mlc1451

Changes are part of life and evoke opportunities

2008-10-02T17:00:00Z

You can’t listen to the news today without feeling stressed by the collapse of Wall Street and the financial institutions that were once icons in the financial world. If you let it really permeate your soul, most likely sleep will evade you forever, so it’s time for some practical advice to avoid the pitfalls of despair on a daily basis…

Suffice to say, that life is filled with inevitable changes that can turn into golden opportunities if we can only learn to recognize them, and stop ourselves from remaining on high alert, waiting for the other shoe to drop in these fragile economic times. How is that possible?

By remaining staunch and resilient. If we can cope with these changes in our lives and can grow or adapt to them, we can succeed. Do we turn into Chicken Little and continue to scream that the “sky is falling” (as gas and food prices reach the sky) or do we act creatively and look for solutions to enhance our lives? Falling apart emotionally and physically may be easy to do and a “perfect out”, however, will it help your situation? Perhaps temporarily it will give you a reprieve, but when “push comes to shove” it’s better to act than react.

What do you need to act in a positive manner? Commitment, control and challenge. By staying committed to better our lives, it gives us the ability to be curious and stay involved in our plans. By taking control, we can make a positive difference in our world through our actions, rather than remaining a “victim of our own circumstances.” Finally, by challenging ourselves, it gives us the very core of our existence.

If we can maintain a committed nature, stay in control as much as possible, and take a vested interest in our well being, our lives may be less stressful, as we remain engaged in our daily activities and goals. How do we ensure that we can continue to exhibit this resiliency? By including humor, exercise, finding a role model, social support, adding meaning to our lives through family and friends, and exhibiting a strong moral compass. With change comes a sense of possibility and hope in the human spirit. And hope can be a powerful driving force to see us through these very troubled times…..

Autumn…a time of bittersweet reflections

2008-09-30T19:31:00Z

I love the season of fall with its crisp air and the desire to crunch on Honey Crisp apples I purchase every Friday at the Farmer’s Market by my school. This year has been particularly reflective, because of a series of events that began last December with a diagnosis of lung cancer and surgery to remove it from my left lung. That was followed by months of chemo and the roller coaster of emotions that the disease and its treatment evoke.

Recently I’ve thought about the impending winter, since my diagnosis will be a year old in a few months. On Columbus Day, since I’m off from school, I have a CAT scan scheduled first thing in the morning, as requested by my oncologist, plus blood work, and a visit with him to interpret the results. In the afternoon, I’m headed to my internist, so she can also giver her expert advice on my progress. Of course you always hope for the best, but there is that anxiety that needs to be pushed away before it grows tentacles and wraps them around my brain. I’ve kept as busy as possible with school and outside activities (walking every morning at 6 a.m. for exercise and a Pilates class, plus “rolling” my son around after school in his wheelchair, as long as the weather permits).

Two weeks ago, I was given the tragic news that a former student of mine, who had recently graduated from Princeton, took his own life. I went to the wake filled with over 300 people shaking their heads and quietly sobbing. What would possess a vibrant young man, who had his entire life beckoning with golden opportunities, to snuff it out like “a candle in the wind” as Elton John would say?

A week later, my cousin called to tell me that a friend of hers, who had been rather down lately, went to get her hair and nails done on a Friday, and preceded to a large condominium that was recently built in the area. She informed the sales office that she needed to take measurements in an upper apartment, since a client of hers would be moving in soon. This middle aged woman asked to see the view from the balcony in the model, promptly leaned forward, and fell to her death from the 18th floor. What would possess her to feel that was the only way out that she had left?

What a sad fate that with all the agencies and private professional experts we have in our society, that both of these people either found it too difficult to relay their problems to someone else or felt they could handle it on their own. I compare their actions to my own, how I push myself to remain optimistic and busy myself with exercising or donating items to an area church that supplies them to their out of work parishioners. I’m grateful that I have a support system that perhaps they didn’t have in handling my problems.

I hope they may finally rest in peace; I know that right now, for me, it’s not an option I choose to explore…

Visiting a G.I. Specialist

2008-09-29T01:41:00Z

Since Jay's swallowing issues is caused by his esophagus (or at least, that's what the doctors believe), our speech pathologist recommends we schedule an appointment with a doctor of gastroenterology. Since all of our other options haven't resolved this issue, this is going to be our next course of action.

