GIVING VOICE TO THE CHILDREN

“Nothing is more important than our children!  They are the future.  They can heal the world.  It is our obligation to be there for them.  To advise them.  To motivate them.  To help them and to love them.  Let us encourage them to go for their dreams.  And let us as parents, friends and relatives help them to have good dreams.”

Michael Jacksonperfection six

“What we need to learn from children isn’t childish.  Being with them connects us to the deeper wisdom of life which is ever present and only asks to be lived.  They know the solutions that lie waiting to be recognized within our own hearts.”

Michael Jackson

~WHAT ABOUT FOREST TRAILS

BURNT DESPITE OUR PLEAS~

We find ourselves once again poised in a position when the vision Michael Jackson saw for the world can happen.   Clearly outlined in the goals put forth by the HEAL THE WORLD FOUNDATION:  1.  To make the safety, health and development of children the world’s highest priority.  2.  To be the voice of the voiceless by focusing worldwide attention on the needs and rights of all children with a forum to express their unique vision for healing the world.  3.  To help create a world where children will live without violence, where children will be free of disease and have healthy lives, and where each generation will  have the opportunity to grow into fully participating members of the world community. super bowl three

Michael Jackson believed deeply in the power of the people.  “It starts with us.  It’s us.  Or it will never be done.”  The threads of global connectedness and unconditional love empower…a phenomena encompassing all races, cultures and ages.  To that end, Michael created WORLD CHILDREN’S CONGRESSES meant to empower the children of the world…giving them a voice, hearing their innocent wisdom and following their vision for world healing.

“I respect the secrets and magic of nature.  That’s why it makes me so angry when I see these things that are happening in our world…I really, truly worry.  Every second, I hear, the size of a football field is torn down in the Amazon.  I mean, that kind of stuff really bothers me.  That’s why I write these kinds of songs, you know, to give some sense of awareness and awakening and hope to people.  I love the planet, I love trees.  I have this thing for trees…and the colors and the changing of leaves.  I LOVE IT!  And I respect those kinds of things.  I really feel that nature is trying so hard to compensate for man’s mismanagement of the planet.  The planet is sick, like a fever.  If we don’t fix it now, it’s at a point of  no return.  This is our last chance to fix this problem that we have.  It’s like a runaway train.  And the time has come.  THIS IS IT. People are always saying, ‘Oh, THEY’LL take care of it, the government will do it.’  THEY?  THEY who?  It starts with us.  It’s US.  Or it will never be done.”family three

Michael Jackson

 

~CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE.  WITHOUT THEM, MANKIND WOULD BECOME EXTINCT~

Planet Earth, gentle and blue

With all my heart, I love you.

 

MICHAEL JACKSON’S LEGACY CHARITY

“Today we stand together all around the world, joined in a common purpose, to remake the planet into a haven of joy and understanding and goodness.  No one should have to suffer, especially our children.  This time we must succeed.  This is for the children of the world.”

Michael JacksonLEGACY TODAY

January 31, 1993

~MJL is a charitable organization dedicated to continuing Michael Jackson’s humanitarian legacy, and thereby making the world a better place.  Michael Jackson inspired love and compassion worldwide, through his music and through his tireless humanitarian work on behalf of the suffering and underprivileged.  Join us in this adventure and together we can create a better world~legacy today five

MJL has partnered with Romanian charity Asociatia Faborisa to help fund the renovation and re-furbishing of the Paediatric Ward at the Marius Nasta Hospital in Bucharest.   As many of you already know, Michael did so much work in Romania, from visiting orphanages, to funding a playground, to putting the cost of his Dangerous Tour concert tickets down so that people there could afford to see him.  His Heal the World Foundation spent much time in consultation with a charity called the Romanian Angel Appeal (RAA).  During the RAA’s visits to TB hospitals, they discovered that the only TB hospital that caters to children inBABIES SIX Bucharest is the Paediatric Ward of the Marius Nasta Hospital.  It treats the worst cases of TB in the country.  Yet, the roof is broken and water flows through the walls.  The walls themselves are damp and not at all conducive to the treatment of any lung condition, let alone TB.  Thankfully, Asociatia Faborisa in Bucharest has a partnership agreement with the hospital concerning the renovation of the roof, and they have the same purpose as the Romanian Angel Foundation in rebuilding the entire roof of the hospital, which is happening as we legacy today threespeak.  However, once the roof is complete, Asociatia Faborisa desperately needs help to fun the remaining renovation work, which is considerable.  MJL has thus partnered with them in order to fund the renovation and re-furbishing of at least one ward at the Paediatric Institute of Pneumology Marius Nasta in Bucharest, Romania.  This is the only hospital where all forms of TB are treated on a national level.  Children come for treatment at Marius Nasta from all across the country.

Romania has the highest number of people suffering from TB in the EU.  In 2013, Romanian reported 12,860 new TB cases, 3851 re-treatment cases, and 1136 TB related deaths.  It is clear, therefore, that projects which benefit people affected by TB are desperately needed.legacy today six

This project’s beneficiaries are hospitalized children ages 2-9 months, as well as their parents.  The total number of hospitalized children exceeds 2000 per year.  By offering the Paediatric Institute of Pneumology Marius Nasta the help it needs, countless children for many years to come will go on to benefit from inpatient care without such things as stuffiness, throat irritation,  coughing or wheezing, eye and skin irritation and mould allergies.  In many cases, this will also help shorten the children’s treatment period. 

The total cost to renovate and re-furbish one ward is 4125 Euros (currently 3462 pounds GBP).  This includes all renovation materials and labour costs, as well as a sink for washing babies, a sturdy door, 6 hospital beds, and bedside cabinets.  Once the work is completed, we have permission to erect a renovated in memory plaque in the ward, ensuring that Michael’s light continues to shine for the children in a country he loved so dearly. legacy today four

If you are able to give a little to help provide a safe, comfortable and healthy environment for children with TB, please join us in giving what you can via Paypal:  hello@michaeljacksonslegacy.org

We look forward to uniting once again to bring Michael’s magic to another part of the world in his memory, and through his precious example.

