michael jackson saved my grandma.
in december 1997, my maternal grandparents, joseph and concetta delisi, were on an american airlines flight from JFK to LAX. sitting coach, they were visiting my family for christmas.
a couple of hours into the flight, my grandma (literally) falls ill. what started as a stomach ache, ended with granny fainting and tumbling into the aisle.
when she awakes, hovering above (next to my grandpa) and holding out his hand, michael jackson.
“are you o.k.?” mj asked, in his delicate voice.
he helps grandma up, and invites my grandparents to join him in first class. they accept.
while grandma rests, grandpa enjoys first class service and chats it up with jackson. they discuss family, food, and italy (gramps favorite subjects.)
upon landing, michael offers to drive my grandparents from LAX to my folks house (in the valley.) once again, they accept.
with grandma getting pushed through the airport in wheelchair, they make their way to MJ’s limo. however, in an effort to dodge paparazzi, they’re forced to make three limo transfers by jackson’s security.
once settled and on the 405N, michael pops-in one of his favorite movies (at the time,) men in black. they watch it together.
once they arrive at my childhood home, mom opens the front door to find my grandparents standing on the stoop, with michael jackson behind them (holding their bags.)
MJ enters the house, puts the bags down, and stands in front of the christmas tree. he is enamored by its beauty and the “family spirit” in the home.
my mom, in utter shock, FAILS to grab a camera to document the event, instead invites michael jackson back for a christmas party. he politely declines, returns to his limo, and heads to neverland ranch.
while a photograph was never taken, he left our family with an amazing memory, one that showed us michael jackson’s heart, soul, and genuine kindness.
oh, and this first class menu he signed on the plane:
as told on my buddy, aj’s, radio program:[podcast]http://chriscantore.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mj.mp3[/podcast]
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1,135 Comments
26 June 09 at 11:28am
1
Wow how random was that? I admit that I talked sh*t about MJ, but that story shed some light on the guy. Thaks for sharing that story. I did once share a plane ride with Morris Day...not worth mentioning...lol
26 June 09 at 11:30am
2
That is an awesome story!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. Its so sad that he left this world so soon.
26 June 09 at 9:28pm
3
Thanks for sharing this personal story on the radio. It was the highlight of my day.
29 June 09 at 11:46am
4
Great story Chris. I am a big fan of MJ's and will always remember him for his incredible talent. It's great to hear stories like this that shed a positive light on him. Thanks for sharing :)
01 July 09 at 4:29pm
5
this is so awesome to hear. i LOVE michael jackson and he will be missed. i'm glad that you shared this with us cause i'm tired of hearing all the negative comments about michael.
17 February 10 at 1:20pm
6
Thanks for sharing another great deed of Michael!! :)
17 February 10 at 5:39pm
7
This is a nice story. However, Michael didn't like the name "Jacko." He thought it was very disrespectful. I just wanted to make you aware of that fact.
17 February 10 at 9:09pm
8
it is a very touching story. Thanks for sharing. But please, if you so appreciate what Michael did for your grandma, please PLEASE, do not call him Jacko! Michael did not like this name, it is pejorative. Please understand maybe you don't know it but Michael always asked not to be called this way. Much Love
18 February 10 at 12:19am
9
Thank you for sharing this story. It is a shame that more is not widely known about the personal kindness of Michael Jackson. There are many photos of his visits to ophanages and hosipitals, but one can construe this as good PR and photo ops. Your grandparents' story is really one that shows Michael's heart.
18 February 10 at 12:31am
10
MJLove is right: Calling him Jacko is a derogatory, disrespectful nickname created by the British press (they started calling him "wacko jacko" to further sensationalize their reports). It hurt him and continues to hurt his family and fans.
18 February 10 at 12:48am
11
Beautiful story. But yes. He hated when people called him Jacko. Please view this website to learn more about the real Michael you will enjoy it. :) http://reflectionsonthedance.com/ Yeah, Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me, It's not nice. My name is Jackson, not Jacko!
