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As I’m sure most of you have read, actress Valerie Harper has come out publicly with her recent diagnosis of a terminal and incurable form of brain cancer.

And I have to say, upon hearing this news last week, I was devastated and felt extremely saddened.

I also think that because of the recent passing of my mother with a cancer that eventually went to her brain, hearing this hit close to home. And ironically, my mother and Valerie were almost the same age.


Valerie Harper is most known for her role as, Rhoda, on the Mary Tyler Moore Show, and then later went on to have her own show, Rhoda.

Yet, she is also a seasoned stage actress as well.

Valerie Harper as Tallulah Bankhead in the Broadway show, Looped

I guess because I have been following her career through the mediums of television, film and theater for so long, it seemed as though I was hearing this news about someone I knew personally. Also, because Valerie Harper has such an amazing way of expressing herself so genuinely through interviews that I’ve watched throughout these many years, she has always come across as someone I would adore hanging out with and being friends. There is something very lovable and comfortable about Valerie Harper.

Last week I spent a lot of time reading articles online and viewing video clips of Harper speaking openly about her diagnosis, and how she’s dealing with it. And it finally dawned on me WHY, for all these years, I have sensed her as someone special.

It’s her unbelievable attitude and perception.

Valerie has taken what has been a very shocking piece of news from her doctors and decided to share with the world, what it is that she is learning through this diagnosis.

And what has impressed me the most is that she is not only speaking candidly about all the various emotions she’s feeling of her fear in not knowing how long she has left to live; the possibility of experiencing pain; the grief in leaving her family and loved ones, but more so how she has made the choice to embrace this chapter of her life and live it with a positive attitude – and to the fullest. In spite of her fears.

And another thing that has impressed me about Valerie is the way she looks - physically. Even though she has a terminal illness and may only have three months to live, she looks so vibrant, healthy and alive. She literally glows with an internal light.

Here are some quotes from Harper:


Valerie is doing something that I myself try to exercise in my own life, but sometimes struggle with.

Perhaps we can take what this extraordinary lady is trying to convey with the time she has remaining; learning from what she is sharing with us.

Live the moment.

Because really, that’s where life happens.

In the now.

I leave you with a short video clip of Valerie Harper.

Thank you, Valerie. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And for sharing it so openly and honestly. Live on, girl, and know that you are LOVED!

62 comments:

  1. This is incredible, Ron.


    I think of all the foolish things I complain and worry about and then I listen to this courageous woman so bravely talking about the end of her life and I feel ashamed of myself. Living the moment is so important because right now is all we have.

    Her story is so moving, so inspiring. I can see why you wrote this post, given the loss of your mother, and I really thank you for it. Take care, buddy!

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  2. Isn't she beautiful? I remember watching her shows as a kid and always thinking how pretty she was (and still is!). A brave, brave lady.

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  3. I love the quotes from Valerie, what a brave lady she is! The only sure thing in life is that we are born and we die, there's no point in worrying about dying as it will happen regardless. I pray she doesn't have to suffer too much pain in the process.

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  4. wow ron... i am moved to tears reading your post. firstly in the silent pain and wistful feelings i sense in you over your mother's passing. big hugs!!


    and it's so moving and inspirational to read of her determination and spirit. it hits somewhere deep inside me as i ponder my own fate with the past exposure to so much toxicity. i have tried hard not to worry or spend lots of time focussed on what might be but rather simply be in the moment and it's damned hard. thank you for this gift today. i needed to read and hear her story. blessings to you and to her~ (((ron)))

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  5. I really enjoyed that clip. Very Buddhist of her. And I believe it. When I get caught up in worry about what's ahead I remind myself (and frequently remind my patients) that THIS day is all we get. Yesterday is over, tomorrow is not guaranteed, so live TODAY. And I really, really try to enjoy each one I'm given. I'm glad I read it first thing in the morning to take with me today. Thanks, friend!

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  6. I've always adored Valerie Harper. Thank you for this, and especially for including these fabulous quotes from her.

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  7. Hiya Suzi~

    "I've always adored Valerie Harper."



    Meeeeee too! Ya just wanna hug her :)


    I found the quotes online from several interviews she's given over the past week.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful week!


    X

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  8. Good morning Secret Agent Woman~

    I couldn't decide which clip to use for this post because I loved so many of them. This one seemed to express the gist of her message and it was of a short length to share within a blog post.