KEEP ON REACHING

DO IT FOR ME

Michael Jackson

~A special thank you to Mimi O’Garren for her beautiful artistry~

          

ENLIGHTENMENT

“I believe he was uniquely attuned to children.  Once, in a noisy restaurant, he held his hand up to stop everyone because he heard a four-year olds’ tiny voice ask something.  He asked her softly what she’d said…she had asked for a glass of water.  Michael poured it and took it over to her.”  Jonathan Margoliscarousel

~I love children.  They have fundamentally changed me and my attitude towards life.  I am someone who is sincerely committed to do good, to make people happy and to offer them refuge in music, a talent that God has given me.  This is my ultimate purpose.  I would like to share this gift with others, giving something to people so as to reveal a smile on their face that gives them happiness~ 

Michael Jacksonwma 2000 two

The world we inhabit reflects random and purposeful thinking.  If we are to build a picture of what we truly believe, we seek to hold onto historical importance…searching for the bigger picture.  Spiritually we must connect, leaving the sidelines of the temporary, to join in the dance of global living permanence.   We learn what to discard and what to hold close to our hearts.  Great challenges pose a threat to oneness as those in leadership positions preach separatism and fear.  Adult fears are successful in eroding our childlike qualities.  Trust and unconditional love are exchanged for a rhetoric of hate and ego-power…a nasty piece of work.FOR THE CHILDREN TWO

Now, more than ever, the world needs to know Michael Jackson.  His life and legacy give spiritual force to a planet in need.  Some might say:  It’s not you.  It’s not me.  It’s the world we live in.  We cannot accept that.  We cannot accept what has been done.  We cannot accept what is being done.  The adultness managing the planet needs to stop and listen to the inner child who is earnestly seeking to be heard.simthree

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.  A great soul never dies.  It brings us together again and again.”

Maya Angelou

~Children are open-hearted.  They don’t see things by the way of color~

Michael Jacksonmoonwalker ending

The world we shape is our legacy to ALL children:  “My children are your children and all the children of the world are our children and our responsibility.”  MJ  When we hear ~We must take care  of our own~ we need to be reminded of these words from Michael.  OUR OWN MEANS EVERYONE.innocent voice two

“Be my eyes and show me what I cannot see.”  Michael Jackson to John Isaac Photographer

We, in this vast Michael Jackson Community, are dedicated to providing vision and freeing truths for a world heretofore imprisoned by those preaching hate and deceit for the sake of money and power.

“Every person who has grown up feeling a connection to Michael, and every person who has only just found their connection to Him, helps to show how He is the unifying spiritual force for our modern times.”RESCUER THREE

MICHAEL IN MY LIFE

Elizabeth Michelle Billeaudeaux

In the words of the Dalai Lama :  ~I believe that the only true religion consists of having a good heart~ we share the life of one who gave all to make our world better.

~In a world filled with hate, we must dare to hope.  In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort.  In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream.  And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe~pure love for children

~Be humble, believe in yourself, and have the love of the world in your heart~

~I don’t care if the whole world is against you, teasing you or saying you’re not gonna make it.  Believe in yourself~

~Let us dream of  tomorrow when we can truly love from the soul and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation~smile five

~Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone.  This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived~

~Be the best at what you do.  Get to know more about your field than anybody alive.  Use the tools of your trade; if it’s books or a floor to dance on, or a body of water to swim in…whatever it is, it’s yours!

~We are black, we are white.  We are a community of so many differences, so complex and yet so simple.  We do not need to have war~DADDY AND PRINCE THREE

With love from Neverland

“Neverland appeals to the child inside of every man, woman and child.  It’s a place where I feel that you can return to your childhood.  You find grown-ups, you know, doing things they haven’t done since they were like 10 years old.  It’s a fun wonderful place to be;  it’s so much to do…so it’s just a fun place.  I love it, and I will always love it and I will never ever sell Neverland.  Neverland is me.  It represents the totality of who I am, it really does.  I love Neverland.”

WE ARE THE WORLD…WE ARE THE CHILDRENtoys

Magical Carousel…The Carousel is special, spiritual and has a life of its own.  It radiates love, joy and a healing quality…May all  your dreams be fulfilled and your blessings be Abundant.

A fairy just gave me three wishes:  three wishes to spend on a friend.  Now, honest and true, that has to be you;

So three wishes to you I send.

May you find joy and wealth and perfect healthNEVERLAND TWELVE

‘Till your days on this earth are through.

REACH FOR THE STARS

WITH A CHILD’S HEART

The greatest wish you can make is to make others’ dreams come true.neverland art

(~be not afraid when trouble is nigh, you should hold your head up high, then set your aim upon a star, and be proud of who you are~ Nori)

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR LOVE

YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE…NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE TREES AND THE STARS

LOVE IS MAGICALfan art

LOVE IS THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE

How great it is to have the freedom to dream…and the strength to make these dreams come true.

NO DREAM IS IMPOSSIBLE

(A trip to Neverland…from MAKER OF DREAMS Rob Swinson)save the children three

Let us give these words to the world for all to hear, for all to see.  That is our mission to see this through.  ~No one has ever become poor by giving~ Anne Frank

“God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family’s lives.  It is through Him that we draw our strength.”

Michael JacksonREAL LOVE

  Michael has touched our hearts, changed our lives, saved us…spreading unconditional love across this planet in a way no one has ever done.  Enlightened, listening to our child’s heart, we continue the legend of love.

Jude

 

“I believe he was uniquely attuned to children.  Once, in a noisy restaurant, he held his hand up to stop everyone because he heard a four-year olds’ tiny voice ask something.  He asked her softly what she’d said…she had asked for a glass of water.  Michael poured it and took it over to her.”  Jonathan Margoliscarousel

~I love children.  They have fundamentally changed me and my attitude towards life.  I am someone who is sincerely committed to do good, to make people happy and to offer them refuge in music, a talent that God has given me.  This is my ultimate purpose.  I would like to share this gift with others, giving something to people so as to reveal a smile on their face that gives them happiness~ 

Michael Jacksonwma 2000 two

The world we inhabit reflects random and purposeful thinking.  If we are to build a picture of what we truly believe, we seek to hold onto historical importance…searching for the bigger picture.  Spiritually we must connect, leaving the sidelines of the temporary, to join in the dance of global living permanence.   We learn what to discard and what to hold close to our hearts.  Great challenges pose a threat to oneness as those in leadership positions preach separatism and fear.  Adult fears are successful in eroding our childlike qualities.  Trust and unconditional love are exchanged for a rhetoric of hate and ego-power…a nasty piece of work.FOR THE CHILDREN TWO

Now, more than ever, the world needs to know Michael Jackson.  His life and legacy give spiritual force to a planet in need.  Some might say:  It’s not you.  It’s not me.  It’s the world we live in.  We cannot accept that.  We cannot accept what has been done.  We cannot accept what is being done.  The adultness managing the planet needs to stop and listen to the inner child who is earnestly seeking to be heard.simthree

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.  A great soul never dies.  It brings us together again and again.”