18 February 10 at 6:35am
12
Thanks for sharing. None of this surprises me or those who knew Michael - I saw him act in this way more times than I can count and have heard so many anecdotes from others that were never publicized. If only more people had spoken out with these truths before. This is what Michael should, and would want to, be remembered for. PLEASE spread your story as much as you can. And please, please, please, do not call him Jacko. His name is Michael.
18 February 10 at 11:15am
13
I've always loved this man and will always love him.
18 February 10 at 1:59pm
14
Oh my michael thank you so much for shareing this story!!! this warms my heart and made my day!!! he was such an angel!! i wish he saved my grandma hahaha!! if he showed up at my door i would have died right there!!! thank you so much again! peace love and blessings!
18 February 10 at 2:35pm
15
MJ really was an angel walking on earth. What an amazing man. I would give anything to meet him. thankyou for sharing this event
19 February 10 at 12:07pm
16
This is such a sweet and touching story! MJ had such a good heart ... :'( I love you, angel ♥
20 February 10 at 6:42am
17
I Love You Michael.
20 February 10 at 12:30pm
18
I cant even discribe him with no words/.. what a lovely person and beloved.
20 February 10 at 1:24pm
19
AWW! I love how sweet he is! I heart you MJ!
20 February 10 at 1:26pm
20
The most beautiful human being on Earth, both outside and inside: Michael Joseph Jackson! For all time! (never Jacko!! of course it's all for L-O-V-E)
20 February 10 at 4:35pm
21
Thank you so much for sharing this story. This shows how beautiful this man is. It really IS the highlight of my day to read something like this and not otherwise. Also, i loved every bit of this except "Jacko". Michael never liked being called this. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
20 February 10 at 8:05pm
22
Hi Chris: Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I have come to believe that Michael Jackson was genuinely a kind and thoughtful man who oftentimes was taken advantage of because of this. It is so sad that even when Michael went out (way out) of his way to help your grandparents, you still had to disparage him by calling him “Jacko”, a demeaning word, to be sure, meant to rob him of his humanity. That belies the life-affirming aspect of the story where 3 human beings connected in a spiritual way even for a short while. Inevitably, this will be part of your family lore to be recounted time immemorial. Also, perhaps the reason Michael might have lingered at your folks’ home could be that he was savoring a genuine moment where your family didn’t seem to want anything from him which was a rarity in Michael Jackson’s life. I don’t know, but somehow I think Mr. and Mrs. Delisi had an exceptionally rare experience in a random act of kindness rendered by a kind stranger…lamentably rare in today’s society. So, it is in this transformative sense of generosity that it behooves you to remove the offensive word from your otherwise great article. I’m sure your grandparents would appreciate it. Thank you.
21 February 10 at 12:24am
23
GREAT STORY! ....but calling him JACKO... it kind of RUINED it for me.... He found it hurtful and insulting!
21 February 10 at 3:24am
24
That is why I always say Michael Jackson is an angel. Pure Perfection, Beautiful inside and out. If only the WHOLE world can see that. I am just graeful that I am who I am and not someone ignorant who doesnt WANT to see the truth. Michael Jackson forever! WE LOVE YOU MJ. Please, his name is Jackson, not Jacko, Jacko was came from ignorant jackasses who only wish to be him
21 February 10 at 6:27am
25
stop calling him jacko！！！
21 February 10 at 7:52am
26
sounds like a fantasy movie........but i believe you, i believe in every good thing they say about Michael....
21 February 10 at 8:25am
27
How beautiful.. i will spread this story as much as i can, so everyone can see him the way i do. As one of the most incredible human beings to ever have existed, he was too good to be true. My angel ;( but please.. the 'Jacko' part really sucks.. he hated that name. His name is Jackson.
21 February 10 at 5:28pm
28
Another verification of MJ's down-to-earth compassion & kindness. He made the world a better place.