The speech pathologist believes that the feeling of a lump in his throat is a referred sensation from the esophagus, because Jay has some peristalsis (or squeezing motion) that goes up and down vs. just straight down. This is likely due to the shape of his spine and trunk.Because the entire pharynx/esophagus is highly innervated, it often sends false signals upward. So Jay feels distension in his esophagus briefly, but the nerve sends a signal that it's higher up in the throat.

The specialist that our speech pathologist recommends is located at the hospital where we had that trouble with acquiring a stretcher/cart. Plus, not only is the hospital located in a very congested area, but they even charge for parking! I can't believe they even charge patients that are admitted.

Hopefully, we can find a G.I. at the hospital across the street from where we live. That would be the most convenient for us. The expert that our speech pathologist likes does not have an office, at the hospital, near our home. The sooner we can get some answers, the better... I hope and pray the answers will solve Jay's swallowing problem. We are running out of options.

Marvels of Technology

2008-09-27T00:32:00Z

Sometimes I shudder to think how different my son's life would be if he had grown up in a different era. The days before the computer, the assistant technology breakthroughs, and mobility devices. How would he have been able to contribute to society? Without a real career or true purpose, I think his spirit would have been broken.

Now, I'm not the savviest of Internet users, I am from the "typewriter" generation. However, I certainly can appreciate the impact computers and the World Wide Web has affected my son's life, not to mention the millions, just like him. The Internet has given Jay the ability to not only contribute to society, but to impact society with his website. Sure, it isn't a Yahoo or Amazon, but he is determined to make it a premier website for people with disabilities (I am one of his biggest fans, although I may be biased).

First came his ability to work a computer. When it became too difficult to manipulate a keyboard, no problem, here comes voice recognition software! It's amazing to me, how speaking into a headset can control the PC. It's opened a whole new world for Jay. Giving him the opportunity to meet people around the world, network with others like him, and spread his vision to the masses.

With new advancements popping up all the time, I can only imagine what will be the next technological breakthrough. With that said, I am so thankful and relieved that Jay is of this generation, so he can grow and live his life to the fullest.

Watching What He Eats

2008-09-25T00:59:00Z

Since my son Jay has these recent issues with his swallowing, we really have to focus on his daily diet. Raw vegetables are too crunchy and the skin is too tough for him to chew. Certain red meats, like steak, are too fibrous.

This really puts a damper on things because Jay loves those foods. Plus, they possess important nutrients and vitamins the body needs. Jay has always had low levels of potassium and magnesium, they are essential for good hydration. So, we looked into alternatives.

Softer foods that are very nutritional, like oatmeal is something Jay will eat. Oatmeal is a great source for soluble fiber, which research has shown lowers LDL levels (the bad cholesterol). Jay adds sliced bananas on top, to boost his levels of potassium. Lunches now consist more frequently of soups and stews. Bite sized pieces of vegetables in a creamy broth makes it easier for Jay to chew and swallow. This way, he is able to get his day doses of vitamins and minerals... not to mention that he takes an all-purpose vitamin, daily.

The same thing when it comes to red meat and poultry. Since steak and whole pieces of chicken are no longer an option, pot pies, Shepherd pies, chilli and pastas with meat sauces, now fit the bill. Ground beef is still an option for Jay, however can't be frozen patties (like at certain fast food chains, YUCK), has to be able to crumble easily.

Just trying to make the best of this situation. It isn't ideal, but I just want Jay to be able to enjoy eating his favorites, for as long as possible. Now, he savors each bite, hoping it won't be his last. That day may be coming sooner than we would like.

A Great Weekend

2008-09-23T01:46:00Z

With all of the stress and frustrations my son Jay has been dealing with, because of his swallowing issues, I really wanted for him to take his mind off these worries. It just so happened that this weekend was the overnight fall camp, run by a not-for-profit organization Jay used to belong to. They also run a week long camp in the summer, for adults with disabilities, completely run by volunteers. Jay no longer attends the summer camp, but since the fall camp was only for one night, it would make a perfect getaway for him.

So, I packed him up and sent him on his way. It didn't take much effort really, he couldn't wait to get moving. This was a new campsite, it was quite nice. The cabin rooms were connected to each other, so inclement weather would not be a factor. The entire place was very clean and well ventilated, which was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the summer camp cabins are rundown and dingy, they write from the local YMCA.

After some fast unpacking, Jay set his sights at the card table, at the recreational center. His usual cohorts were already there, dealing and dividing up poker chips. Jay was right at home! It really is great that they have these "mini outings" throughout the year, so those who have trouble getting out, can have a fun event to look forward to.