Maya Angelou

~Children are open-hearted.  They don’t see things by the way of color~

Michael Jacksonmoonwalker ending

The world we shape is our legacy to ALL children:  “My children are your children and all the children of the world are our children and our responsibility.”  MJ  When we hear ~We must take care  of our own~ we need to be reminded of these words from Michael.  OUR OWN MEANS EVERYONE.innocent voice two

“Be my eyes and show me what I cannot see.”  Michael Jackson to John Isaac Photographer

We, in this vast Michael Jackson Community, are dedicated to providing vision and freeing truths for a world heretofore imprisoned by those preaching hate and deceit for the sake of money and power.

“Every person who has grown up feeling a connection to Michael, and every person who has only just found their connection to Him, helps to show how He is the unifying spiritual force for our modern times.”RESCUER THREE

MICHAEL IN MY LIFE

Elizabeth Michelle Billeaudeaux

In the words of the Dalai Lama :  ~I believe that the only true religion consists of having a good heart~ we share the life of one who gave all to make our world better.

~In a world filled with hate, we must dare to hope.  In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort.  In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream.  And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe~pure love for children

~Be humble, believe in yourself, and have the love of the world in your heart~

~I don’t care if the whole world is against you, teasing you or saying you’re not gonna make it.  Believe in yourself~

~Let us dream of  tomorrow when we can truly love from the soul and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation~smile five

~Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone.  This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived~

~Be the best at what you do.  Get to know more about your field than anybody alive.  Use the tools of your trade; if it’s books or a floor to dance on, or a body of water to swim in…whatever it is, it’s yours!

~We are black, we are white.  We are a community of so many differences, so complex and yet so simple.  We do not need to have war~DADDY AND PRINCE THREE

With love from Neverland

“Neverland appeals to the child inside of every man, woman and child.  It’s a place where I feel that you can return to your childhood.  You find grown-ups, you know, doing things they haven’t done since they were like 10 years old.  It’s a fun wonderful place to be;  it’s so much to do…so it’s just a fun place.  I love it, and I will always love it and I will never ever sell Neverland.  Neverland is me.  It represents the totality of who I am, it really does.  I love Neverland.”

WE ARE THE WORLD…WE ARE THE CHILDRENtoys

Magical Carousel…The Carousel is special, spiritual and has a life of its own.  It radiates love, joy and a healing quality…May all  your dreams be fulfilled and your blessings be Abundant.

A fairy just gave me three wishes:  three wishes to spend on a friend.  Now, honest and true, that has to be you;

So three wishes to you I send.

May you find joy and wealth and perfect healthNEVERLAND TWELVE

‘Till your days on this earth are through.

REACH FOR THE STARS

WITH A CHILD’S HEART

The greatest wish you can make is to make others’ dreams come true.neverland art

(~be not afraid when trouble is nigh, you should hold your head up high, then set your aim upon a star, and be proud of who you are~ Nori)

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR LOVE

YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE…NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE TREES AND THE STARS

LOVE IS MAGICALfan art

LOVE IS THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE

How great it is to have the freedom to dream…and the strength to make these dreams come true.

NO DREAM IS IMPOSSIBLE

(A trip to Neverland…from MAKER OF DREAMS Rob Swinson)save the children three

Let us give these words to the world for all to hear, for all to see.  That is our mission to see this through.  ~No one has ever become poor by giving~ Anne Frank

“God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family’s lives.  It is through Him that we draw our strength.”

Michael JacksonREAL LOVE

  Michael has touched our hearts, changed our lives, saved us…spreading unconditional love across this planet in a way no one has ever done.  Enlightened, listening to our child’s heart, we continue the legend of love.

Jude

 

“HELP ME TO HELP THE CHILDREN!” Michael Jackson

“I think it’s so important to help out as much as you can.  If one person just helped one child…just helped ONE child…they would have done so much.  You can do that, it would be beautiful, just to help one person would be a lot.  It’s a big step forward…children all over the world are in such need.”CHILDREN AND LOVE

Michael Jackson

“The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

Albert Einstein

“The mission of Heal the World, my mission, is healing pure and simple.”

Michael JacksonBABIES SIX

Michael Jackson chose to travel the world in search of both profound beauty and immeasurable suffering…feeling a calling from deep inside his soul, with a complete understanding of his chosen path.  Keenly attuned to the needs of children around the world, his mantra was:  What do you need and how can I help?  Either with reactions or proactive visions, Michael sought to find ways to end the plight of children’s suffering.  He was a man who aggressively believed in the possible, never entertaining the possibility of defeat, not waiting to be asked, but instead, unleashing the assets of his fame and fortune toward healing and change.  Although the Guinness Book of Worldangel to the world Records counted Michael’s charity support at 39, Michael simply helped out wherever and whenever…by word and deed. If there was a problem to be solved, he forged ahead, unleashing his energies and fertile imagination, Michael envisioned a Utopian world where no child would have to suffer.  Not restricted by politics or competition, he worked tirelessly, loved unconditionally and gave, expecting nothing in return.  Neverland Valley Ranch and Animal Sanctuary is a testament to Michael’s inexhaustible work and creative artistry which allowed children apriceless four unique heaven to earth and earth to heaven experience.  (Betelgeusemj Mcol)  With a smile being the only currency owed…no child was left behind.

Great injustice informed Michael’s art.  Beyond the experience, he profoundly believed in the power of people to make change.  It never occurred to him that we couldn’t heal the world.  NEVER.  “If you’re not going to do it big, don’t bother!” And, big Michael did.  Six weeks before he died, Michael declared his intentions to build the biggest children’s hospital in the world, where beauty and play would be an integral part of healing.   His wages from his O2 performances would finance the project.  His life was taken beforesuper bowl eighteen he could begin.

