by Carol Natoli

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: August 11, 2009

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service was so tastefully executed, with reverence to God, sympathy to the Jackson family, and a well-planned tribute Michael, himself. The service was not a show, but rather a celebration. It was a well-thought-out service, with the flavor of church, with Gospel songs, including a wide range of media in the background. Jesse Jackson was right when he said that Michael paved the way for all African Americans. His friend,

Lionel Richie, sang a beautiful Gospel hymn. One of Jackson's brothers sang "Smile", and that is what we should do, smile. When we remember the greatness of Michael Jackson, as an entertainer and humanitarian, we need to laugh, reminisce and smile.

Some people like to thrive on another's miseries; it is a fascination when it comes to celebrities. Someone said, "How much can one person take"? That statement, said it all. People forget that he was human and the nervous system can only handle so much, as can the brain. Stress? All of the time. While it was odd that he had certain relationships with children, this does not mean that he was guilty of having relations with them. Perhaps he was a bit nave and innocent in his child-like ways, but many of us believe he was truly innocent. He was a loving man, and not in a bad way. His heart was filled with love and that love projected out to others in African, China, Germany, all across the globe!

The Memorial Service brought forth the goodness of Michael. Even someone representing our government from Houston, was proud of him and an award was bestowed on him. That presentation too, was done at the appropriate time. Stevie Wonder's solo, that was performed, although Jackson wrote it, was perfect too, hinting that we really didn't think he'd be "gone in summer". The pain that the family must be feeling! They don't even have time to mourn appropriately; it is just hoped that all the stress will not affect him mother, any more than it has already. While being surprised that more legal issues, such as paternity rights, were not put in place, for there still are questions, the fact is that so much as to be dealt with. These issues, however, were not part of the service; the celebration of his life was center-stage and the accomplishments that he did. One person really affected the world so much that it is fair to say that he gave the word "charisma" a whole new meaning.

May God keep him in His heart and allow Michael to be sitting right next to Him, at the heavenly gates! And the next time Mariah Carey sings at a church service, may she not worry if she "breaks down" with a voice that is cracking, because she is not there to perform, but to pay homage, and to dress appropriately!

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