It was time for dinner, nothing like a cookout, under the stars! They served chili, hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers. Jay brought his lawn chair, so he was able to lie flat, while eating. I was so glad the weather cooperated. It was a beautiful evening to be outdoors. For dessert they had s'mores, the perfect campfire treat!

Well, I really don't know when or if Jay ever went to bed. I know there was plenty of poker taking place. However, in the morning, they served a light breakfast of cereals and pastries. They only had the property until noon, so the staff had to start packing up the equipment they brought.

Needless to say, Jay had a blast. I was glad he was able to take his mind off of things, if only for a day or two. A little sabbatical was greatly deserved. I only wish he came back with more poker chips!

Searching for Answers

2008-09-20T23:13:00Z

We are still trying to find treatments for my son Jays throat issues. We've tried pressure point massages, had x-rays, CAT scans and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies, but nothing was inclusive or helped.

So, Jay searched online for SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) websites, hoping for information about his symptoms. He found one not-for-profit organization called "Fight SMA". He called their headquarters and explained his situation. He was hoping they could recommend a doctor or research study. He explain how the MDA clinics and our area are basically useless for this sort of thing. The receptionist kind of chuckled, and replied that she has gotten a few phone calls from the Chicagoland area with similar sentiments.

The good news is that she recommended a doctor, out of Baltimore. Even though it's not in our neck of the woods, it is an expert who is quite familiar with Jays disease. So, Jay e-mailed the doctor, explaining his situation and asked for any suggestions.

The following morning, the doctor replied to Jays e-mail. He asked if Jay had ever had a gene test for SMA (he hasn't), plus, he added the following "I am VERY interested in the issue of swallowing in SMA, and in fact a colleague of mine and myself are involved in a research project on this very issue."

We hope this will lead to something promising. Jay is still corresponding with the doctor and his colleague. How lucky are we that the doctor is currently researching issues with swallowing in SMA. Now, we would be even luckier if he can come up with a successful treatment.

Laugh Along With Me Because McCain Can’t Be Serious

2008-09-18T16:57:00Z

Since laughter is truly the best medicine (and cheaper than a battery of tests at the doctor’s office) I though I’d share some of the current political jokes from our late night talk show hosts…

“When they were telling her about the job, within three seconds she said, and I’m not making this up either..”What is it exactly that the VP does every day?” Let me explain it to you, Sarah. They start wars, they enrich their friends, they change the Constitution, and they shoot people in the face. That’s exactly what the vice president does.” –Bill Maher

“She’s not bad looking. She resembles one of those women in the Van Halen video who takes off her glasses, shakes out her hair, and then all of a sudden she’s in high heels and a bikini. You know all of a sudden, I am FOR drilling in Alaska!” – Jimmy Kimmel

“Not only is she young, they’re saying she’s the prettiest candidate for Vice President since John Edwards.” – Jimmy Kimmel

“There was some breaking news out of Dayton, Ohio where Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, introduced the world to his third wife.” – Jon Stewart

“Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is John McCain’s choice. Here’s what we know about her: her name is Sarah Palin.” – Jay Leno

“Palin and McCain are a good pair. She’s pro-life and he’s clinging to life.” – Jay Leno

“Now obviously Sen. McCain has made an enormous issue over Barack’s lack of experience. It does seem curious that the 72 year old would chose a running mate whose resume appears to be more suited for a Northern Exposure reunion show.” – Jon Stewart

Sometimes in jest, we speak the truth….

What Keeps America Up At Night And How To Avoid Sleepless Nights

2008-09-16T22:35:00Z

I feel like Richard Dawson on the old “Family Feud” program with this question. Mainly, America has sleepless nights or clenched jaws over: work (74 percent polled by the American Psychological Association), followed by money (73 percent), workload (66 percent), children (64 percent), family chores and responsibilities (60 percent), health issues (55 percent) spouse’s or children’s health problems (again it was at 55 percent), parents’ or other family members/friends health concerns (53 percent) housing costs (51 percent) and last on the list was intimate relationships (47 percent).

Since we all fit into some, if not all, of these categories, what can we possibly do about them? Here are some helpful stress busters….

1. Look at the entire picture. Ask yourself if it will matter in a week, a month, or a few years. Brainstorm ideas, write them down, and create a concrete plan of action.