Michael felt pain deeply…his own and the pain of others.  He spent his life creating astounding artistry meant to reveal and inspire humanity, capturing our hearts and souls.  We are left with his love…and, his pleas:

~HEAL THE WORLD

~CRY

~WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE

~ALL THE LOST CHILDRENmichael and nelson

~MAN IN THE MIRROR

Michael Jackson’s Fan Community is estimated to be more than a third of a billion.   Each fan feels a personal connection to Michael’s heart.  And, each is searching forlove is important ways to continue Michael’s messages.  Diverse, colorful, heartfelt…groups gather together with massive efforts to change the world into a haven of joy and love.

Michael’s Dream Foundation is a children’s charity with a worldwide mission.  Wemdfeleven believe that children need as much love and guidance to aid in their growth, health and their happiness.

Over the last few years, MDF has found different ways to send love to many children through the gift of Michael’s Dream Boxes…filled with toys, books, games, and of course, lots  of love.

This year, we proudly  present Michael’s Dream Flowers…a global  project where schools and families are asked to make sunflowers out of anything that is suitable…somdf seven they can send them to the USA and also place them on our website for everyone to see.  Our foundation is hoping to raise funds by asking for donations for the flowers that the children have made with the funds gathered to help our future projects.

Each year, these lovely flowers will be placed at  Michael’s final resting place and arranged in a garden-like setting with windmills and butterflies.

Michael loved helping the world.  He loved giving what he could to children just to know they would be happy.  We are asking the children around the world if they would like to remember a great humanitarian by giving him his favorite flowers made by each one of them…separately, as groups, and in classrooms.mdf five

We have contacted several children’s book authors to help us with a supply of educational and inspirational books that are about saving the planet and healing our world.  We will send them to schools so Michael’s humanitarian work will be embraced mdf sixby future generations.

If this is something you would like for your children to participate in, please visit our website www.michaelsdreamfoundation.org for more information about our charity.  Thank you and we look forward to your kind response.

The MDF Teammdf eight

(A letter from Happy and the Children)

Our sunflower drawing update:  The children are making the sunflower drawings…they are participating a lot.  They have made great circles where they will put their art mdf tenpieces.  I sacrifice all  my time to help these children because I was born to bring peace and change.  We can make the world a better place for all kinds of people.  I love you, Happy.

“The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinite creativity and I feel this is where all my creative source comes from.  This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence, but, an intelligence that is full of wonder, mystery, and adventure.  In this intelligence there is love, there is trust, there is joy, and there is beauty.  It’s the kind of intelligence that will heal the world.  That is why I am here…and, that is why we are here.”

Michael Jacksonlundon's bridge

~In Loving Memory of Linda  Dee who, with her beautiful heart, gave full support and wanted to be a part of MICHAEL’S DREAM FLOWERS~

 

 

 

WHAT DO YOU NEED AND HOW CAN I HELP? Michael Jackson

~Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

~He’s not afraid to look into the worst suffering and find the smallest part that’s positive and beautiful.”chosen

Frank Dileo of Michael Jackson

“I tried to teach Michael about the world through documentaries.  One day Michael and I watched a film about the less fortunate children in Africa.  The state of their lives brought us both to tears.  Michael, sympathetic at the age of 14, turned to me and said, ‘One day, Mother, I’m going  to do something about this.how can i help

Several years later, he did.  Michael surprised me on a trip to New York City.  We drove out to the airport hangar.  I witnessed boxes of food and goods and emergency supplies being loaded onto several planes lining the tarmac. I was proud to know that my son followed through on his words.  He was sending aid pure love for childrenfor Africa.  His generosity didn’t stop there.  Donations to charities and years working with disabled children from all walks of life ensued.  Michael would sometimes go out at night and randomly give hundreds of dollars to the homeless people  he encountered.  He valued money far less than he did his goal of making a difference in people’s lives and inspiring the world to change for the better. 

NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE

The Katherine Jackson Storysarejevo two

Elizabeth Taylor described Michael as having a heart that gave, expecting nothing in return.  His generosity spanned the width and breadth of this planet and revealed itself in his catalog of artistry, his inexhaustible humanitarian efforts, and the legacy he left behind, which inspires masses of people over half a decade after his passing…all joining a choir which sings in unison and harmonies…PAYING MICHAEL FORWARD to future generations.  “Just when you think you know him, he gives you more.”  Elizabeth Taylor  Believing that his artistry was given to him with the central purpose of bringing healing to a world desperately in need, Michael chose to spend time with the wounded,one child suffering, marginalized and voiceless.  Understanding that children needed their innocent childhood, he also chose to give his own three children opportunities to reach out to those in need…for, we learn what we live.  And, of course, young children represent the purest love there is…giving and unconditional.

Michael’s Heal the World Foundation

STOP THE HURTING…START THE HEALINGromania two

This plea for compassion amid the insanity of poverty, violence and prejudice is the central focus of the HEAL THE WORLD FOUNDATION…an organization devoted to improving conditions for children throughout the world.

Founded by Michael Jackson, Heal  the World seeks to assist children through the provisions and coordination of efforts to address the most basic needs:  health care, food, education and more.

HEAL THE WORLD began in September 1992, sponsoring a medical relief ONE CHILD FOURmission to Romania.  The team included a dozen physicians from the U.S. who provided pediatric care to indigent children.  Prior to HTW’s involvement, these youngsters had received little, if any, quality medical attention.

A new playground at Bucharest’s orphanage was dedicated by Michael Jackson on September 30, 1992.  Now, more than 500 abandoned children are able to play at the facility, reclaimed from wasteland.  More  recently, HTW and AmeriCare joined together to airlift a winter gift to the children of Sarajevo, that included blankets,sarejevo medical supplies, clothing and shoes.

When day dawns, each of us has an opportunity to allow our innocent children a chance to do what comes naturally to them…LOVE.  Their love sees no boundaries,  no borders, no color.  It is pure and unconditional.  They know the way…and, we need to get out of their way by creating spaces for them to thrive.

A dear friend of mine gave me the most beautiful Christmas gift this year.  She told meromania of a tradition her daughter-in-law had begun with her two little girls…both toddlers.  Mom would pack individual bags of foods and treats whenever the family was taking a trip in the car.  As they drove through their town, the girls would see homeless people, sometimes families.  Mom would stop the car and the girls would get out and hand the packages to those in need.”PRESENTS FROM MICHAEL

With tears of joy, I began to comprehend the layers of love…not only were the little girls allowed to give of their innocent and generous heart, but, there was a communion of spirit in the physical act of handing over the packages…a human bond, fearless…revealing a connection between all human beings.  “Prejudice is ignorance.”  Michael Jackson  And, prejudice and fear are learned behaviors. In their innocence, children are allowed to be free, and, with that freedom, they take flight into respectful adults who harbor no judgments.

