David Sonnet

On November 25, 1992, Michael Jackson granted the wish of young David Sonnet, whom he meets via the Make A Wish Foundation. The boy was invited to go along with other disabled children from the foundation to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Sonnet suffered a brain aneurysm at the tender age of 8, leaving him only able to speak through a communication device that helps him convey his thoughts through a specialized computer.

Young David had received a ‘Beat It’ jacket from a local charity in West Palm Beach, Florida, which he wore for his special meeting. Jackson noticed it and says “I see you have my jacket on!’

Among the activities David and his mother enjoyed at Neverland were meeting and getting to hold one of Jackson's baby orangatans and riding the Octopus, the merry-go-round and other amusement park rides.

Because Sonnet was unable to talk or walk, he and Jackson shared an “I Love You” via sign language. A visibly emotional Jackson received a stuffed lion and a picture of himself from the youngster and told the boy he would keep his photo in his room.

Before and after this encounter, David Sonnet wrote to Jackson on various occasions and the entertainer would write back and include photos and other personal mementos. A hat of his featured in this auction from West Palm Beach was gifted from Jackson to Sonnet, while Sonnet sent a thank you card to the singer, including a wedding card when he married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994. Both times Jackson responded with a signed letter and salutation. According to Debbie Sonnet, David’s mother, Jackson’s music did help him recover of a coma and his recovery room was decorated with numerous Jackson photos and his music was played at all times. Sonnet passed away on July 26, 2004.