2. Make a list of people you could ask for advice or direct help for emotional, practical or even financial support.

3. Plant something. It doesn’t matter if it’s a window box or bulbs, but planting can lower your heart and blood pressure. Gardening shifts the focus from your everyday stresses and calms you down.

4. Tea anyone? Regularly drinking tea can lower levels of stress hormones and relax you more than coffee.

5. Chill out with a chair massage. These short “hands on” massages are offered at salons, malls, even airports for a 15-20 minute “mini-vacation”.

6. Go on line and have fun! Playing on the web by doing puzzles, solitaire or sudoku can decrease stress and improve your mood by distracting you from too much worrying.

7. Focus on what you’re grateful for. Let the good in your life take center stage so the stressful aspects will diminish.

8. Think Pink. There’s actually a shade of pink that is the color of bubblegum (called Baker-Miller Pink) that has soothing temporary effects to lower your blood pressure! If you don’t want such a “girly girl” color, add a little of it by making your screen saver a bright pink, put papers in a pink file folder, add a pink pillow to your chair or use pink Post-it-Notes.

9. Turn off your TV! Always watching the news can make anyone overly stressed and anxious. Either listen to the news on your car radio or read about it in the paper to limit the amount you can healthily handle.

10. Take the “Road Less Traveled” and whenever possible, go the scenic route to lessen your commuting frustrations.

11. Relax your muscles several times a day. Stretch all your stress-related muscles (forehead, eyes, lips, tongue, jaw, lower back and toes).

12. Put up a stop sign for negative thoughts. If you have unhelpful thoughts swirling around, STOP them in their tracks. Take some slow, deep breaths and think about something more pleasant.

13. Help someone else. Volunteer or help a friend out of a jam. It’ll not only put the focus on someone else, but you’ll feel better too!

14. Laugh! When you chortle or guffaw, you release feel-good endorphins that can relax your entire body.

Ok, time to shut down your computer or at least put it on sleep and start practicing these techniques. After all, the holidays are right around the corner, and we’ll all need these helpful hints to make them as stress free and enjoyable as possible!

Forget the Ghosts and Goblins Now That Sarah Palins in Town

2008-09-14T20:45:00Z

I watched the interview with the V-P candidate being queried by Charlie Gibson on Friday night. I was thrilled that he had an exclusive interview with her rather than that celebrity suck-up Barbara Walters. Charlie didn’t mince words and asked her some hard-hitting questions.

Sarah has been supremely coached by the McCain contingency and apparently can memorize responses verbatim. What was missing from this scenario was her “maverick” image and spontaneity that she portrayed during her acceptance speech. She still had those killer glasses and dynamite bangs, but gone was the spark and vivaciousness that initially took the potential voters by storm. Sarah has generated new excitement in the Republican Party, however if she continues her robotic replies, the fickle American public will look elsewhere to lend their support.

It would behoove the McCain camp to hire a drama coach to counterbalance Sarah’s guarded answers during her interview, if they want her to shine as their star accompaniment on the Republican ticket. Once you scratched Sarah’s veneer on Friday night, she wasn’t able to give specific examples to substantiate her claims or beliefs. Both my son and I cheered Charlie’s dogged approach, as we watched this fine newscaster walk a fine line of attempting to pin her down on her doctrines while maintaining a respectful nature without acting like a bully.

I did notice too that Sarah appeared to contradict herself, as she talked about the “bridge to nowhere” which she allegedly supported at first and then flip-flopped when it became an unpopular attraction. Charlie asked her about pork barrel projects and cited a few examples that she had approved of while Governor. Glibly, Sarah countered by saying that the two illustrations (something about tree frogs I seem to recall) were ones that the local university had requested for research and were not gilding the pockets of her supporters.

Additionally, I heard her respond to being called a “maverick” by commenting, “Look where I live; I’m far away from the insiders in Washington.” Yet a few minutes later, she admitted to hiring lobbyists to promote a sports complex that was built because “the people wanted it.” Currently this structure has been criticized as an example of a “white elephant” with operational costs running into the millions.

Charlie remarked that Alaska was a state that was debt free until Sarah took office and created a pyramid of governmental expenditure by overspending and poorly investing. I’m sure after this initial interview, the McCain contingency will review her responses more times than the Zapruder film, and begin to spin their tangled web in the hopes of deceiving the American public. These political strategists should never underestimate the power of women who may follow the current fashion trends of “power glasses and dynamite bangs” but still find Sarah Palin’s lack of concrete answers and limited experience in the political arena scarier than a haunted house at Halloween….