    "When I get caught up in worry about what's ahead I remind myself (and frequently remind my patients) that THIS day is all we get. Yesterday is over, tomorrow is not guaranteed, so live TODAY. And I really, really try to enjoy each one I'm given."



    *clapping*


    You shared that perfectly!!!!!!!


    So live TODAY.


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. And thank you for sharing your lovely words within this post. Have a terrific week!


    X

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  9. Gooooooood morning Linda!

    " firstly in the silent pain and wistful feelings i sense in you over your mother's passing."

    Yes my friend you're right, hearing this news brought back recent memories for me and the attitude in which my mother handled her own death - with acceptance and grace. And I truly believe that because she did, she left this earth peacefully and with a smile on her face.

    " it hits somewhere deep inside me as i ponder my own fate with the past exposure to so much toxicity. i have tried hard not to worry or spend lots of time focused on what might be but rather simply be in the moment and it's damned hard."



    Yes is dammed hard, for sure, but I think you embrace your challenges with much acceptance and grace as well :)


    Much thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post, Linda!


    Have a lovely week!


    ((((((((( You )))))))))


    xoxoxoxox

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  10. Good morning Pearl~

    "The only sure thing in life is that we are born and we die, there's no point in worrying about dying as it will happen regardless."

    Amen! And I love how Valerie said that we need to accept that and then let it go.

    " I pray she doesn't have to suffer too much pain in the process."



    Yes, me too. With the type of cancer my mother had, it was actually a blessing that it moved to her brain because it numbed any pain. Yet, I know that every cancer is different.


    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely week!


    X

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  11. Greetings Bijoux!

    Yes, she sure is BEAUTIFUL!

    " I remember watching her shows as a kid and always thinking how pretty she was (and still is!)."



    Meeee too! Isn't it AMAZING how gorgeous she looks? And STILL! I cannot believe she is almost 74 years old!?!?


    Thank so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!


    X

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  12. Hey there Rob~

    Yes, isn't she INCREDIBLE????

    "I think of all the foolish things I complain and worry about and then I listen to this courageous woman so bravely talking about the end of her life and I feel ashamed of myself."

    I think we ALL do that from time to time, it's only human. But to listen to Valerie speak really puts our worries into perspective, doesn't it?

    "Her story is so moving, so inspiring. I can see why you wrote this post, given the loss of your mother, and I really thank you for it."



    You are so welcome. As I read her story last week, it really hit me hard because of the similarity in my mother's diagnosis AND also the similar attitude my mother had. I remember her saying back last March, when she was first diagnosed, "We just have to accept this and embrace it."


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantabulous week!


    X

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  13. Ron, what a beautiful and moving tribute to Valerie and her amazingly positive attitude! This post brought a tear to my eye. I too was also devastated to hear this new last week. I was a huge Mary Tyler Moore fan and Rhoda. And you're so right in saying that Valerie has a lovable and comfortable feeling about her, because she does.


    Thank you so much for sharing this post. I loved reading her quotes. Especially the last one.


    Have a wonderful week, Ron. X

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  14. I had no idea Valerie Harper was 70 years of age, or that she had brain cancer. I did enjoy the clip where she talked to Piers Morgan, he ekes out the best points about people, don't you think? Valerie Hudson was one of my favourite actresses a long time ago and I am so sorry that she is terminally ill. She is a courageous woman, there's no doubt about that, and I wish her as peaceful an existence as she can possibly have. God bless her.

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  15. Hola Denise~

    Thank you. Upon hearing this news last week, I knew I wanted to share something about it because Valerie's attitude just blew me away. And also, because of the similarity in my mother's attitude upon hearing her own diagnosis last March, it really hit home for me.



    Both my mother and Valerie shared the same thing....acceptance and embrace the moments. My mother never lost her sense of peace and faith.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have fabulous week!!!


    X

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  16. Good morning Valerie!

    I just recently heard this last week, while I was a work. One of the guys I work with had heard it that morning and then told us.

    "I had no idea Valerie Harper was 70 years of age."

    I know, can you believe that she is in her 70's?!?!?! I swear to god, she almost looks exactly like she did when she was doing the Mary Tyler Moore show. She still has that same internal, bright glow about her that she did back then.

