,twitter and facebook! We have never met, in person but we are as close as sisters. I thank God for them, everyday!
It was through our grieving , we formed a bond that will never be broken.!
So, in August, the three of us are planning to meet in Ireland. To celebrate friendship , sisterhood and the love of Michael Jackson.
And it is just the beginning of a wonderful tradition, we are planning for each year. A new country, ever year! The 3 Musketeers on the loose - look out world! Tina and Jakki have become my touchstones!
The gifts, have kept coming- there is Erin, Amy, Karlene, Patti and Lisa .It is because of these women, I continue to be blessed!
They are all caring, compassionate and yes, amazing women ! We have planned,skyped,created, tweeted, ustreamed,cried and screamed, together! All with the same goal - Justice for Michael Jackson.
And there are the wonderful MJ-fans, I have the honor and privilege of meeting from our mutual UStream, Twitter and the ACMC and other Facebook groups.
Together, we have supported, argued, respected and honored each other. And it is through those individual acts , we honor Michael Jackson.
So, the lesson learned is that the Power of Michael Jackson, Continues! As he did in life, Michael is still bringing people together .
And what is the most important realization of all - the greatest legacy of Michael Jackson is love!
***UPDATE When I wrote this.... it was heartfelt and important for me to thank the women, who offered me and others a tremendous amount of support. Since, then- as what happens when time passes, some things have shifted as people go on with the daily business of living. Most of us remain in intact, but one ,- Patti has gone on a self-imposed reign of hate towards Michael's fans and some of my friends mentioned in this blog. My first reaction was to remove Patti from this blog, and her comments below. But then, I thought- again. Patti reasons for spreading so much hate is disturbing, the lowest point came - for some "unfeeling" reason - Patti chose 9/11 to attack me and other fans. Questioning our commitment - to those who lost their lives. Her outburst are unwarranted and mean-spirited. Those who know me, Know the impact 9/11 had on me, my family and the people of NYC and the world!
So, in the regard - Patti's self-imposed hatred - should be ignored and we hope that Patti gets the professional help and assistance that she clearly needs.
There are plenty of role models in this world. I certainly have mine. There are the Nelson Mandelas, Maya Angelous, Bill Clintons of this world.
We watch in awe and listen to their courageous words and actions.
Then, there are the “Silent heroes”. Those men and women, who are living their lives, going to work and raising their children. Many of those people, do what they have to do to make their way in the world.
Most of them, we will never know their names, and yet their contributions are as significant .
Azja Pryor is one of those “Silent Heroes:, a dedicated mother , who made a decision to put it all on the line to speak the truth, for a friend.
That friend, was Michael Jackson.
Last year, Azja wrote an open letter to Arvizo family, the family that accused Michael Jackson of child molestation during the 2005 trial.
Azja appealed to the better nature of the Arvizo family. She urged them to finally tell the truth and clear his name.
Azja did not have to do this , she could, have continued to live her life. But , what Azja did was all about integrity.
It is a true measure of character, to put yourself out there for someone, who needs your help. Azja spoke Truth to Power.
The power of a horrendous lie, that threatens the legacy of Michael Jackson.
And this, was not the first time for Azja. During the 2005 trial, Azja took the stand and testified on Michael’s behalf. She spoke her truth about the Arvizo family and the true nature of their connection to Michael. She testified with conviction and honesty. Many believe, myself included , that Azja’s testimony helped in Michael’s acquittal.
What Azja did on the stand that day and her dedication to Michael and the truth, was an act of true courage. And this was at a time, when courage was on short supply, from many of Michael’s celebrity friends , who had all but abandoned him, when he needed their support the most.
Azja Pryor was there for MJ! In the year since, Michael’s passing, it sometimes, is hard to tell the good guys from the villains.
When Michael’s “so-called” friends . seem more intent on using his passing for their own career advancement.
Azja Pryor is a shining example of integrity, finding the grace to do what, may not be popular, but doing what is right.
