The King of Pop, Interred September 3, 2009
September 2nd, 2009
When it comes to grief, closure is an essential element.
July 25, 2009- Michael Jackson died from lack of breathing and whatever else the coroner’s report might read. Seventy days later, the world will once again conduct him accordingly through their prayers and lay his body to its eternal rest. Finally we can have some closure.
I understand in criminal investigations funerals may be delayed for a period of time. Surely when speaking of someone as well noted as the “King of Pop,” extra care must be given so that the fingers are pointed in the right direction. It is unfortunate that while this appears to be necessary for justice to be accomplished, a man lies in a state of unrest.
Michael Jackson’s body is being kept in storage at another cemetery in refrigeration for his family to view him until his day of committal. I believe most will agree that the length of time is a bit extreme. I’m here to also add that it is not unheard of.
There are circumstances such as these where a disposition must be delayed. Aside from criminal investigations, there are situations where the cemetery is the cause. An interment may be delayed for months due to climate conditions where the grave cannot be dug until after the winter months begin waning. Another good example is Arlington National Cemetery, where there is a waiting list for interments. I recall an incident early in my career where a woman died and the funeral home I was working for received permission to remove and embalm. The arrangements had to be postponed until two of the woman’s sons could get to the funeral home. Turns out they were both working for the CIA and one of the sons was undercover and would not be back for the funeral. The other son was going to return for the services and funeral but that was not going to take place until a month later. The two boys explained that their aunt who was working for the embassy in Italy could not get back to the states until her work there was finished. Not only that but she would be the authorizing agent for the funeral arrangements. The length of time from date of death to the day of burial was 21 days.
Did I mention that I specialize in pre arrangements otherwise known as advance funeral planning? Let this be a lesson to any person who works for the CIA, FBI, some foreign embassy, military personal… get my drift? Basically, any person whose lifestyle warrants them to be away from home and responsibility…Please make sure you have funeral plans in place- it just makes everything that much easier.
Getting back to Michael, with the interment scheduled for tomorrow I believe that now his family can go on and grieve the loss of their son, brother, husband, father and friend. Let us not forget to mention his undying fans who will keep his memory alive by playing his songs and music videos forevermore. Tributes are already flooding the internet for this great legend and I’m sure more are to come. My concern lies with his contemporaries and when they will write a song fitting to this man’s legacy. There are some who believe such tributes are forthcoming and that they are already in the works just waiting for the right time…I certainly hope so. I believe that time is now.It would bring disgrace to his name if neglected. Sean “Puffy” Combs, where is the lyric for Michael? Biggie received his tribute just 80 days from his date of death. Now is the time to get it done.
Lastly, if I may quote one of Michael’s lyrics:
But They Say The Sky’s
The Limit
And To Me That’s Really True
And My Friends You Have
Seen Nothin’
Just Wait ‘Til I Get Through . . .
Michael has broken through and the world has changed.
Lord, let his good deeds follow him.
Amen.