    "I did enjoy the clip where she talked to Piers Morgan, he ekes out the best points about people, don't you think?'

    Yes, he sure does! He gave an excellent interview.

    "She is a courageous woman, there's no doubt about that, and I wish her as peaceful an existence as she can possibly have. God bless her."



    Amen, dear lady! Much thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely week!


    X

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  17. I recently stumbled upon a blog written by a 55 year old woman with terminal cancer, and she has a similar positive attitude that I find very inspiring. I mean, Valerie's "everybody is terminal" line makes perfect sense and you can't argue with the logic, but if it was me I'd probably be curled up in a fetal position in the corner blubbering my eyes out - which makes people like her (and the blogger I'm reading) even more courageous, in my mind.

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  18. Hey Mark!

    "I recently stumbled upon a blog written by a 55 year old woman with terminal cancer, and she has a similar positive attitude that I find very inspiring."

    WOW! Hey listen, if you have a minute sometime this week, could you please either email me or leave a comment with her blog URL because I would love to visit and read what she has to say. Thanks :)

    " I mean, Valerie's "everybody is terminal" line makes perfect sense and you can't argue with the logic, but if it was me I'd probably be curled up in a fetal position in the corner bawling my eyes out - which makes people like her (and the blogger I'm reading) even more courageous, in my mind."

    You're right Mark, it does make perfect sense but if we were actually hit with this kind of news ourselves, it would be initially devastating and horrific. And that's one of the things Valerie shared on an interview I recently saw. She initially went through tears, fear, and shock, but somehow found the strength to embrace it and continue living until the funeral. AMAZING courage!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  19. I've loved her for as long as I can remember
    Rhoda was such a NYer
    the accent, the attitude, her family
    all of it was wonderful
    I loved Valerie and Cloris together
    as much as I think Mart Tyler Moore is fabulous I always thought Valerie and Cloris were by far better comedic actresses who could also do everything else


    I loved when she said "don't go to the funeral before the day of the funeral"


    love ya

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  20. Hey there Lady Dianne!

    "Rhoda was such a NYerthe accent, the attitude, her family
    all of it was wonderful"

    You said it!!! I LOVED her whole NYer thing!!!!

    "as much as I think Mart Tyler Moore is fabulous I always thought Valerie and Cloris were by far better comedic actresses who could also do everything else."

    I couldn't agree with you more! Rhoda and Phyllis were my two favorite characters on that show. Cloris was a RIOT!!!!!!!!!!!

    I watched an interview online this weekend, which had Cloris AND Valerie together talking about her illness. OMG...it brought tears to my eyes.

    "I loved when she said "don't go to the funeral before the day of the funeral"

    Isn't that AWESOME???

    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a MARVI week!

    X ya!

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  21. That first quote of her's really knocked me down, Ron! How true, because then you miss the life you have left. Wow!


    I remember watching Valerie/Rhoda on the MTM show back in the 70's and having a crush on her. Damn, and she still looks good! Have you ever seen the Neil Simon movie, Chapter Two? She played Marsha Masons best friend. Wonderful role!


    Live on, Valerie!

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  22. Hiya Matt~

    "That first quote of her's really knocked me down, Ron!"

    It's very sobering, isn't it?

    " Have you ever seen the Neil Simon movie, Chapter Two? She played Marsha Masons best friend. Wonderful role!"



    OH. MY. GOD....I cannot believe you mentioned that movie because it is truly one of my favorite Neil Simon movies (that, and "Only When I Laugh"). Yes, she was faaaaaaabulous in that role! And it's so freakin' ironic that you mentioned that film because I have been trying get a copy of it at F.Y.E. for the past year, yet it seems to be out of distribution. I may have to try Amazon.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud. Have a wonderful week!

    X

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  23. Death is inevitable. Now leave it alone.

    WOW! She IS remarkable! We know that no one is getting out alive, but to just think that then drop it and LIVE is very powerful. And when she said, if we had less resistance to death we'd be happier. That's so true, too! Because the fear of death can be paralyzing. It's when we let go of the "control" that we're truly in control.

    It's sad that Valerie won't be blessing us with her physical self...but her legacy will live on. She should feel so proud. Her acting aside, her "spirit" is pure and this earthly plane is better for it.