WHAT DO YOUR CHILDREN NEED…AND, HOW CAN WE HELP THEM?

WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED AND HOW CAN WE HELP? michael and nelson

Let us help our children:  “…dream of a tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.”

Michael Jackson

The lessons learned from Michael Jackson offer us opportunities to be better human beings.  As we learn them, we comprehend the innocent hearts of children…and, in doing that, we rediscover the child hiding in us all.  Giving the best of us to our children comes from reinventing the magic, wonder and mystery of our inner child.  We are then chosen to offer our children a better world with opportunities to LOVE ONE HEALING HANDANOTHER.

WHEN ALL LIFE IS SEEN AS DIVINE…EVERYONE GROWS WINGS.

Thank you, Michael…for showing us how to love.

Jude

“WHEN I GO TO OTHER COUNTRIES, I WANT TO SEE THE POORER PARTS.  I WANT TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STARVE.  I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.  I DON’T WANT TO READ IT.  I WANT TO SEE IT.  IT’S A WHOLE DIFFERENT THING WHEN YOU SEE IT.”

Michael Jackson

THE CHILD WITHIN…in spirit and in service

“Watch a child.  Watch their emotions and how they release them; do they repress them?  Or do they let them loose when they feel like it.  When they let their emotions loose, they REALLY let them loose.  They are full, complete.  In our adult society, thesepriceless wild releases  of emotions are suppressed; even overly happy or joyous emotions are looked upon as mad, silently condemned by the masses.  If Michael Jackson had been just another one of these adults, he would  have been unable to do what he did on stage.  He is still like the child, but no longer simply bound by the moment.  As an adult, he used his conscious mind to direct the fullness.  This is great work…a great ability.  To be able to have the fullness, completeness of a child, yet be able to master it and move it LITTLE GIRL THREEwhere it is the most appropriate.”

MICHAEL JACKSON MAN BEHIND THE MIRROR

Raamayan Ananda

“I have a tree on my property, and lots of times I go up and sit in that tree alone pure love thirteenand I’m peaceful and still and meditate.  And very often, God gives me the creative spark that I need to do the work that I excel in.”

Michael Jackson

“I am Peter Pan in my heart.  I am Peter Pan.  Peter Pan represents everything that children,  magic and wonderment are about.”

Michael JacksonPRESENTS FROM MICHAEL

The holidays bring with them an opportunity for we who have been schooled in adulthood to, for a brief time, return to the magical and wondrous land of Peter Pan.  We giggle more, as packages are wrapped and treasured gifts hidden from view.  We suddenly find ourselves singing along with every carol that we hear, searching for CDs and radio stations that boast a playlist of carols in constant rotation.  And, although often complaining of the stresses attached to the season, secretly, we are really having fun.  There is an innocence in the Christmas season and our memories of childhood come flooding back.  We find it easier to give to people we have never met, much as an eager child reaches to share a piece of candy.  When the packages have been opened man and childrenon Christmas morning, we play.  And for just a brief moment, we are children again.  It is a wonderful and even familiar feeling.

Is it really a prerequisite of becoming an adult to give up the wonders of childhood and replace them with some seemingly practical and hardened form of “reality”?

“A child  is not aware of its innocence.  He dwells in a state of purity before impurities are manifested.  But soon, the child’s purity and innocence will begin to disappear.  Impurity and ignorance will take their place.  The qualities of wonder and joy,ONE CHILD FOUR imagination and faith that we see in a child are short-lived.”

Amma 

“The innocence of a child represents to me the source of infinite creativity.  That is the potential of every human being.  But by the time you are  an adult, you’re one childconditioned, you’re conditioned by things about you-and it goes. That’s the problem with adults…they lose that childlike quality.”

Michael Jackson

The amazing thing is that along with his messages, he modeled childlike innocence in every aspect of his own life.  A return to our inner child offers our children the gift of PURE LOVE EIGHTbeing better parents, better relatives, better friends and a better world.  “Deep inside you know it’s true.  Just find that child, it’s hiding in you.”  MJ  Michael reminded us that our children are our future…without them, mankind would become extinct.  That extinction came at every level.  If WE as adults cannot return to childlike values…this planet will become extinct!  Learning to live in harmony, loving with purity and innocence, erasing boundaries, accepting one another unconditionally…the child spirit must lead the way.

“CHILDREN OF THE WORLD, WE’LL DO IT, WITH SONG AND DANCE AND INNOCENT BLISS, AND THE SOFT CARESS OF A LOVING KISS, WE’LL DO IT.”

Michael JacksonLITTLE GIRL TWO

While visiting an orphanage in Romania, Michael sat on the floor while little children gathered around him…both the children and Michael feeding one another candy treats…a moment that spoke volumes.  Reaching out, loving unconditionally, feeling the pain of others and wanting to find a way to help, will help to heal the world.  What ever the need, wherever the problem, Michael’s words were, “What do you need and how can I help?”  In spirit and in service to all mankind, possessing the innocence of knowing that every step is a step towards solution, Michael showed us how to live time and time again…how to love, time and time again.gorgeous man eleven

December 26, 2004…Megathrust earthquake and tsunami disaster, 230,000 people killed in 14 countries.

“My family and I would like to send our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of those who recently perished from the horrific earthquake and tsunami which swept through Indonesia, Asia, India, Somalia and other countries.  Our love is also being sent to those who have miraculously survived this tragedy and those who are so courageously on site helping to spearhead the relief efforts.  We pray for your strength, your safety and success of your life-saving missions of love.  Words cannot adequately express the shock, horror and grief we’ve felt while watching the news reports which have captured the massive devastation and despair.  It has beenONE CHILD THREE especially painful for me, as I have visited these areas many times and remember the love, kindness and warmth of the people I met there.  I would encourage all my friends and fans to contribute to agencies and organizations assisting in these efforts.  In times like these, we need each other…we must bond together in spirit and in service.  God Bless.