22 February 10 at 2:25am
29
Thanks for sharing this story that again shows what a warm and caring person Michael Jackson was. With all the lies that are being written about him, it is refreshing to read true experiences from people like you. This just proves how emotionally and spiritually evolved Michael Jackson was. I really want to be as good as him. God bless you always!
22 February 10 at 9:01am
30
what a lovely memory...Michael- brought-up to be & stayed a gentleman; gentle man.
22 February 10 at 9:25am
31
Michael Jackson is a gentle man , just like he said , he's the greatest <3
24 February 10 at 1:01am
32
Thanks for sharing the story. It was so warm and lovely. Michael is an angel.
05 March 10 at 8:40am
33
I know MJ is innocent for all the things that throwing to his face. Thank you for your story I know in my heart that it's true even though no pictures.He really a good Samaritan but people always thinking that he's doing it for publicity reasons. I wish MJ is stilll alive I missed him so much.Feel so so so sad about all of those news.I search everyday the internet hoping that someone will tell me he's still alive.(so so so sad here in my heart)
18 March 10 at 8:10pm
34
That is a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Michael's love for humankind was absolutely genuine and in our society today unfortunately very rare to come by. As stated by others, Michael loved all people, all animals, and the Earth itself. God let us borrow him for a very short time but in that short time Michael made an everlasting impact in the lives of so many. There never was another like him nor will there ever be again, but thank you Jesus for sharing him. We love you Michael Jackson and now may you get the peace with your Heavenly Father that you were never given here on Earth. Bless You!
19 March 10 at 11:55pm
35
well! this story makes me cry more! How could you fans stand his death! I'm always in anguish when i don't see his name between other artists! basically this is not a laughable funny story this causes every human to weep!
20 March 10 at 4:16am
36
michael,i really really love you no matter past,present or future.all i can have are tears.you are the most innocent,purest,lovely person i have ever seen.there is no greed in your heart.you have an enormous giving heart.because of you,i learn how to love the people around me.in the past,i didn't like children.but when i watch the way you love children,i start to learn to love children.love you ever
21 March 10 at 9:19am
37
thank you so much for telling this story, Chris! This prooved once again what the person is MICHAEL JACKSON!!!
21 March 10 at 10:14am
38
Thank you for this story about Michael . He was an angel. He cared about other people. He did not like to be called Jacko . He hated that name. He was Jackson Not Jacko. I wish the media would leave him alone Let him Rest in peace.
23 March 10 at 5:54am
39
This was the true MJ and sorry that the world did not accept him for being who he was. I am so happy that you shared this story with the world. Never know what you got till its gone!!
23 March 10 at 6:05am
40
Je vous remercie de nous avoir fait partager cette belle histoire vrai. Je ne doute pas de la gentillesse innée de Michael, C'est réconfortant, et ça change de toutes les critiques quotidiennes ! Merci mille fois, pour nous mais avant tout pour Michael. Niny
24 March 10 at 8:14pm
41
Man, I loved that story. This was the sign of a good hearted person. A kind hearted person. People will never know just what Michael meant to his fans. The day he died I felt as if I lost a member of my family, and today the lost of Michael is still as hurtful as it was June 25, 2009. I will never forget him. Never!!
30 March 10 at 12:30am
42
That was an awsome story! Thank you for sharing. MJ is such a sweet and caring person. I miss him more now ...
05 June 10 at 10:03am
43
that's the TRUE Michael Jackson.that's why fans loves him always and loyal for him.and i'm proud to be a fan. i love you michael forever,missing you everyday.
24 June 10 at 4:51am
44
I used to hear everyday ,,Aren t you tired to listen the music all day long, day by day?,, and I wonder myself if there is any chance not to love Michael and all he means in this bad world. With everyday I discover a better Michael and my feelings for him is continually growing no matter what the people around me say. Is something more deeply than I can even explain maybe because Michael have made everyone of us feel like as we are a part of his own life. He is the friend and the brother whom some of us never have really that why now we feel so lost without him beside us. We miss so much, Michael!
21 July 10 at 3:15am
45
Michael I will always love you! Thank you for this story. God Bless.