Enough already...but about the memorial About This Page:

[Eeyoresmom]

I didn't watch yesterday, but I saw some clips. I don't know what to think . . . but I do agree that some are using his death to boost his career.

I also agree with the above poster that Neverland will be the new Graceland (that is, if the new co-owner will permit it/sell his portion)

[bitterchickey]

The odd thing is, I hadn't even thought about the kids even being there. I mean, we've never seen them really much, and when I realized they were there, I had like a "ding" moment in my head. Hello, it's their dad's memorial--bringing it to the basest reality. I don't think the daughter's speech was at all planned. Marlon even said when he was done, "I think Janet wants to say something", then Paris took the mike. I feel if it indeed was her choice, good for her, this was her father, whom she loved dearly obviously, and though she is young, she got to give her own tribute to him, which imho was the most meaningful of the whole day. I'm glad that the kids got to see what their dad meant to the world, as most of their lives, they probably wondered what the heck he was so famous for.
And personally, I was pleasantly surprised at how subdued it all was---I really was expecting a flashy, circusy, blowout that had no feel of a memorial at all.

[loobyoxlip]

I watched the whole thing and I thought it was very heartfelt, with the exception of Al Sharpton. It never would've crossed my mind that people were there only for publicity. They were there paying respect to someone who has changed their life in some way. It seemed to be Paris's decision that she wanted to say something at the end, and there's no reason why she shouldn't have. I enjoyed the whole thing.

[Dawn in Scotland]

Originally Posted by 5SOXFNZ

And I'm sorry, as heartfelt as it was, I don't think it was a responsible "parenting" decision in ANY WAY to let Paris speak at that service. It was a multi million viewer audience and this is when they choose to "reveal" these children to the world???? It just felt very contrived and staged.

I'm really glad someone else feels the same way as me about that - I wasn't sure if it was good for the children at all - the eldest boy seemed very disconnected up on that stage. Perhaps the intentions were good and the family didn't want them to feel excluded - I really hope that's the case and it wasn't anything more cynical.

[mom2twingirlies]

I also don't think it was planned for Paris to speak. I think she decided she needed to say something.

[Belle0824]

Originally Posted by mom2twingirlies

I thought the service was very well done. I think through Brook's speech we got a peek at the real MJ. The whole thing was tastefully done. Now the family can grieve in private..

I agree. It was a bit long, but very well done. Brooke's speech was well thought out and let us see both of them as regular humans as opposed to just big celebrities.

Scott, I heard something yesterday about him being cremated and having the ashes spread over Neverland.

[scottjs]

Originally Posted by Belle0824

I agree. It was a bit long, but very well done. Brooke's speech was well thought out and let us see both of them as regular humans as opposed to just big celebrities.

Scott, I heard something yesterday about him being cremated and having the ashes spread over Neverland.

I had not heard that. That sounds like a good solution. I don't want to get too graphic, but hope he is buried or otherwise soon.

[Happymommy]

I thought most of the memorial was touching. Stevie Wonder--- can he be anything but sincere??--- gotta love him! Lionel Richie was wonderful to see. Usher breaking down (I really know nothing about him) but it seemed real to me. Brooke's speech was lovely, and I think, in her way, it was very genuine and sincere. But, I'm glad someone else noticed this. She gave a speech at a man's funeral and all she did was talk about herself LOL! She said everything she did to tease him (in a sweet way, I realize), and her jokes (shouldn't it been more about how he joked with her), and how she was always there for him. Usually when people make speeches about someone it's the opposite. How they made YOU laugh (not vice versa), How they were there for you, etc. That's probably just how she is though. I'm actually a brooke fan (since I was a little kid), and was moved by her speech, but I thought she should have spoken a bit more about him then herself hehe!

[chezp]

I only saw some highlights from it and I agree, it was the kids that my heart went out to.

[Disneydiana]

Originally Posted by mom2twingirlies

I also don't think it was planned for Paris to speak. I think she decided she needed to say something.

[BostonTeaParty]

Originally Posted by loobyoxlip

I watched the whole thing and I thought it was very heartfelt, with the exception of Al Sharpton. It never would've crossed my mind that people were there only for publicity. They were there paying respect to someone who has changed their life in some way. It seemed to be Paris's decision that she wanted to say something at the end, and there's no reason why she shouldn't have. I enjoyed the whole thing.

I agree, Tina. It was all good, but for Al Sharpton. Loved Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Will You Be There." And enjoyed Magic Johnson's story about eating KFC with Michael.

[scottjs]

Aww yes Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson-- wherever a tv camera is they can be found.

[Tracy M.]

By the time we got to the memorial I was already burned out by the first few days of media coverage of his death.

[magic mickey]

Originally Posted by loobyoxlip

I watched the whole thing and I thought it was very heartfelt, with the exception of Al Sharpton. It never would've crossed my mind that people were there only for publicity. They were there paying respect to someone who has changed their life in some way. It seemed to be Paris's decision that she wanted to say something at the end, and there's no reason why she shouldn't have. I enjoyed the whole thing.

Tina, I very much agree with you. I thought it was very well done and very moving. Everyone with the exception of Mr. Sharpton, really showed how much they cared for Michael. I balled my eyes out when Paris spoke about her daddy and every time they replayed that I cried again.

[Cam22]

I just saw a few clips on the evening news and what they showed was very touching.