Michael Jackson

“If you still have promises to keep,  just take that plunge, take that leap.”  BE STILL MY HEART TODAY EIGHTMJ…Returning to the child within, doing it every day, not just at the holiday, gives us a bond of innocent, human strength.  That bond empowers us in spirit and in service to one another.  We can return to a time when we loved fairy tales and magic…giving life to our creativity…maybe even finding our own GIVING TREE in which to sit and receive God’s power.  What we have learned from Michael will allow our children their childhood…and, wondrously, give us back our own.

FROM BLISS I CAME

IN BLISS I’M SUSTAINED

TO BLISS I RETURNhelping hands

THANK YOU, MICHAEL…for showing us how to live, how to love and  how to embrace our childlike innocence.

WE LOVE YOU.CHILDREN SHOW ME

Jude

 

  

 

 

 

VOICES OF THE INNOCENTS

On August 24th and 25th of 1992, Michael’s dream to bring children together in an effort to listen and gain from their innocent wisdom came true.  The first HEAL THE WORLD EUROPEAN CHILDREN’S CONGRESS took place at the Regent’s College in London with 84 children, aged from 8 to 16.  While there, the children had an opportunity to book from heavenexpress their views on the world’s biggest problems and solutions as they saw them from their innocent and youthful perspective.

April 18-20, 1995, Michael Jackson welcomed 46 youngsters from 17 countries to Neverland Valley Ranch for the second World’s Children’s Congress, which involved a three-day series of seminars and workshops focused on listening to children’s innocent wisdom and their solutions for world healing.unimaginable love

Michael’s original message…

“Children are the world’s foremost idealists and optimists.  It is for that reason that HEAL THE WORLD is organizing the World’s Children’s Congress next year…made up exclusively of delegates aged 8-16.  The world desperately needs their innocent perspective on the world’s problems.”love is important

Michael Jackson HEAL THE WORLD CONFERENCE 1992

Michael Jackson was very clear about his desire to give a voice to the voiceless…the children.  He did that with his voice through his music and his global humanitarian efforts.  And then, he took it to its logical next step…offering children the opportunity to be heard.  What we need to learn from children isn’t childish.  Being with them connects us to the deeper wisdom of life, which is everpresent and only asks to be lived.  Now when the world is so confused and its problems so complicated, I feel we need our children more than ever.  Their natural wisdom book from heaven twopoints the way to solutions that lie, waiting to be recognized, within our own hearts.”  DANCING THE DREAM  “Children”  MichaelHeaven six Jackson 

“The HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN book began with Michael’s plan to meet with children from around the world for the purpose of listening and sharing their ideas.  He always believed  that children and youth of the world would be wonderful resources of wisdom.  Their ideas and loving actions will heal the world.  In Michael’s words about children, “Children show me in their playful smiles, the divine in everyone…”  he seems to be reminding us that children’s world views are closest to the wisdom of our divine nature.  Michael continued, “This simple goodness shines straight from theirgiving all two hearts and only asks to be loved.”  If all the heartache, pain, suffering, war and rage in the world can be ended, it will be ended with love.  There is no other way.  Children know this until they are taught to forget or ignore the deepest knowledge in their hearts.  This is the premise of HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN.”

Author Heaven LeighPURE LOVE SIX

A children’s book written by children, illustrated by children…for the children of the world.  Heaven has created a book that follows Michael’s heart and dreams…giving voice to the greatest wisdom on the planet…OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES.

Who but a child can remember who we are?

Who but a child can forgive what we’ve become?CHARITY THREE

It is all too easy to grow old and full of fear

To lose your hope

The greatest good is to be in purest form

Be the child of wisdom

Be the child of learning

Be the child of hope

Be the child of healinginnocence three

Be the strong passionate

Celebration of humanity

Be the child

Heaven Leigh

Introducing HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN

~all of the author’s royalties are donated to children’s charitiesbook from heaven three

~in the month of December the proceeds go to World Child Cancer and are matched by the WCC board through December 31, 2014

As we listen to the VOICES OF THE INNOCENTS may we rediscover our lost innocence and truly know its wisdom.

My great appreciation to Heaven Leigh and all the children who created this precious book.  It is a true reflection of Michael Jackson’s heart.book from heaven

(“I send so very much gratitude to Michael’s friend, world renowned artist David Nordahl, who was amazingly kind and generous in blessing the book cover with his painting The Storyteller.  Heaven Leigh)

Thank you, Heaven.

Thank you to all the precious children.

I love you all!

Jude

 

“SO, PRAY FOR ALL THE LOST CHILDREN”

“Good Evening, children and Merry Christmas. 

When I create music I always hope that my music will give joy to many people.  If that happens, I am very happy.  Giving joy makes one happy.  Unfortunately, there are many children that are not happy, in Germany and in other countries. manly During Christmas, this is especially hard for those children because it is on Christmas when they see what they miss.  For some it may be just a small present.  For some it may be a warm meal.  For some it may be a family.  For some it may be just a little bit of love.  That is why I need you!  I need your help!  Let us work together and  help those children.  Let us reach out to those who are alone.  Let us tell them:  ‘You are not alone.’  This year it is I, only I, speaking to you, children in Germany and sending you a few little gifts.  If you help me, then next year, we will do the same, but in many more countries.  We will speak together, maybe we will sing together, and we will cute with tigergive gifts together.  Let us think BIG.  Let us find many people to join our effort…here and all over Europe and then all over the world.  We can do it!  I know we can do it!

To all of the grown-ups, I would like to say this:  To us, so many things seem important.  Sometimes, we think we are important.  We are not important.  Nothing is more important that our children!  They are the future. They can heal innocent manthe world.  It is our obligation to be there for them, to advise them, to motivate them, to help them and to love them.  Let us encourage them to go for their dreams.  And, let us as parents, friends and relatives help them to have good dreams. 

I look forward to the New Year, to working with you children and to create an organization that will help other children.   I promise, I promise you, if you come along, it will make you feel good and you will have so much fun.child in us all

Merry Christmas!  I love you from the bottom of my heart.  I love you!