Pressure points of no return

2008-09-13T00:54:00Z

My son Jay still is having difficulties with his swallowing. No one seems to know the cause. X-rays and CAT scans have shown nothing unusual or problematic. So, we decided to take a different route.

Jay is now trying alternative medicine. Actually, he is taking sessions of pressure points massages. We were first thinking of trying acupuncture, but because of his muscular atrophy, the specialists believed this would be a better match for Jay.

Once a week, a massage therapist/eastern medicine specialist comes to our home, to work with Jay. We trust her because she also has been a nurse for over 20 years, at the hospital Jay used to be admitted at. They have known each other for a long time and have an excellent rapport.

First, Jay has to close his eyes, while taking slow, deep breaths. Basically, she is trying to teach him to meditate, so he can relax and focus on being calm. Then, she gently pushes her thumb on certain spots, on his feet. There is some kind of connection with certain organs of the body and different areas on the feet. During this process, she is also taking slow, deep breaths.

Jay has only had a couple sessions, no significant improvement, as of yet. Although, he does feel some sensation with some of the pressure points. Especially, around his throat. She does say that she feels disruption in Jay's "energy field". I know, some of you may be cynical... sometimes, I am too. But when you reach a point where Western medicine has no answers, you look elsewhere. I just hope this will be the last place we need to look.

What can we believe about Sarah Pallin?

2008-09-11T00:27:00Z

I received an e-mail from my cousin yesterday, sent by an Anne Kilkenny who allegedly grew up with Sarah Palin. I noticed another blogger from Disaboom mentioned that he was happy that his voice would finally be heard in the White House if Sarah were elected on the Republican ticket with John McCain. During her acceptance speech, she vowed to “be a friend to the disabled community” after giving birth to a Down’s syndrome baby 4 months ago. She claimed to know how disabled people felt shunned and the President and Congress did not hear their voices clearly.

I thought about that “voice” and weighed it against the letter sent by this woman who has known Sarah since 1992. Here are some of the salient points she made about the vice presidential candidate. I’m wondering if it’s factual or fiction? At least it’s interesting to ponder…

Sarah is very smart and doesn’t take positions on ideas but “puts things out there” and if they prove to be popular, then she takes credit for them.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a “fiscal conservative”, yet during her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by 33%. The amount of taxes collected by Wasilla during the 6 year time frame increased by 38%. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners more than the residents of the city.

Sarah inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with a debt of over $22 million. She borrowed money ($1 million for a park, $15 million for a multi-use sports complex, supported bonds for $5.5 million for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 years without any borrowing.)

With the city’s budget surplus, Sarah did not invest it in technology that would make us more energy independent and increase efficiency, but she proposed distribution of this surplus to every individual in the state, thus ensuring her popularity would continue.

Additionally, Sarah continued to recommend that the state borrow/bond for the road projects even when she distributed the surplus to the taxpayers.

This vice presidential candidate tried to fire the city librarian because she refused to remove books that Sarah didn’t want on the shelves.

Once she became Mayor, she fired the experienced staff and hired new inexperienced people who were dependent on her for their jobs and very grateful and solely loyal to her.

As Governor, she recently fired Alaska’s top cop because he wouldn’t fire her sister’s ex-husband, a state trooper.

Supposedly this Anne Kilkenny can be googled so the reader can authenticate these claims. Anne also believes that “bad things happen when good people stay silent.” Of course I don’t believe everything that is in the news or in print, however, maybe we should pause a moment to determine if Sarah Palin is a maverick and strong leader for our great country or simply a wolf in designer sheep’s clothing…..

Whose Health Plan Would Help the Disabled More?

2008-09-07T21:23:00Z

After reviewing both Obama’s and McCain’s health plans, I’ve fine-tuned them to include the most salient points. Both of them have said they want to help people who can’t buy insurance on their own. John McCain, who has had cancer, may not have been able to get an individual policy, due to his illness.

Obama’s Plan:

He believes that the federal government should have the responsibility to make sure every American has access to health insurance.

Obama would require all insurance companies to offer a basic set of benefits to everyone at affordable rates, no matter what the person’s current medical condition might be.

He’d make sure that insurers wouldn’t charge ill people more or even turn these people away from getting a policy.

McCain’s Plan:

John wants to aid people when health insurance is too costly. He’d offer a tax credit, worth $2,500 annually (A family would receive a $5,000 tax credit.)

