The grieving has begun for Katherine Jackson, who has spent the last few weeks since Michael Jackson's death trying to get her family through this most difficult time.
"It's finally hit her," a source close to the family told People.com. "She's been crying a lot. Her eyes are constantly red. She can't believe Michael is gone."
While taking care of her son's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, Katherine has been a pillar of strength -- but the grief and reality of it all is catching up to her.
"She feels horrible for those children," the source says of Katherine. "[But] she's determined to remain strong for them."
In addition to the stories about Michael that continue to come out, the grandmother is doing her best to protect Michael's kids from the negative talk about their grandfather, Joe Jackson.
"She is very upset about all the Joe bashing and all the things that are being said about him," says the source. "Michael's kids love Grandpa Joe. Hearing him trashed makes Katherine really angry."
Though I think Katherine is right person to raise these children, how tough must it be for her to keep it all together while she's lost her son and is dealing with this monstrous media circus? I just hope she's getting the support she needs.
