1998: It was a dark moment in my life.

I was going through a rough break-up with a boyfriend. I was trying to figure out what many of us want to know – what the “meaning” of life is. I was trying to figure out my own identity. I felt utterly…and completely…

…lost.

One day I walked into the store to shop for groceries. My mind was numb with sadness. But then, I heard this Michael Jackson song playing…

“…Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
But you are not alone…”

I heard those words and it gave me a glimmer of hope. I felt The Universe was sending me this message via Michael Jackson…

I was not alone.

To this day I remember that moment – the moment when Michael Jackson was the catalyst to help lift my spirits, as his songs have always done, on a day when I had lost hope.

Thank you for shining your light on this world, Michael. Your music and your spirit will live forever in our hearts.

Watch the video: “You Are Not Alone”

Check out the photos from the gala below…

Here are two of my favorite artists of all time, Mariah Carey and Prince…