For many of Michael Jackson Fan’s... Azja Pryor is a hero! and we thank God for her!
Gerbils, not cared for, are disgusting , crawling creatures. And, if you do not keep your eye on them - they are almost impossible to get them back into their cages.
Some years ago, there was a disturbing rumor of a television personality who had to be admitted to a hospital emergency room . I will spare you the tawdry details- but, it had something to do with the bizarre placement of a gerbil.
News of that story, spread like wildfire, via television newsrooms via water-cooler gossip. And this was before, Twitter, Facebook and the “insta-news” of tabloid journalism.
Speculations are like those uncared for gerbils. And when , they are spun out of control, It is hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction.
Last week, a tabloid television show, Extra-TV, aired a segment that questioned Michael Jackson’s sexuality. Those questions, have been around for years. And despite the fact, Michael had stated over and over and over and over and over and over....... that he was not gay. The media, fueled on speculation and gossip, pretended not to hear the denials.
Michael Jackson’s fans are fiercely protective of Michael. We have watched as speculation and gossip tormented him throughout his life.
So, this type of accusation was not new. We had heard it all before. And, we knew, immediately, IT WAS A LIE. A gerbil, with an agenda, to tarnish MJ’s legacy.
This attack on his integrity, seemed particularly nasty and seemed particularly intentional . MJ’s fans reacted, immediately - The fans had HAD ENOUGH!.
The fan’s outrage was based on a simple and pure desire : to protect a man ,who is no longer here to defend himself.
It is, not that Michael Jackson’s fans are “homophobic.” As some have naively suggested.
Let’s be clear, most of Michael’s fan base- could give a rats ass or in this case, a gerbil’s ass, if he were gay or not.
Many of the fans, just wanted Michael Jackson to find happiness.
Yes, Michael is the King of Pop, he is an icon, a legendary philanthropist...but what the fans wanted to protect, was that Michael Jackson, was a human being , a man - who deserves respect.
With that said, some in the Michael Jackson fan base are also guilty of wild speculation about this and other aspects in Michael’s life.
Some of it is innocent and nothing more than idle curiosity . But some fans are guilty of outrageous speculation , so much that unknowingly, they are helping Conrad Murray. "Some of the fans might as well, head on down to Murray’s defense attorney’s office and pull up a chair."
It is dangerous, it is irresponsible speculation and most importantly, not worthy of Michael Jackson. And it needs, to stop NOW!.
But let’s get back to what worked, last week, - The Fans of Michael Jackson Rocked EXTRA-TV
Most of the fan base behaved spectacularly, they turned their rage into responsible action. They organized their rage and “Spoke truth to Power”- they went onto Facebook and Twitter- and let the world, know “ We will no longer allow you to assault the legacy of Michael Jackson” .
The fans called corporate sponsors and threatened a boycott. And, the sponsors of EXTRA-TV- heard the fans, LOUD AND CLEAR! The remaining EXTRA-TV segments were canceled and one sponsor issued a statement to the fans : “We regret your feelings about the program. We did not sponsor the segment and do not explicitly endorse its content...Del Monte Foods”
A reporter from EXTRA-TV responded to the threats of a boycott: “we did not run a follow-up piece, because of the fan's reaction. we listened. Please give us a try again sometime. All the best, Extra.”
Note to Extra-TV- not going to happen until, you get that crap off of your website!
For the “ Tabloid - 3- Arnie, Jason and Alicia”, you will be exposed as Liars! The truth will come out , about your real agenda (gerbils) . At some point, you will be forced to reveal - who was Jason’s real boyfriend - and the answer will NOT be Michael Jackson.
And you know it!
You will not be allowed to destroy Michael ‘s legacy to further your own ambition and careers!
Michael Jackson’s fans will not stop “Speaking Truth to Power”. We will not need violent threats to accomplish this.
Karma will take care of you!
"Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons....Michael Jackson”
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