Mrs. Katherine Jackson’s Book Delivery

by Betty Byrnes

April 10, 2010

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The honor of delivering the book of remembrances, letters and poems to Mrs. Katherine Jackson was not taken lightly.  I highly respect the privacy of the Jackson family and did not want to seem intrusive. I wanted to try to deliver the beautiful, azure blue, MJ-Upbeat scrapbook which held a collection of heartfelt letters and condolences for Katherine Jackson from fans from all over the world.  Sheril, Bonnie, Angela, LuLu & Michaela had worked very hard putting together this book and collecting letters, poems and condolences from the fans. I felt it was my assignment from the Lord to assure it arrived safely to Katherine Jackson.

 

http://www.mj-upbeat.com/PicturesOfMrs.JacksonsBook.htm

 

It is a hazy, Southern California, spring, Saturday about 2:30 p.m. I set out to deliver the book of treasured sentiment to Mrs. Jackson.  As I drove the 20 minutes to Encino I sing along with Michael Jackson and his brothers as I listen to the Jacksons’ Destiny album.  My mind traveled back to simpler times of brightly colored bell bottoms and fringed leather vests and listening to the AM radio blasting in my mom’s mustang.  I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and the smells and sights on this day triggered many childhood memories.  Michael’s voice is now singing ‘Destiny’ on my car’s CD player and suddenly I am wistfully wishing that we could, the entire world could step back in time to create a different destiny for Michael.  My thoughts now turn to Michael’s mother, Katherine, and I sigh… if only we could turn back time…how many millions of us would do so, to have Michael back, but most especially his
precious mother, whom he referred to as “Perfection”. 

 

I pull off the freeway at the Hayvenhurst Ave off ramp and the smells and
sights remind me of a picture a dear friend recently sent me of
Michael with his Llama, Louie. I now think of how Michael used to walk
these streets here in this neighborhood of Encino looking for a friend,
wishing like so many other fans that I could have been
there for him on one of those nights.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FZHfYbcLRU&NR=1

 

  

I park my car down the street on Hayvenhurst at a local grocery store.  
Then tuck a letter to Mrs. Jackson into the front page of the book next to the picture of Michael and Mrs. Jackson. I hold the book tight and begin the walk up the street to the Jackson home, then ring the bell at the perfectly manicured, drive-way, garden and a very friendly, cheerful voice immediately greets me.
I say hello and tell him I have a book of letters from MJ-Upbeat & fans from around the world for Mrs. Jackson.

He says, “Oh, thank you so much. The family very much appreciates your kindness. Please leave it on the post and I will be out in just a moment. I promise it will be safe. I will make sure it is delivered to the Jacksons.” 

I thank him and place the book on the brick post and begin my walk back to my car.  
I look back to assure myself the book is still safe and a car pulls into the drive way.
They retrieve the book and take it inside.  Now I have full confidence that the fans heartfelt messages are safely delivered to Mrs. Jackson. 

Bonnie, it was an honor and a privilege to represent MJ-Upbeat.
Thank you for allowing me to deliver this book.

  

 

Thank you so much Betty for doing this for MJ-Upbeat & Fans.