It’s the end of an era. Joe Jackson passed away at 89 after a battle with cancer.
His granddaughter, Paris Jackson, was with him until the end, and has written up a powerful farewell message that eulogizes her late grandfather.
Paris’ post begins: “RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson.”
Paris’ emotional post continues: “spending those last few moments with you were everything.”
Not everyone has the honor of being with a loved one in their final moments.
Paris continues, saying: “Being able to tell you everything i needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing.”
Again, that is a rare opportunity for loved ones. Painful, but important.
“Everyone that came to visit you,” Paris says. “Came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you.”
That is no surprise. The Jackson family is American royalty.
Paris writes that all are “proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
She adds that they are all “proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a Jackson.”
“You,” Paris writes. “Are the first true Jackson.”
That makes sense.
Paris writes that Joe is “the legend that started it all. None of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you.”
That is difficult to dispute.
“You are the strongest man i know,” Paris continues. “Your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live.”
That is high praise from Paris, who is not usually the type to praise patriarchs.
“i will cherish every moment with you til the day i die,” Paris says. “Especially our last moments.”
Of course.
Paris says that “being able to hold your hand, lay with you and cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
Paris writes that she also treasured “quoting advice you gave me when i was a little kid and seeing your eyes light up.”
That really strikes a chord with a lot of grandchildren who have had close and lifelong relationships with their grandparents.
Paris adds that she liked “sharing stories my dad used to tell me about you, telling a joke and hearing you laugh for the last time.”
It’s a bittersweet sort of joy.
“My heart is full,” Paris writes. “Knowing we left each other in that way.”
Paris then says: “i made you promise me you’ll come visit me.”
In case you’re thinking gee, it’s a little late for that, Paris, she means that she is expecting a visit from his spirit.
“You agreed,” Paris adds. “And i’m going to hold you to it.”
Paris looks forward to seeing him, “and i promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. to never be forgotten.”
“My great grandchildren will know who joseph jackson is,” Paris announces.
Well, by the time that Paris even has grandchildren, let alone great-grandchildren, everyone will probably have hands-free access to all human knowledge in their minds without having to use a phone.
But we understand her meaning.
“i love you grandpa,” Paris says. “So so so much that words can’t describe. i have immense gratitude for you, and always will.”
Paris adds that: “we all feel that way. Thank you for everything. truly.”
Paris has some final words at the end of her heartfelt, beautiful post.
“Rest in peace and transition,” Paris says. “i’ll see you in my dreams very very soon.”
There’s no way of knowing whether or not Paris will share if she has a spiritual encounter with her deceased grandfather.
That sounds like a private affair to me.
Paris is a treasure, and we wish her the best as she and her family mourn this powerful loss.
