Well, here it is. I'll try to remain brief and to the point, because obviously to write about this man, in depth, and what he meant to me and many others around the world would literally take a lifetime (Although I’m sure there's many of authors out there right now clamoring up ideas to cram such into a 400 page book to make a quick buck off of his enormous popularity).

Michael Jackson: The Man, The Myth, The Legend...The Icon. What can I say? No one, and Pope means NO ONE, was more "Worldwide" recognized and loved than this man (not everyone loves The Pope... Ya know, the one in white). His "Worldwide Popularity" was only rivaled recently by one man, Barrack Obama, who now stands alone.

Michael Jackson meant so much to me; it's crazy. In the past couple of years I’d been asked if I could meet 3 people, who would it be? Without hesitation I would answer: The first black president, Bill Clinton, “The Icon” Sting (more to come), and “The King of Pop” Michael Jackson, and of course MJ topped this list. I mean, I wasn't such the fan that would fall out at the mention of his name, or go into a breakdown if I were near him, but more so the fan out of similarities and most importantly, respect. My similarities to MJ are well known by my family and friends. Pope had to grow up very early in life, becoming a man when most males my age were still having sleepovers and pajama parties. MJ taught me that it was ok to be myself, to dress the way that I want, and to live my life as I choose; and for that, I will always be grateful!

A lot of you know that YOUR Pope took the news of MJ's passing really hard. Well, here's why: Pope has never been to a concert in his life (By choice, I just never liked no one enough to place myself in such a crowded, sometimes hostile atmosphere), and I'd always vowed since MJ's last CD Invincible that if MJ were to ever tour again, that I would attend his concert because it wasn't just a concert by any means, but it was a Spectacle! It was a brand of entertainment that was priceless and timeless. Quite frankly, it was THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

Well, with the recent announcement of his planned 50 tours in Europe, Pope had to make good on his words and planned a trip to see the “King Of Pop” at work. Pope was sad to hear of the under 4 hour sellout of his concerts at the O2 arena (Take that Nancy Grace and anyone else who denies his popularity), but had learned of another way to buy some tickets. After finding such a place, via the web to purchase the tickets, Pope had planned for the trip to Europe, aiming for the Aug 14th show. But that's not it. Pope had also planned to hold a contest titled: "Pope Needs A Date/BFF for MJ's concert in Europe, Is It YOU?" This was to be an all expense paid trip (Airfare, Hotel and Tix) by YOUR Pope that was to be documented and later released. The guidelines to be chosen were simple: Write an essay detailing why you should be chosen for the trip, and how much MJ meant to you. Pope would then narrow the participants down to 3, where then the TEElite would vote to decide who would be the victor. Pope would then call the winner to inform them of their status. I had it all planned out, but this plan was subject to change (And have), at the behest of the BBP in the sky.

Michael, you are gone now. We all loved you, but BBP in the sky loved you best. Your Music, Your Dances, Your Smile, And Your Style will live on Forever! Now, Pope will handle the smiling part, and maybe even the singing and style part (cause I can dress how I choose, you taught me that), but the Dancing?....Pope’s gonna have to leave that for others to handle because I'd hate to murder your moves and break some of my bones in the process of trying. The mourning process is a rough one and varies for many. I know I'll personally be mourning you for sometime to come. My tears have dried and my disbelief is fading as reality creeps its way back into my life (and the fact that I can’t watch anything, via TV, without it covering you). I know I'll never be able to see you in concert here on this earth Michael, but I've prayed an earnest prayer, of simple magnitude, that I'm waiting for to be answered. It's simply this: BBP in the sky, I've been fortunate to do a lot of things in my life. I've accomplished many of goals, and conquered most of my dreams. However, one dream has been shattered with your recent acquisition/need for The Ultimate Showman to accompany you in a place where we'll never grow old, and trust me, you chose none better! I've served you since the age of 14, with faults here and there, but always seeking forgiveness and recognizing/acknowledging my need for you; so if you’d please be so kind to allow me to attend a Michael Jackson Spectacle, if ONLY in my dreams, I'll forever be so careful to give you all of the honor, the glory, the dominion, and the praise, forever. Amen ~ The Pope Has Spoken

Rev. Al Sharpton- “Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color WAY before Tiger Woods, WAY before Oprah Winfrey, WAY before Barrack Obama. Michael did with music what they later did in sports, in politics and in television; and no controversy can ever erase his historical iMPACT.”