Surreal week

I'm still trying to grapple with all of the people who have passed away over the last few weeks.

We've had friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

There have been numerous stars. I have not looked it up and am not looking it up right now but have always known to be true that when a 'star' passes away, it happens in 3's.

Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson...and it has continued all week long.....

Now, Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett were expected.

Michael Jackson definitely not expected. I'm still stunned and in a fog I think not totally grasping this occurrence.

I know people who totally went to pieces over MJ's death. I grew up with his music my entire life. I personally thought he was a musical genius and contributed to the history of pop music as we know it today. God gave Michael Jackson and his entire family numerous gifts, which they utilized.

No matter how you feel about this man and the 'tabloid stories' which followed him around, his talent should not be denied.

I do have a problem, maybe just a small problem, with tying the word 'tragic' or 'tragedy' to his passing.

Don't get me wrong, it's awful. Yet another negative scenario in this entertainer's life and legacy. However, we as a people overuse or misuse certain words. The first one that pops to mind is 'love.' I 'love my husband' or 'I love pizza' or 'I love my dog.'

When I think of 'tragedy' I think of 9/11. I think of a plane full of 157 people crashing into the ocean. I think of a small child getting kidnapped, missing for 6 years, and no sign of hope that she will ever be found.

Maybe it's my faith and relationship with God, but I believe everything happens for a reason and we are put on this earth by God with a mission and when that mission is complete, we go back up to our maker.

We may never know just 'what that mission may be' but have to believe.

As finite people, when someone dies, especially at a young age, we can't imagine why that happens.

We have to believe.

In the words of Michael, 'If you'd only believe.'

2 damsels in distress!

Mom and Dani's excellent adventure.

It was an excellent adventure except for about 10 minutes. But then because I have an outstanding friend, those 10 minutes were erased and replaced with awe and gratitude!

We decided to make the trek to PNC Park to see our boys--on the hottest day of the year! My car thermometer registered 98 degrees, and not the musical group!

But we were buzzing along, great car, jamming to Siriusly Sinatra, having an exquisite day. Until I missed one wrong turn.

We were on vacation. We could take a little excursion and sight see. Which we did. But having been to Pittsburgh numerous times before, it's circles and bridges and highway and hardly anywhere to turn off or turn around!

Finally, I got to the Rite Aid Parking lot so I could call my college buddy, Gary. What a gem. I've found in life that my best buds are my college buddies with a handful of grade school and high school folks as well!. After that, once you get in the business world, it's every man for themselves and forget about it.

Gary not only gave me directions but said, "stay put, I'm coming to get you!" We were in awe and so thankful for having such a wonderful friend!

As Mom hit right on the nose, he has not changed a bit.

We followed him back to his restaurant, "Big Jim's," which was recently featured on Guy's "Diner's, Drive-ins, & Dives."

For the next few hours we enjoyed the company of good friends, excellent food and not having to worry about anything.

When you say in the coming weeks, months and years, "where were you when Farrah died?" or "where were you when you learned about Michael Jackson?" Mom and I were with Gary at Big Jim's spending quality time with good people.

Gary got us to PNC Park, where Mom and I enjoyed yet more quality time together doing what we love best: watching the boys play baseball! I love PNC Park. Mom enjoyed it though she states she likes Progressive Field better.

We are truly blessed. A safe trip visiting good friends and new adventures with those we love. Who could ask for anything more.

Well, we would have liked a win, but heck, it was a good time all in all.

When we arrived home, a perfect ending to a near-perfect day. My cousin Johnny had left a message. What a hoot. He said, "I know you are not hearing this right now or getting this right now and the reason I know that is because we just saw you on TV in Pittsburgh at the game....they just gave you a shout out Dani and her Mom....."

Life is good....