Moonwalking Into Eternity

Thank you to everyone who has left comments about my coverage of Michael Jackson. I'm glad to know it's of interest to so many, as well as a measure of comfort to his fans. I didn't expect that.

For those of you who have asked specific follow-up questions, please know that I'm working to find the truthful answers for you.

MJ in Tokyo on March 8, 2007 (image courtesy ReutersKiyoshi Ota)

As mentioned earlier, I was among the credentialed media posted outside Forest Lawn Glendale on Thursday who were covering Michael's final funeral and entombment.  For those of you who are interested in what it looked like behind the cameras, I've uploaded the photos I took throughout the day here.

As the sun set and the day turned to dusk, the skies over Forest Lawn couldn't have been more beautiful. This was due in large part to the smoke from the local wild fires burned to the north and east of us. Here's a sample in this snap of Rajesh Mirchandani as he reported back to the UK live via the BBC:

Once the skies darkened, a full moon hung over the cemetery, casting a gorgeous orange equally smoke-induced glow. It amazed me how the destruction occuring just a few miles away could also produce such a stunning sight where we stood in safety.

Here's what the moon looked like outside the gates, from Glendale Ave., as the service was taking place below it at the Great Mausoleum:

I also took some raw footage of the Jackson family caravan arriving at the cemetery. See the video here to get an idea of what it was like to be on scene.  My little digital camera doesn't have sound, but none was really needed.  Everyone fell silent when they arrived. Anticipation turned to quiet reality. You could almost hear a pin drop except for the sound of the tires on the pavement and the still camera clickage.

Much has been made over the fact that the family ran late, missing the planned sunset start time. (And leaving guests like Liz Taylor baking in the heat.) A news helicopter hovered over the Encino estate and captured images of Michael's three kids blowing off steam in the yard with relatives during the delay.

In particular, everyone in the media pool around me commented on Blanket playing on the fountain in his suit. A kid being a kid, I thought. Let him do what he needs to do, especially today.

Then I ran across part of an interview that Michael recorded in front of the very same fountain in 1983. The clip features him talking about how dusk (and dawn) are magical times of the day.

Here are the two videos, courtesy of Sirgabzalot and LoveAllTheJacksons respectively. Watch them in order and see if it doesn't give you a new take on the situation that evening, too:

"We need to look up, where he is undoubtedly perched on a crescent moon, and we need to smile." ~ Brooke Shields (Staples Memorial Service - July 7, 2009)

Comments

[shimar]

You were a part of history!

Truly great coverage & thank you once again.

[Kaila]

The second video isn't working.. wonder if you could find another one? I looked but was unsuccessful. I loved the video of Michael, though. He was so rare and so beautiful. Never will there be another like him.

[Melissa]

With respect to the photos of Michael's crypt (vintage and current) I want to rush to the defense of Karen Faye. I feel her rumored photographing and selling images of his stately burial location was truly a loving gesture for all of his millions of fans who will never be allowed to visit. The act insured we all could see and then imagine visiting his grave. By selling them to a high bidder she guaranteed their publishing/posting. I see her harsh judgment by the public as unfair. I am so glad you have posted as much information as you have and also included the recent images now owned by TMZ.

[Carol Kesling]

i miss you michael so much !!!! hope you are at peace... you do have a beautiful resting place... rest in peace dear angel !!! gone too soon definately !!! love & kisses...

[Nadja]

"In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night... you, only you, will have stars that can laugh!"

(Antoine de Saint Exupery, "The little prince"

Love you so much, michael.......

[Karen Wren]

have seen a floor plan of main part of great hall mausloseum. any way you can put map/drawing of addition form hallway after columbarioum of the Sanctuaries to compare and see where Michael is placed.?