Michael Jackson

December 2002

Christmas Message for the Children of Germanyyoung man

Children grow in the light and in the shadow, receiving energies both positive and negative.  Their purity and wonder innate to their being, struggle to hold onto innocence as our world imposes its oftentimes tainted “wisdom”.  With senses alive and magic within, they learn what they live…soaking in both the light and shadow.  Every significant adult influences their beautiful innocence and fantastical dreams.  They arrive in the world INVINCIBLE. Mirroring the adults in their lives, children become what they live.  If they grow in an environment that encourages and appreciates, that is sensitive and caring, ANGEL MICHAEL FOURencouraging, understanding and curious…they take on those characteristics.  When seeing adults giving and sharing, they eagerly do the same.  What, then, are we teaching our children?  Who are they seeing each day and what are we showing?ANGEL MICHAEL FIVE

“But, this wise little girl, being only four, floated above pity and shame like a carefree sparrow.  She took my heart in her hands and made it as weightless as a cotton puff, so that it was impossible for me to even begin to think, ‘What a terrible thing.”  All I saw was light and love.  In their innocence, very young children know themselves to be light and love.  If we will allow them, they can teach us to see ourselves the same way.”

Michael Jackson

DANCING THE DREAM

WISE LITTLE GIRLangelic two

I could never get over the amazement I felt whenever Santa came early to our house.  I knew he was a very special person…jut look how he could fit into all sorts of narrow places.  But, to think he would make an early trip to our little apartment every year.  How amazing is that? Our family always spent Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house in a far away family fourtown. December 1st, Mom and I would write our yearly letter to the North Pole asking Santa to visit our little downtown city apartment early on December 23rd.  Not always sure that he would find the time and wanting to show our gratitude for the inconvenience,  we filled a tiny table in the corner of our kitchen with plates of cookies and fudge, a large glass of milk, and, of course, carrots for all the reindeer.  We left the French doors leading to our kitchen wide open for quicker access to all the treats.  Not having a fireplace was a concern…what if he couldn’t get in?  When the time finally arrived, sleeping through the night was nearly impossible.  I kept hearing noises, creaks and bumps.  Could it be the reindeer?  Finally, morning came and I was the first one up.  I tiptoed into the kitchen, my heart beating right out of my chest.  Had Santa come?  And, you know what…HE NEVER LET ME DOWN!babies three Childhood memories inform who we are.  Allowing children the magic and mystery of Santa fills their fertile minds with optimism and gives birth to gratitude.  Home is where our stories begin.  As life evolves, we are influenced by a wider sphere.  Along side this memory of a Santa bringing gifts is another equally strong recollection.  The holiday wasn’t only about receiving.  My mother was an avid eclectic reader, but her taste tended toward the sad…those who were in need.  THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL by Han Christian Anderson is a story of  a homeless child.  She is abandoned, out in the streets, running from an abusive home.  It is a bitterly cold Christmas Eve.  The only thing she possesses to keep her warm is a box of matches which she has been sent out into the cold to sell.  Instead, she lights one after another, light giving way to her dreams of magical family celebrations.  The ending is poignant, its message layered.  It was my mother’s way of reminding me to appreciate what I had, and to think about those in need.  Lessons that build character and inform a world view.angel man eight I am reminded of Michael and his three beautiful children singing ALL THE LOST CHILDREN together.  Michael created this piece to be sung by children FOR children.  It is a prayer for the most vulnerable and singing it with his own children allowed them to feel its value and importance.  Giving children wings to fly while grounding them with hopeful realities offered Paris, Prince and Blanket a foundation from which to grow strong and empowered.  They were set free to go for their dreams and he was there with them to guide them toward good dreams.little children

“Michael Jackson was never as actively engaged on behalf of children’s rights as he was in the years leading up to INVINCIBLE.  He worked with a range of people, including Nelson Mandela and Rabbi Shmuley Beteach, to raise funds and political will; he worked on a book about the importance of parenting with unconditional  love, he gave a well-received speech at Oxford University calling for a renewed focus on reversing disturbing trends of neglect, abuse and hyper-socialization.”

Joseph Vogel MAN IN THE MUSICLOVE FOR CHILDREN

Adults soon discover that the teachings of our children directly link us to the future, giving solutions that must be accomplished if we are to save our planet.  Looking within, allowing the child we once were to reveal an innocence that leads us to the magic and wonder and mystery of life, we can then sing for all the lost children…of every age.  And, in doing so, we are more likely to provide a loving role model, allowing the innocent to have their CHILDHOOD.

LET’S PRAY FOR ALL THE LOST CHILDREN

LET’S PRAY FOR ALL THE LOST CHILDREN

WISHING THEM WELL

AND WISHING THEM HOMEhtw two

Michael Jackson

with

Jude

 

 

 

    

“WE MUST NEVER FORGET THAT THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE.”

“What we need to learn from children isn’t childish.  Being with them connects us to the deeper wisdom of life, which is ever-present and only asks to be lived.  They know the way to solutions that lie waiting to be recognized within our own hearts.children with michael two

Today I would like to thank all the children of the world including the sick and deprived.  I am so sensitive to your pain.”

Michael Jackson 

February 24, 1993

GRAMMY LEGEND AWARDdaddy four

Remember the adage:  Out of the mouths of Babes.  I was thinking of it just the other day.  It had been a day where I searched for ways to cope with the many things in my life for which I have no control, falling back, I must admit, on a weakly trained response of optimism. Asking myself the question, how do I go forth as an inner dreamer who believes…I turn to Michael for the answer.  Creativity is a matter of faith.  If Carl Jung is to be believed when he says, “Man needs difficulties; they are necessary for health” Michael’s life would define that statement.  His joy was in the doing, turning troubles into opportunity…and, he certainly had more than his share of adversity.  What was his secret?  How did he persevere?babies three

 “When I begin to feel tired or burdened, children revive me.  I turn to them for new life, for new music.  My best moments of creativity have often been spent with children.  When I am around them, music comes to me as easily as breathing.” 

Amidst chaos, attacks and lies, Michael turned to children, embracing play.  Never PLAY TWOlosing his inner child, becoming as little children as Jesus said…always seeking to share with the world the profoundness of that.  He lived the mantra he shared with the world:  We must rededicate ourselves to the wonder of childhood.  Michael was a peaceful warrior, with bravery and strength, humility and resilience.  And, deep inside, the warrior was a child.  Undaunted by cynicism, often wounded, he amazes us with unending enthusiasm…“Wonderment and magic are things I have never grown out of.” CHILD PRODIGY Turning to children, Michael reminded us in his speech at the Gardner Street Elementary School:  “We must never forget that the children are our future and without them mankind would become extinct.”  Rather than turning little people into adults…instead, we need to accept the fact that little people possess the wisdom needed to heal an angry world.  And, it all comes down to LOVE.