    Thank you for this post, Ron. I enjoyed that interview. I could "feel" her optimism.

    Have a fantabulous week!

    ((HUGS))

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  24. Helloooooooooo Pam~

    "Death is inevitable. Now leave it alone."

    Don't you just LOVE that????

    " And when she said, if we had less resistance to death we'd be happier. That's so true, too! Because the fear of death can be paralyzing. It's when we let go of the "control" that we're truly in control."

    Amen! Love how you said that!

    And I think death keeps us in the "OMG...I have to do everything I want to do before I die" mode, which prevents us from enjoying the NOW.

    "It's sad that Valerie won't be blessing us with her physical self...but her legacy will live on."

    Pam, that's exactly what I thought too. She is leaving her legacy WHILE she's still alive. And doing it consciously.

    " I enjoyed that interview. I could "feel" her optimism."

    Wasn't that interview awesome? And yes....you can literally FEEL her optimistic spirit. She GLOWS!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous Monday and week!

    (((((( You ))))))

    X

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  25. Ron, what a lovely tribute to a lovely lady! I've enjoyed watching Valerie for years, and I admire the way she's setting such a good example for all of us in her dealing with this diagnosis.
    We all know logically that we're going to die -- that's a given. We don't know the particulars, how, when, where, with whom. I imagine Valerie's positive frame of mind will be a big help, not only to her physically and emotionally but also to us who will be watching. Going out as a shining light could be her best "performance" yet!

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  26. Hello there Debbie~

    Thank you. This post felt so bittersweet to share because I wanted to highlight her extraordinary attitude and spirit about her diagnosis, but it saddens me all the same. Yet, as I heard Valerie share in one her recent interviews, that it might be only 3 months, but it also might be 6 months to year because you can never really be sure, so she's living with hope and intention.

    " I imagine Valerie's positive frame of mind will be a big help, not only to her physically and emotionally but also to us who will be watching. Going out as a shining light could be her best "performance" yet!"

    Beeeeautifully stated, Debbie!

    Always so nice to see you, dear lady. Have a splendid week!

    X

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  27. Beautifully expressed, Ron! I wish Valerie would find this post because I know she would love what have shared about her. It's pretty amazing to read and watch how she is handling this because not many of us could do what she is doing. Remarkable lady!

    I watched the clip from Looped on your sidebar. What a hoot! A friend of mine saw the show in preview before it went to Broadway and he loved it. He said her performance was so uncanny as Tallulah.

    Thank you for posting this today, Ron.

    And peace to you, Valerie!

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  28. Hey ho Robert!

    " It's pretty amazing to read and watch how she is handling this because not many of us could do what she is doing. Remarkable lady!"

    I agree, remarkable lady! I love and admire how she decided to just come out with it herself instead of being private about it because what she is sharing with us is SO valuable.

    "I watched the clip from Looped on your sidebar. What a hoot! A friend of mine saw the show in preview before it went to Broadway and he loved it. He said her performance was so uncanny as Tallulah."

    OMG...you're kidding me?!?!? I would have LOVED to seen that show on Broadway myself, but it only ran less than a month. Which shocked me because everything I heard and read about it were RAVE reviews. She was even nominated for a Tony! There are several clips from the show on You Tube which I have watched, and can I tell I would have enjoyed it thoroughly.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you had a great Monday. Enjoy your week!

    X

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  29. yeah this was very sad news, i have been following a little bit (read articles/saw her on tv) and she is very brave. i would be a mess, but she doesn't have that poor or why me attitude. her story definitely gives me strength when i'm dealing with whatever and different my situation could be. i doubt i will have the grace to handle it like she has and God bless her.

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  30. Hey there V Girl!

    " i would be a mess, but she doesn't have that poor or why me attitude. her story definitely gives me strength when i'm dealing with whatever and different my situation could be. i doubt i will have the grace to handle it like she has and God bless her."

    Yes, isn't that amazing???? And what I really love about what she is sharing is yes, FEEL all the fear and sadness that goes along with it...but don't stay there. Continue to LIVE what time you have left.

    " i first read it i thought about it for a good while. deep actually. (i'm not dying until i do) we can be alive and dead at the same time in many ways."

    LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! the excellent point you brought up....we can be alive and dead at the same time in many ways.

    VERY deep!

