Though I (left) currently live and work as a freelance journalist in Beijing, hearing about MJ brought back one of the most exciting nights when I had the opportunity to  meet him, unexpectedly, in Orlando, FL in 2003.

We were eating at the same restaurant, the Benihana (which he told me was one of his favorites). I was competing at the Miss America Jr. Teen pageant during Thanksgiving and on our last night my family ate at the very popular Japanese steakhouse.

We got out of our seats when we heard a lot of commotion in one of the eatings rooms. When our cook told us that Michael Jackson was eating here, we couldn't believe it. We left our seats and our food to see if it was true.  Michael was so gracious and generous. The owners closed the restaurant to additional customers and Michael took pictures and talked with people for over two hours. Everyone was standing in line to meet him. He was very patient and sweet despite the numerous people and downright chaos. I particularly remember people outside the glass doors of the restaurant banging and shouting to get in to see him.

His kids, in spiderman masks, were also with him along with an entourage of about 10 people. Michael talked with everyone and it took him hours to slowly walk out of the restaurant and to the limo outside. He signed autographs and gave hugs. Some people even gave him their cell phones to talk their friends (imagine how surprised they were!). He was very relaxed and seemed genuinely happy.

I saw poised beauty queens turn outright giddy in a matter of seconds of just seeing him. Everyone around him was talking loudly and screaming, not only for his attention, but because they were impressed. I felt a natural high and an excitement that rivaled Christmas and birthdays- all because of MJ! He had amazing star power and he really was calm, composed and childlike. As he walked outside to a waiting car, hundreds of  fans were gathered. As his car drove off, I  saw two women pass out.

There's just something about him and being in his presence that is hard to explain- it's simply...special. RIP Michael Jackson