By all accounts, Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson has been the rock for family members – including Michael’s three children – in the weeks since the King of Pop’s death. Now, it’s her turn to grieve.  People.com is reporting that

“It’s finally hit her,” says a source close to the family. “She’s been crying a lot. Her eyes are constantly red. She can’t believe Michael is gone.”

While Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II ["Blanket"], 7, remain surrounded by cousins at the Jackson family home in Encino – having summer funtime that includes swimming and water balloon fights – Katherine is struggling to hide her sorrow, says the source.

“She feels horrible for those children,” the source says of Katherine, who was awarded temporary custody of the children pending a hearing scheduled for July 20 [and was named in Michael's will as his pick for primary guardian]. “[But] she’s determined to remain strong for them.”

The source says Katherine is fiercely protective of all her family.

“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.”

Poor Jermaine Jackson was so anxious to cash that non-existent check from a non-existent reunion tour that he prematurely announced to reporters in Australia that he and his brothers were reuniting. Apparently, JJ didn’t check with lil Michael first. Michael when asked about the tour stated that “he has no intentions of either recording or touring with Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy next year or anytime thereafter”.

Damn brah, at least you tried and I will give you an “A” for effort!