“If you enter the world knowing you are loved and you leave the world knowing the same…then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”SAVING THE CHILDREN TWO

Before you know if you have red hair or brown, before you know if you are black or white, before you know what religion you are a part of…you have to know that you are loved.”

Michael Jacksonmoonwalker six

The essence of purity lies within children, conceived in love and born perfect, entering the world as tiny sponges awaiting the knowledge we have to share.  Children learn what they live.  Adults in their lives begin the process of filling these perfect little vessels with thoughts.  Prejudge, hatred, cunning, distrust, pessimism seep into the vessels only when modeled or heard from us.  Common to it all is the idea that we must turn little people into savvy adults…ready to take on the cruel world.PRINCE TWO

“Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone.  This simple goodness shines  from their hearts.  Being with them connects us to the deeper wisdom of life.  These children are a reminder of the preciousness of life, especially young lives untouched by hatred, prejudice and greed.  Now  when the world is so confused and its problems so complicated, we need our children more than ever.  Their natural wisdom points the way to solutions that lie waiting to be recognized in our own hearts.” 

Michael Jacksonloving children

Turning to children for answers, really listening to their music, allowing them to lead the way…that is what Michael knew was the answer to a world in need…adults learning from children! 

With a child’s heart

Go face the worries of the day

With a child’s heart turn each problem into play

No need to worry, no need to fear

Just being alive makes it all so very clear.humanitarian like  no other

Returning to children for answers reminded me of their purity of love.  I remember a little girl coming into our room on the first day of school, excited and bubbling with enthusiasm.  She greeted me with, “Oh, Mrs. Ling!  My brother had you!  My sister had you!  I HAVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE TO HAVE YOU!”  That from the mouth of someone who had lived on the planet for EIGHT YEARS.  And, there was me, an adult who would be in her life for the next nine months.  What would I do to fill this tiny vessel of purity, while at the same time not doing anything to take away the magic and wonder of her soul.  Therein lies our responsibility as adults in the lives of children. OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES come profound wisdom wrapped in a purity of wonder and joy.  We adults need to take time to listen, take time to play, take time to learn.  All our children need to be nurtured with love…and, that includes the child that lies within.htw tour

“WHEN CHILDREN LISTEN TO MUSIC, THEY DON’T JUST LISTEN…THEY MELT INTO THE MELODY AND FLOW WITH THE RHYTHM.  SOMETHING  INSIDE STARTS TO UNFOLD ITS WINGS… SO,THE CHILD AND THE MUSIC ARE ONE.”

Michael Jackson

and

Jude

 

LITTLE SPONGES OF PURE DELIGHT

“We traveled with a wonderful tutor, Rose Fine, who taught us a great deal and made sure we did our lessons.  It was Rose who instilled in me a love of books and literature that sustains me today.  I read everything I could get my hands on.  New cities meant new places to shop.  We loved to shop, especially in bookstores and departments stores.”books

MOONWALK

“I love to read.  I wish I could advise more people to read.  There’s a whole other world in books.  If you can’t afford to travel, you travel mentally through reading.  You can see anything and go anyplace you want by reading.”

EBONY INTERVIEW 1984books two

Young minds are so very impressionable.  I was reminded of that the other day as I watched children of all ages going in and coming out of a branch library in our town.  Mothers and Fathers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, carrying toddlers, preschool children whisking by with such energy and enthusiasm.  One little girl, Nina she said her name was, no more than three or four years old, delayed only for a few minutes when she caught sight of our little Pomeranian, Casey.  Casey adores leaning out of the car window, watching passersby, with absolutely no doubt that someone will stop and say, hooterOHHH!  Look at  that cute dog!  Is he a puppy?  He looks just like a teddy bear!  Can I pet him?”  And, of course, they do.  As she enjoyed visiting with Casey, I asked Nina, “Are you going to the Library to get some books?”  “Oh, YES!!!” she replied, a smile showing off the cutest dimples.

Children are naturally curious and observant, with an insatiable quest to learn. They are seekers. The thirst to know occupies every moment of every day.BALLOONS

“I love being around kids.  They notice everything.  They aren’t jaded.  They get excited about things we’ve forgotten to get excited about anymore.  They are so natural, so unselfconscious.  They energize me just being around them.  They look at everything with such fresh eyes, such open minds.  That’s part of what makes kids so creative.  They don’t worry about the rules.  The picture doesn’t have to be  in the center of the paper.  The sky doesn’t have to be blue.  They are accepting of people, too.  The only demand they make is to be treated fairly…and,UNC AWARD TWO to be loved.  I think that’s what we all want.”

Michael Jackson

One of the favorite parts of my day with children was STORYTIME.  Having returned from our lunch break, we first curled up on a carpeted area in our room, pulled out our personal journals, and wrote.  It was a time for dreaming, a remembering time…a little book of our own jottings.  Sometimes, it offered a place to sort out troubles.  It was save the childrenours.  No one else got to read it.  IT WAS PRIVATE.  Finishing that, we each grabbed the book we were reading at the time…and, we escaped into another world…visiting places and getting to know people in our imaginations.  For thirty minutes, we stepped into fantasy.  If you had asked the kids to choose a favorite part of their school day, most readerwould have chosen this time.

And then…for another half hour, I got to read to them.  We traveled with many authors to many places, had many adventures, laughed and cried together.  This is one of the most effective strategies in creating READERS.  Choose prolific children’s authors from many genres…AND READ.  In the thirty-four years I taught, I never met a child who wasn’t mesmerized by STORYTIME.  And, over the course of the year, each child found at least one favorite author that provided them with many books and many morehtw two adventures.

Role Models are key to a child’s development.  As with those little people I saw happily skipping into the library to pick out books, each was led by a significant adult…one who not only expressed the joy of reading…but, showed it.  Bedtime stories give children the gift of a lifetime.  Michael was moved to include reading to children as part of the CHILDREN’S UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS in his Oxford Address for the Heal the Kids Initiative…rededicating all of us to the wonder of childhood.dreams with children

These delightful little sponges, while soaking up life’s magic, teach us…reminding us of the time when we, too, were open to life’s mysteries.  As we share the beauty of children’s literature with them, we are renewed.  The amazing role model that is Michael Jackson leads the way…for in five decades of living, he never lost sight of the child within.

“If  I were living for no other reason than to help and please children that would be enough for me.  They’re amazing people.  AMAZING.”moonwalker again

LOVE THE CHILDREN

Michael Jackson

with

Jude