Monday, March 24, 2014

Printed!

Today's L.A. Times:  "The Man Who Died Laughing" 
The first time my name ever appeared in a publication (other than the high school newspaper or literary magazine) I was so excited, I called up a certain someone at his office, and in the giddiest,   voice ever, said, "Daddy, I've been printed!" I was 16.  I still had some vocabulary issues.  After that, nothing has quite matched the initial buzz of recognition, or the joy in my dad's over-the-top response. It was one of our best shared moments, one we kept reliving for the next 40 years.  He loved to say it no matter the occasion, at random, non-sensical times, whether I was arriving condo-side with his favorite salad or leaving after a nice visit. He said it to cheer me up when I was feeling discouraged.  He said it just to get a laugh, or at the very least, a smile.  And he mimicked my 16-year-old voice, perfectly.  So today, I can say, "Daddy, I've been printed!" even though it's bittersweet, but then, these days, that's the recurring theme.
Posted by Carol Starr Schneider at 8:13 AM

8 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 24, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Dear Carol,
    I loved your article in the LA Times today. Last year I went through (with my dad, and years ago with my mom) what you are going through now. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful father in your life. I pity the man who tries to keep you entertained after this.

    I came to your realization about the importance of laughter after my mom died in March more than 20 years ago. I was doing morning traffic reports at the time on a popular LA radio show and I was due back on St. Patrick's Day, one of my mom's favorite days. Honestly, I didn't think I'd ever be able to laugh again, I missed her so much. My mom, like your dad knew how to light up a room.

    But, little by little as the morning men, expertly took the reins and started doing their unbelievably bad Irish accents and silly jokes, it happened; I laughed and kept laughing through the morning.

    I was so relieved that I even wrote to the guys about how important what they did was. It helped people like me climb out of sadness and probably helped hundreds of thousands get through their day with a smile. I can't think of a profession that's more noble. So God bless your dad, I hope he's sitting with Abe Lincoln right now having a nice big deli sandwich and some hot chicken soup.
    Sincerely,
    Fran Tunno
    http://atfranstable.wordpress.com

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  2. Carol Starr SchneiderMarch 24, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    Thank you Fran! So great to hear from you!

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  3. Cheryl JonesMarch 24, 2014 at 4:22 PM

    I wondered why I needed to read the front page section of the Times today. I usually don't. But, today, I felt like I should. Then, I saw your wonderful editorial and knew that's what had been calling me. Such a delight to read. Your Dad would have loved it.

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  4. Ellen BloomMarch 24, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    Hi Carol, We don't know each other, but I heard your Dad's name often during my life. My mother dated your Dad at UCLA for a very brief time. Every time she'd see your Dad's name on a TV credit, she always said, "Hah! Good for Ben! He's a success." Today Mom called and told me about your article. She LOVED it and said, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Ben's daughter is very funny and talented."
    I do believe they ran into each other through the years at various social functions and always had a big hello for each other.
    I lost my Dad (George Bloom) 10 years ago. Luckily, Mom (Roz) is still with us, laughing and loving life. Thanks for the heart-felt article. Mom is correct, you ARE talented! Best, Ellen Bloom Underhill

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    Replies
    1. Carol Starr SchneiderMarch 24, 2014 at 6:39 PM

      Ellen, you absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for sharing this info with me. My dad would get such a huge kick out this. I was so lucky to have a wonderful dad and mom - I lost her over 14 years ago. I didn't think my dad would survive very long without her, but he found a way to laugh again and carry on. Thank you so much for your kind words and give your mom a hug from me.

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  5. Ellen BloomMarch 25, 2014 at 10:23 AM

    Thanks for the reply, Carol. I'll definitely give Mom a hug for you! Have fun in Santa Fe! I was there about 2 years ago with my high school g.f.'s, celebrating our "important" b-day. It's a touristy place, but fun. The food is great! I'm following your blog now....very entertaining and pithy! My blog is "L.A. Is My Beat," all about my L.A. adventures and YARN!

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  6. Carol Starr SchneiderMarch 25, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    Oh, I wish I were crafty! I'll check it out and friend you on Facebook. I notice you know Erlin! Small world!

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