McCain believes it’s up to the states, with help from the federal government, to create programs for people who don’t qualify by insurers because of past or current medical conditions.

John suggest that more states might run programs such as “high-risk pools” that are available in 34 states. (Minnesota appears to have the best one at this point.)

What are the challenges under Obama’s plan?

Most Americans support the idea of universal coverage, but putting this into effect would require major changes. The government would have to regulate the insurance industry more than it ever has in the past. It would also need to raise money, by increasing taxes, for those earning more than $250,000, in order to help those who couldn’t afford to pay for their own coverage.

And the difficulties for McCain’s plan?

State run insurance programs can have premiums that cost up to twice as much as regular plans, Plus, most high-risk pools don’t cover costs that are related to pre existing conditions for at least six months or a year after someone has been enrolled in it. Not everyone can quality either. That’s a reason why high-risk pools only cover some 200,000 people in our entire country.

It’s time to think about which candidate’s plan would work best for you….

Hey Sarah, Want to Change your Mind About Sex Ed?

2008-09-06T19:19:00Z

It doesn’t upset me that Bristol Palin, the 17 year old daughter of the vice presidential candidate is “with child”. What does upset me, as an educator for over a quarter of a century, is to have her mother adamantly opposed to sex education in schools. This includes instruction on the availability and use of birth control. The main thrust of Sarah Palin’s philosophy is to preach abstinence only.

Seems rather ironic that such a program didn’t work for her own daughter, who is a child of a smart, successful woman. Perhaps this “role model” should rethink her present philosophy and how misguided and archaic it is in today’s society,

As an educator, I am happy that my school offers a Life Skills class that includes various forms of birth control to allow the student to make an educated choice in their own physical development. Parents are informed, via a letter that must be signed, that this instruction is taking place, and the parents have the choice of having their child opt out of the program. In my 24 years of being at this school, only 2 parents have refused to have their children participate in this instruction.

Their refusal ties into my basic philosophy of “parachutes are like minds; they must both be open to work.” In today’s fast past sexually charged society, with shows like “Gossip Girls” and movies such as “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”, it behooves parents to either educate their children at home or let the schools do it, to give their teens every opportunity to make an informed decision about their bodies. What is the point of keeping kids in the dark? Ignoring the problem will not make it go away, nor will a policy of “abstinence only” be realistic with the sexual imagery that young people are constantly bombarded by on tv, print ads, and movies.

If Sarah Palin doesn’t change her tune and admit to the ramifications of her “abstinence only” philosophy, then I don’t believe she can be a progressive and realistic leader who may potentially run our country some day….

Jerry, it’s time to say Sayonara

2008-09-04T17:19:00Z

I watched a great deal of the Labor Day MDA Telethon, and noticed that Jerry Lewis could use some assistance. He seems to be shaky and it also appears difficult for him to stand and walk. If that is truly the case, it’s time to pass the baton and make a few guest appearances without running the entire show. Jann Carl did an excellent job in Las Vegas, as did Dean Richards and Dina Blair here in Chicago at WGN studios.

I realize that Jerry IS the telethon and has been for over 50 years, but at some point, it’s time to graciously accept the fact that he needs some help if the telethon is to maintain its current level of decorum. I believe he tried to be humorous and “hip”, yet a lot of his jokes and banter fell flat, and I found it embarrassing to watch his demise or descent into old age.

I’m not saying that he should vanish entirely, but he needs to recognize his frailties and not let his ego cloud his judgment. I wonder how many other people found his hosting to be sub par and felt uncomfortable watching him try to resurrect his classic comedy routines? The MDA Association should meet now and begin to phase out some of his duties, if they hope to continue their viewer ship and accrue millions of dollars of pledges.

Of course one could argue that the telethon received a record amount of money this year, even with the price of fuel and food and our skittishness about the economy, Iraqi war and terrorism in general. I’m certain there are people who adore Jerry Lewis and consider him an icon and would argue that the telethon would not be the same without his presence. Then I say let him continue but in a lesser role, so the show moves more efficiently and with less puzzling conversation from him.

Has Jerry recently suffered a stroke or other ailment? I noticed that he continued to move his mouth as though he had on ill-fitting dentures. Hopefully he will recognize the need to step aside so his “baby” can continue to grow with some fresh hands on deck. It’s a sad fact of life that everyone is replaceable at some point, and it takes a mature and realistic attitude to know when that time has come. Jerry, I hope you can hear the fat lady singing now…