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Michael’s Magic Box is Finished

By Linda Higgins - For those of you who may not know, the book I began writing last year called Michael’s Magic Box is finally finished. Writing it was such an amazing experience. Many times I would feel like Michael was right there with me, inspiring me to be the best that I could be. I’ve often heard people who worked with him state that he challenged them to perform at a higher level. I felt that kind of pressure while writing this, but it was a good pressure, one that helped unleash my talent in a whole new way.
Writing this book was a dream come true for me; a chance to carry on Michael’s message of love in a unique way. I want to thank everyone who followed the story. You were witness to - actually party to - an author being born. Without you, there wouldn’t be Michael’s Magic Box, because your interest kept the story going. I appreciated every comment you left, loved every tear you shed, and cherished every ounce of encouragement you gave me along the way.

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To Michael Jackson: This book is my way of showing the world that you mattered, that your life mattered and your message mattered. You mattered enough to me that I took your words about putting love back into the world to heart, and did something about it in my own way, through Michael’s Magic Box. The messages you inspired me to include in each chapter were perfect. If this book touched even one person, then we succeeded.

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Thank you for the music, thank you for the memories, and most of all thank you for the L.O.V.E. I am changed forever because of you. Linda Higgins
You can read the entire Michael’s Magic Box series on the MJTP website HERE. May it inspire you as much as Michael has inspired me.

Visiting the Congo

Last July, MJTP volunteer Michelle Easter and MJTP artist David Ilan were in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They visited an orphanage and spent time with the children there. They collected donations and brought a huge suitcase filled with clothing for the kids. They also came ready to hand out candy and toys. The bright balloons floating around the orphanage as kids were batting them around were a stark contrast to the orphanage which had no toys to speak of, nor any other colorful thing you’d expect to see in a child’s environment.

David shared an MJTP print with some of the older kids and taught them how to draw using only dots. They were given some of the pens David used to create the original MJTP drawing so they could create their own work of art. The kids’ eyes lit up as their o! wn drawings started taking shape. The kids recognized Michael Jackson right away, and one young man began to try to draw MJ himself.

The DRCongo is one of the poorest places in the world. The children don’t have enough medicine and the orphanages sometimes run completely out of food. Many children die before they have a chance to be adopted. We urge you to do what you can to help children all over the world who are in need.

Last Dot Event

The last dot event on May 25, 2013 was very special for so many reasons. First, the recipients of the final dots, Millie and Gavin Murray, were the perfect people to be honored. Dr. Patrick Treacy (a physician and friend of Michael Jackson) brought their story to our attention. When Michael was living in Ireland he had wanted to visit Millie and Gavin after he heard they were burned while in the back seat of a car that was firebombed. Michael wasn’t able to meet with the kids at that time, but we made it our mission to bring him to them through our portrait. This brings us to the second reason the event was so special. It was all made possible with tangible support from Michael’s global fan base, and with special efforts from the Belgian fan club, Unity. It was the fans who made the last dot event a realit! y. Dr. Treacy was a gracious host, helping to take care of the hotel and transportation. The event was held at Dr. Treacy’s Ailesbury Clinic, where MJ was treated years earlier.

The event itself was the perfect size. We have had huge events with media and celebrities and they were wonderful, but that kind of feel just wasn’t right for the last dots. This event was about Michael, his fans, his humanitarian work, and the tribute that is bringing so many people together from almost every country in the world. The event was closed to the media so everyone could be themselves without the pressures of the cameras watching, and the attendance was kept to a small group of Irish MJ fans. After all, the final dot recipients are young and their comfort was the number one priority.

After David had a chance to meet Millie and Gavin it became even more obvious that they were the right people to receive the last dots. David has spent countless hours placing milli! ons of dots on the canvas and he wanted the last dots to be given to p eople that MJ, himself, may have chosen. Millie and Gavin were picked because they are people who we knew were particularly dear to Michael. When David met the children, he felt in his heart that it was meant to be. Millie and Gavin came with three other siblings and their mom, and all were wonderful. The kids were looking after each other and were respectful and kind. It was clear that they had been taught well by their caring mother.

The event opened with Dr. Treacy sharing his memories of Michael in Ireland. He spoke about Michael’s personal interest in Millie and Gavin’s story and the similar health struggles Jackson faced himself. MJTP Board Member Marijke Paesen spoke next. She put the heart into the event as she told moving stories of Michael’s dedication to providing encouragement and support to children who face adversity. Marijke came to the event all the way from Belgium and brought with her original Neverland mementos that she collected ! over the years. The smiles on the children’s faces were priceless when she told them they could keep the items. Her stories of the times she spent with Michael were truly inspirational. David spoke next about the portrait and how the Tribute has been promoting Michael’s humanitarian legacy by doing charitable work. David then placed some last-minute dots for some of the people attending. At that point, the third to last dot was given to the a fantastic organization called “Michael Jackson’s Legacy” for their work in Liberia. All eyes were then on Millie, Gavin, and David’s pen as the last two dots were placed on the canvas.

After the event, the five Murray children and their mom were treated to an evening of burgers (the kids’ choice of food) and arcade games. The MJ fans who attended the event joined as well. Gavin repeatedly asked David to say different words so he could hear his American accent and Millie took the time to beat David in a car racing arcade ga! me. Then, in true Murray family spirit, the kids all pooled their toke ns together so that their youngest brother could win a huge arcade prize. It was definitely the perfect way to end a Tribute where so many have worked so hard to spread a little love.

Source: MJTP / MJ-Upbeat.com

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