Saturday, January 10, 2009
A story behind everyone.
Late in my career as a writer for newspapers, I learned to like writing obituaries. Didn't have to do it very often. But when I did, I'd try to glorify or glamorize the guy or gal. I'd like to take people who have been perceived as ordinary and make them extraordinary. In one way or another. And usually, I could do it by interviewing a close friend or a loved one. I'd ask, what do you remember the most about him/her? And I'd take off from there. Often, it was a poignant remembrance. Sometimes, it got humorous. Downright funny. Which is all right. Helps the grieving process. Anyway, our local weekly newspaper doesn't do much with obituaries. Just a few bare facts. Other then when someone quite prominent in the community dies. I think the paper should have a full-time obituary writer. And everyone should get a glamorized final send-off. Yes, the way I'd do it. Because there isn't anyone who's plain ordinary, really. There's an interesting story behind everyone. No exceptions. --Jim Broede
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2 comments:
Jeanne C. Broede
Jeanne C. Broede, 80, of Forest Lake, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughter, Marianne "Kiki" Meline (G. Robert Johnson); son, Jack Meline; grandchildren, Erikka (Chris) Anderson, Josh Karasz, Ryan and Brittany Kelley; sister, Mary Ann Long.
Not glamoized, not humorous, just plain ordinary. I for one would think that if someonen is as talented as you claim you are you would of written something for your dear jeanne. Furthermore YOU can pay to have what you choose to be written. Yes it cost money for the number of words or lines, but it can and is done. Thats your choice.
I would also like to add, that you stated earlier in this blog that Jeanne was a private pay till your nest egg ran out then went on Medicaid. I just wonder if you didn't just use the system to get her on Medicaid. Is this not in a way the same thing you complain about daily? Use of taxpayer's dollars to fund things it shouldn't?
Just food for thought
Oh, Anna, you know not of what you speak. You need to become educated. You need to collect the facts. Otherwise you will appear stupid and ill-informed. Jeanne had a beautiful obituary in the local weekly newspaper called the Forest Lake Times. Nicely written by one of the local writers who knew her. So very nice. There also was a routine paid for obituary in the daily St. Paul Pioneer Press. With just the routine biographical stuff. Also I think many of my nearly 6,000 postings on the Alzheimer's message boards over the years have been a tribute to Jeanne. Yes, I continue to write tributes to her even 2 years after her death. Jeanne was a big part of my life for almost 40 years. The biggest blessing I ever had. She was glamorous. She was a goddess, so to speak. She taught me so very much about love. If you've read all I've written about Jeanne, you would have learned that Jeanne and I had a profound influence on each other. Still do. Especially in spiritual ways. Something that will last forever.
And yes, I used the Medicaid system the best I could to qualify Jeanne for some degree of government aid to pay her $5,000-a-month bills at the nursing home. But I had to spend down our savings considerably first. I have no complaint about that. Fair is fair. And I've long advocated more government (taxpayers) participation in making health care more affordable for all Americans. I'm for a single payer universal health care system. That's no secret. It's a dirty rotten shame that nearly 50 million Americans are without health insurance. On the other hand, I've questioned some of the government bailouts of the rich bankers and money lenders. Because I'm not certain that this will narrow the gap between the rich and poor in America.
Anyway, Anna, you are too typical of the small group I call the snob ladies on the Alzheimer's message boards. You are obsessed with me. You keep coming back to read my blog. Which I take as a compliment. But I'm sure you could find better things to do. This obsession you have could well be an illness. Treatable. Please try to get some help. --Jim
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