    You are sooooooooo spot on because I've seen many people who are alive, but have such a sadness about them because they seem lost, or without passion. So they appear dead.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, girl. Have a super week!

    X

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  31. I agree. She looks so amazing! She's always been such a favorite of mine. It was heartbreaking to hear this sad news but God bless her bravery and spirit.

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  32. Hey there Chrissy~

    I know, you would never even know to look at her that she has anything wrong with her. She positively GLOWS with life!

    Always been a fav of mine as well.

    " It was heartbreaking to hear this sad news but God bless her bravery and spirit."



    Ditto. Rock on, Valerie!


    Thanks for stopping by, girl :) Hope you had a marvi Monday and week!


    X to you and the gang!

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  33. Jay of The Depp EffectMonday, March 18, 2013

    That is one brave and, yes, vibrant lady! To face such a diagnosis with the flair and courage that she is showing is extraordinary, and I'm absolutely certain her hopes will be realised and she will indeed help hundreds, if not thousands, of people cope with their own terminal illnesses.

    Thanks for sharing that story with us. It is humbling.

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  34. Hiya Jay~

    "Thanks for sharing that story with us. It is humbling."

    Yes, it is humbling, you're absolutely right. It quickly puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Snaps us right back into living life NOW.

    "...and I'm absolutely certain her hopes will be realised and she will indeed help hundreds, if not thousands, of people cope with their own terminal illnesses."

    Beautifully stated, Jay! And yes, I think so too.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had terrific Monday. Enjoy your week!

    X

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  35. I've been keeping up with this story, and applaud Valerie Harper for tackling her condition head-on in such a positive manner. It's true that none of us get out of this alive, but knowing when you're time will be up but still keeping your head up high serves as a powerful example for all of us to never give up. Valerie is strong, talented woman who everyone should hold in high regard.

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  36. I think I'm one of the few that didn't have this information. So when I read here this morning and watched the clips--I had to walk away. Ya know--"first you cry.... "


    Amazing attitude she has going on. I do wish she could bottle a bit of that to hang on to cuz it's going to get tough *sigh* --it's such a personal thing, this 'end of life' stuff. We all handle it in our own way, with our own twists.....with or without dignity and grace--we muddle through it best we can. I still find death and dying to be a fairly uncomfortable thing for folks to talk, whether they be family, friend or the dying person. Too many people have to walk through it alone because of their/other's discomfort with the topic. I've nothing but HUGE respect for hospice folks who spend the ending days with the dying--I do wish they were available at the front end of it. It's so hard, yaknow?
    Rambling--obviously because (in part) of my own up-close and personal experiences, and the experiences of people I love/care about. In part, it's the 'how much do you really SAY'.....because it's such an 'uneasy' thing for folks to just talk about or be heard on.
    Which is why I very much like a number of her sayings. We're all terminal...and come to the funeral on the day OF the funeral.
    Good things.
    It's the stuff 'living in the day' is made of. It's what she has--and she knows it.


    I don't like cancer.


    (That's putting it mildly.......)


    *hugs to you*

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  37. Hey there Herman~

    "I've been keeping up with this story, and applaud Valerie Harper for tackling her condition head-on in such a positive manner."

    Me too. I APPLAUD her!

    "... but knowing when you're time will be up but still keeping your head up high serves as a powerful example for all of us to never give up. Valerie is strong, talented woman who everyone should hold in high regard."

    Amen! And what impresses me the most is that it has to be so much harder to know, than not know - and then hit it straight on they way Valerie is doing.

    Thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post, buddy! Hope you're feeling better. Enjoy your week!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  38. Hiya Mel!

    " So when I read here this morning and watched the clips--I had to walk away. Ya know--"first you cry.... "

    That's perfectly understandable because you should have seen my reaction when "I" first found out. CRIED like a baby.

    " I do wish she could bottle a bit of that to hang on to cuz it's going to get tough *sigh* --"

    I have a VERY strong feeling that she will see this through to the end, with the same grace, dignity and attitude she presently has.

    " I still find death and dying to be a fairly uncomfortable thing for folks to talk, whether they be family, friend or the dying person. Too many people have to walk through it alone because of their/other's discomfort with the topic"

    Exactly. Which is why I think what Valerie is doing is so amazing. I mean even BEFORE she dies, she is leaving a legacy to us all to live in the moment UNTIL we actually die.

