a couple of hours into the flight, my grandma (literally) fell ill. what started as a stomach ache, ended with granny fainting and tumbling into the aisle of the plane.
when she awoke, hovering above (next to my grandpa) and holding out his hand, michael jackson.
“are you o.k.?” mj asked, in his delicate voice.
he helped grandma up, and invited my grandparents to join him in first class. they accepted.
while grandma rested, grandpa enjoyed first class service and chatted it up with jackson. they discuss family, food, and italy (gramps favorite subjects).
upon landing, michael — on his way to neverland ranch — offered to drive my grandparents from LAX to my folks house (in the valley). once again, they accepted.
with grandma getting pushed around “secret areas” of the airport in wheelchair, they made their way to MJ’s limo. however, in an effort to dodge paparazzi, they were forced to make three limo transfers by jackson’s security.
in the limo + on the freeway (405N), grandpa called my mom + said, “there was a problem with your mother on the plane, we’re on our way to the house …” then, michael popped in one of his favorite movies, men in black. they watched it together + drank sparkling waters.
once they arrived at my childhood home (in woodland hills), my mom sees a stretch black limo + thinks my grandma died.
instead, the doors open + they emerged with MICHAEL JACKSON (holding their bags) !!
MJ entered the house, put the bags down, and stood in front of the christmas tree. in short, he was enamored by its beauty and the “family spirit” in the home.
my mom, in utter shock, FAILED to grab a camera to document the event. instead, invited michael jackson back to the house for a christmas party. he politely declined, returned to his limo, and headed off to neverland ranch …
while a photograph was never taken, he left our family with an amazing memory — one that showed michael jackson’s heart, soul, and genuine kindness.
oh, + this first class menu he signed on the plane :