WHY WAS I SO DRAWN TO NEVERLAND

WRITTEN BY : MAGGIE

Why was I so drawn to Neverland? Why did I return after the Anniversary was all over? Was it a curiosity factor drew me there or just the emotional feeling that was starting to take over because I was leaving? More or less both I suppose.  

When I got there I was totally in disbelief. What was so gorgeous and beautiful the day before, had now turned into shambles. Flowers in beautiful vases that were lined up on the right side lower walls, large posters  hung neatly displaying love, art in the form of rocks and other beautiful displays were now in disarray.

Vases were gone, the flowers they contained strewn about, huge posters that hung neatly were now ripped down and caught in sprinklers and ruined. Sunflowers that were brought  the day before and hung in the decor of the right lantern along with a pretty sunflower wind chime were gone.

I had my camera out to take photos, but seeing this, just made me sick and I couldn't. As I slowly walked around, I saw some people cutting the roses in front of the driveway to take home as souvenirs. Young children ran rampart, kicking a beach ball around, out of control and hitting guards inside the gate. It seemed so out of control and the security guards said nothing.  

Photo opportunities were far from over. It wasn't what I wanted. I walked away slowly, feeling worse than than when I started up there, why are they ruining this precious place -- why can't they act civilized?   

Are these  people who care about Michael and if so, do they realize what they're doing to the property? I guess not. To them it's leaving a permanent message of love. If you truly cared about him you would visit and pay respects, sit and enjoy the quiet, have some fun yes, but not write, destroy or cut flowers or do any damage to the home at all.

For many it was just a trip, something to see, look at it, make comments, not quite understand what Neverland represents to many of us who enjoyed being there.  One woman from one of the buses, made a comment about what was the most outstanding thing you liked about this guy?  It was a bit shocking, but I did accommodate her question with an answer. I suppose the answer wasn't good enough because she raised her noise in the air and walked away annoyed.

Another person came out of nowhere, asked, "Hi sweetie, could you do me a favor and take picture of me in front of poster here?" The poster wasn't a good one, I suggested one with better, but she didn't care, as long as it has some type of Jackson picture with her in it.  When I snapped her blackberry photo, I said to her, let me do another. "Oh no, sweetie, it's just proof I was here." Then asks, "Where's the guy who selling T-shirts?" Yes folks you read right. There were two guys out there selling T-shirts and sold everyone them.

Some would say, yes, this may have been his home, but it wasn't towards the end of the last years of his life. That maybe true. Yet one cannot forget it was his home, a home where his children were born and he played with them. Dignitaries came, parties where held there, sick children and those underprivileged visited there. Even a wedding was held there.  It  held so many beautiful memories before those who hated him crushed and destroyed all that. It was a place of beauty, peace and serenity. Once you began your journey down the road to his home, your troubles were all left behind.

Yet throughout it all, one cannot have an attitude or become angry really. Just think, what would Michael have done?  Sure he'd be upset that his home was destroyed and people didn't care. He would be disappointed sure, but Michael being Michael, the anger wouldn't last very long. He shrug his shoulders and say it was part of his fame and came with the territory.   

He would have someone come in and just sandblast all that graffiti of the stones, plant more beautiful roses, and go on.   He was so forgiving it's unbelievable. Yet he was so right in many, many ways. Me, I would be livid and wouldn't allow anyone there anymore. Not Michael he was a beautiful soul and one that will be truly missed.