The call I was dreading

As we continue getting up in years, these calls will become more frequent.

Back from my reunion just 2 days when the phone rang at work with my aunt's caller ID--I knew what she was going to say before I even answered.

Shortly after 330pm, and Uncle Bill has died.

I knew what I had to do....fortunately, my friend and 11pm producer at the time, Dan, helped me gather up my belongings and pushed me out the door. His parting words--"You need to be with your family. Don't speed, we need you to get there safely."

I had not eaten all day and was about to pass out because I was shaking so.

I had a million thoughts going through my head and really had to pull myself together by the time I arrived to my aunt.

The minute I busted out of the parking garage, the tears began flowing and never stopped until I got to the nursing home.

I knew exactly what to do.

I was the first to arrive. I spoke with the nurses and then went into the room and sat with Uncle Bill holding his hand. I'm sure he saw that from heaven.


How could we be going through this just 6 months after Mom?


Well, we are and we need to be strong for my aunt.

I called my friend at the funeral home, which I have on speed dial.

The next hours went fast and furious as we had to say our goodbyes, meet with the funeral director to get info in the early edition paper, and try to process what was about to unfold for all of us again.

I was touched by how my aunt's neighbors ran over when we pulled into the driveway.


I'm sure glad tragedy pulls people together....because we are going to need it......

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.'