The day Michael Jackson went to Heaven

Have you ever stopped to think about the idea of Heaven?  I sometimes just think of a place with no more pain. No more physical, mental, emotional, or social fear. It sounds like a wonderful place to start.

I came to meet Michael Jackson a few years ago in Dallas, TX. Michael is the kind of guy that lights up a room as soon as he walks in. Conversations are a stage for his command, with stories and a bigger-than-life personality.

We came to know each other through introduction of a neighbor, and quickly became friends.Michael was 20 years my senior and faithfully reminded me I was a spitting image of him, filtered through a 20-year generational gap of life experience, technology, and relationships.

As somebody in the automotive business,Michael stands today as the best damn salesman I’ve ever met. That man could sell you from the moment you shook his hand and he introduced himself – with a smile and a twinkle in his eye – as the one and only…Michael Jackson.

Michael is married to a beautiful woman, Linda, who has loved Michael from the moment she first laid eyes on him, some 30 years prior. They’re lifelong sweethearts; the kind of story you hope you may one day find in another person. Yet, they’re also living stories of the hard work and sacrifices a good relationship requires. What I respect about Linda is her trust and commitment to Mike. No matter what ring he stepped foot in, she was there to cheer him on – without worry of the outcome.

This weekend, I was reflecting on the time I spent living in Texas, and I paused to remember the times spent withMichael and Linda. I have a deep token of appreciation to have met a man that makes you want to loosen your tie a bit and throw down a beer over a BBQ. He’s a living example of the type of character that can make new friends and neighbors no matter where he goes.

Scrolling through my Facebook feed, I saw a picture of Linda on the back of a Harley Davidson, ready to ride withMichael. Having gotten to knowMichael over the years, I realized Heaven can come in many different shades and colors. For some, it’s the calm tranquility of an ocean shore. For others, it’s a majestic mountain summit.

For people like Michael, Heaven is found between the handlebars of a Harley Davidson with a full tank of gas and the woman you love, hanging on as you scream through the highways leaving a trail of dust.

Featured image from Deviantart