    "Which is why I very much like a number of her sayings. We're all terminal...and come to the funeral on the day OF the funeral.
    Good things.
    It's the stuff 'living in the day' is made of. It's what she has--and she knows it."


    Isn't she SUCH an inspiration to us all?


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Hope your first day back at work was AWESOME!


    Have super-duper week!


    (((((( You )))))))

    X ya!

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  39. Ron, my friend saw Looped in DC during it's run there. Yes, it's a shame it didn't last longer on Broadway.

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  40. Robert...thanks so much for letting me know where he saw it because I was going ask you in my comment, but forgot. I thought perhaps he may have seen it in CA.

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  41. Good morning Ronnie,
    I started reading and looking at the video with
    :(((
    I ended up with
    :)))
    Valerie's attitude is one of strenght, faith and an incredible lucidity that should make each of us stop and think.
    Of course, I remember with joy seeing Valerie as Mary Tyler Moore's girlfriend and on the Rhoda show.
    Funny, chatty and bubbly with that NYC accent :).
    You are so right, girl. Live everything now and carry no regrets about it all.
    Thank you for sharing, my dear. This was so inspirational.
    Sending love and sunshine to Philly xoxox

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  42. I always liked her character, Rhoda on the Mary Tyler Moore show. To see this side of her is a wonderful tribute to her strength and attitude. I'm not sure many of us would embrace this diagnosis with as much grace and dignity as she is doing. She continues to be an inspiration to everyone, especially those suffering from similar hopelessness. Since this hits so close to home for you, I hope her words can give you some semblance of comfort about your mom and life itself. It's odd, but my post today deals with life being short. A post that's been sitting in my drafts for a week! Thank you for posting this and continuing to share her journey with everyone. If her words help just one person, it's worth it.

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  43. Bonjour Barb!

    "I started reading and looking at the video with:(((
    I ended up with
    :)))"

    I know, isn't it amazing that you think she would look and sound sick and depressed, yet she looks so vibrant and sounds so upbeat and positive??

    "Valerie's attitude is one of strength, faith and an incredible lucidity that should make each of us stop and think."

    I agree, Barb! She is an inspiration to us all, to live now, to live in the moment; in spite of any adversity.



    Rock on, Valerie!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear friend. Have a beautiful week!


    ((((((( You )))))))


    X to you and D

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  44. Greetings Lisa~

    "To see this side of her is a wonderful tribute to her strength and attitude. I'm not sure many of us would embrace this diagnosis with as much grace and dignity as she is doing."

    I agree with you 100%. Not many of us would.

    "Since this hits so close to home for you, I hope her words can give you some semblance of comfort about your mom and life itself."

    Yes, is sure does. In fact, Valerie's attitude and grace are very similar to my mother's attitude when she was first diagnosed last March. She said, "Ronnie, we need to accept and embrace this." Blessedly, my mother died very peaceful and with a smile on her face.

    "It's odd, but my post today deals with life being short. A post that's been sitting in my drafts for a week!"


    Looking forward to reading it, Lisa!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  45. I have never seen her, so I don't really know who she is. Having watched the video, I can see what a wonderful person she is, with a great attitude to life and death.

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  46. Good morning Babs~

    "... I can see what a wonderful person she is, with a great attitude to life and death."



    Yes, she is :) Her attitude is truly amazing.


    If you ever get the chance or feel like it, you can check out some episodes of Mary Tyler Moore on You Tube, where you will find Valerie Harper as Rhoda. She was so awesome in that role.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Babs. Have a lovely week, my friend.


    X to you and Mo!

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  47. Valerie is a hero in every sense of the word. She is awesome. Talk about strength and dignity. I echo your sentiments Ron.
    Xo
    Jeanne

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  48. Good morning Jeanne~

    " Talk about strength and dignity."



    Amen! Yes, such DIGNITY.


    Thank you for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're having a great week and are feeling better.


    (((((( You )))))))


    X to you and the girlz!

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  49. You're welcome, Ron!

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  50. Hello Ron! (kiss*kiss)

    I know it's been awhile. I have missed being here. Anyway, awesome post about an awesome woman! I've been watching Valerie since she was on Mary Tyler Moore & I was very young. She still looks the same & has that same spark. I think we'd all do better to listen to this very wise woman.
    Love ya!!!!!

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  51. Ron, Thank You for such a wonderful post. Life takes on all shapes and episodes.

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  52. Hey there Dave~

    "Life takes on all shapes and episodes."



    It sure does, buddy. And isn't Valerie's attitude such an inspiration to us all?


    Live in the moment. Live now.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a terrific week!
    X

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  53. Helloooooooooooooooooo Collette!!!!

    OMG...it's so awesome to see ya, dear lady! Hope all is going well with you and that you're enjoying Spring.

    "She still looks the same & has that same spark. I think we'd all do better to listen to this very wise woman."



    Amen! Doesn't it just blow you away how incredibly alive and vibrant she looks?


    Have a great rest of your week and thanks a bunch for stopping by!


    (((((( You ))))))


    X ya!

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  54. P.S. Hey, Collette...I don't know if you're still blogging, but the next time you stop by please leave your blog URL in your comment so I can stop by your blog. Thanks....X

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  55. Collette PalmerFriday, March 22, 2013

    Well, the calendar may say Spring, but Mother Nature says "Nay". It may finally get in the '40's next week. I think our very mild winter last year made Mother Nature decide to stick it to us this year. I also heard on the news that someone is going to sue your home state groundhog because of it. Yes, I'm serious. People will sue for anything these days. Oh yes, still blogging & am trying to make it more often this year.
    mybabciasbabushka.blogspot.com

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  56. "Well, the calendar may say Spring, but Mother Nature says "Nay". It may finally get in the '40's next week. I think our very mild winter last year made Mother Nature decide to stick it to us this year."


    You said it, Collette! We're supposed to get SNOW this weekend or next. Spring? I think NOT - HA!


    Thanks for leaving your blog URL. I will place it on my reader to get your updates!


    (((( You ))))


    X

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  57. I got your email, thanks!

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  58. Wow, she's really wonderful. I hadn't seen much of her for a long time but certainly do remember her from MTMS.

    Even though I know it's not the best way to 'live' life... I do tend to think way too much about the what ifs and think about death sometimes a bit too much. Not just my own, but I'm afraid for everyone else too. lol I stay awake some nights just to nudge my hubby or make him roll over when he's having a rough time with the sleep apnea that he says isn't so bad. When his cholesterol was high a few years ago, I put him on a strict diet 'til the numbers came down. Of course, he's now back to eating everything. I worry about him more than he worries about him. And don't even get me started on the horrors of having grandchildren who jump and run and put things in their mouth. OMG!

    Oh, I could go on and on... you know, come to think of it I'd probably get along perfectly with Woody Allen. haha!



    Nice post, Ron. And I enjoyed the quotes too. She has a good attitude!

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  59. Helloooooooo Mary~

    Isn't she AMAZING??? I've been following her career for YEARS, so I was very upset when I heard the news. :(

    "Even though I know it's not the best way to 'live' life... I do tend to think way too much about the what ifs and think about death sometimes a bit too much."

    I do too at times. In fact, I think MOST people do. But then, when I see Valerie's attitude, it sorta snaps me back into remembering to live each moment because NOW is really all we ever have.

    "Oh, I could go on and on... you know, come to think of it I'd probably get along perfectly with Woody Allen. haha!"



    HA! An I LOVE Woody Allen!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Thanks for stopping by, neighbor! Enjoy your weekend!

    X

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  60. I was very saddened when I heard this news. I watched some of her interviews on tv. This is one of the few times when I've seen someone go public with a diagnosis with this and felt as if she was handling it in the media in a totally authentic and giving way. Sometimes it seems so totally self-indulgent (which I feel guilty saying about someone who is dying.) But, it's true. In her case, it felt different.
    I loved her in the Mary Tyler Moore show.

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  61. Hiya Jen~

    "This is one of the few times when I've seen someone go public with a diagnosis with this and felt as if she was handling it in the media in a totally authentic and giving way. Sometimes it seems so totally self-indulgent (which I feel guilty saying about someone who is dying.) But, it's true. In her case, it felt different."

    I totally agree with you, Jen, because she is speaking about it without a trace of self-indulgence, pity, or any kind attention-grabbing. It's almost as if she's expression something that her SOUL is wanting to share as some sort of 'message' from beyond.

    Live in the moment.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a fantabulous weekend!

    X

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