JERRY

This is for those of you who have read his articles and stories but perhaps didn’t know Jerry Ahern personally.  These are a few of the reasons we will remember him on this, the one year anniversary of his passing.

                Jerry loved his country.  He knew it was the greatest country on earth and that no matter what goes on here, no matter which party runs the show, America will eventually be populated again by sane, sensible people who will protect the rights granted to all of us under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 

                He believed that if you work hard and you have some sort of financial success,  it is your decision if you wish to help others.  Charity of any sort should come from your heart, not from the government or decisions made at your workplace, without your consultation.  He believed people would be more generous if they were not pressured into it.  Helping people with your money or your time or expertise was something you should feel good about.  Jerry’s heart was a mother lode of generosity.

                Jerry loved to write.  Writing was all he ever wanted to do and he was lucky that after all the years of being employed as a professional writer he still found pleasure in the written word. 

                Jerry believed that all people were basically good.  Some people took advantage of this belief to do bad things but, he was usually right.  Most people are good; sometimes they just don’t know it yet. 

                Jerry was a good father.  Neither of our children could disagree with that.  They knew that they were loved no matter what. 

                He loved his five grandchildren.  I hope a little of him will remain in their hearts.

                Jerry loved me.  I know it.

                Jerry would want us to celebrate his life and not morn his death.  Life for all of us goes on until the inevitable happens. Enjoy the now; you’ll only have it once.

Jerry believed in God and that there was a heaven. In first grade he argued with one of his Catholic school teachers that not just people but dogs too would go to heaven.  He later grudgingly chose to include cats in this thesis.

I have this picture in my mind of Jerry and Honey the Wonder Dog walking into God’s office.  His desk and the chairs around it littered with documents to sign, stick-it notes and scraps of paper.  Jerry, having found his old manual Royal typewriter, holds a note he’s written to God to please bless us all.  Finding a semi-bare spot on the desk, Jerry leaves the note where he hopes it will be noticed.  As they walk back out through the doorway, Honey, with her big bushy tail, accidentally brushes the note off the desk and onto the floor. 

                Later, I see God coming back to His office, noticing the paper on the floor.  God picks up the note, reads it after dusting off the dog hair.  He smiles.

THE BLIZZARD OF 1967

Someone was asking me the other day about what got Jerry and me into a survival mode in the early 80s.   There were, of course, many factors that led us down the path but some did stand out more than others.  Sometimes it doesn’t take a man holding a sign over his head with an arrow pointing in a certain direction to set you straight.

            One significant occurrence in our lives was the Great Chicago Blizzard of 1967.  Twenty-three inches of snow fell upon us within one twenty-four hour period from just one rather significant storm; a record was set.   Just two days before, the temperature was a balmy 65 degrees; in Chicago, in January!  Who would have guessed!   The city stopped.  50,000 vehicles were stranded on streets and expressways.  Public transportation went nowhere.  People died, trying to shovel the heavy snow and many homes and businesses were looted.  Lots of babies were born nine months later.             

Even with the heroic efforts of  Mayor Daley’s organization and the generous volunteering of snow removal equipment from the private sector, it took days before the city was anywhere near recovery.  Grocery stores were empty or locked up because the proprietors couldn’t get there.  Some enterprising individuals took it upon themselves to break into some establishments and take non-food items such as tvs and stereos.  Some of these same enterprising individuals were caught holding the goods when the police were able to just follow their footprints in the snow.  Enterprising does not always mean smart.

            Jerry, being a loving and loyal boyfriend and someone who wanted to get out of his place and have some of my mother’s cooking, trudged through the snow for hours to finally arrive, semi-frozen and red of nose.  The only thing that I feel kept him going was the vision of a plate of spaghetti or maybe a pot roast with steaming hot mashed potatoes, set on the table in front of him.  Anyway, he stayed for dinner and then breakfast the next morning and, in fact, lunch and another dinner later.   He helped my dad shovel a path to the street.  I don’t remember if the shoveling did any good but it was a memorable guy thing to do.  Jerry also found a person who was selling milk and bread from the back of his delivery truck at way over the top prices.  At least he didn’t let the milk spoil!  Did I tell you about the snow people and the fort we built?  Jerry and I had fun.           

I can’t say it wasn’t a fun time to be young and in love; it was. My mother was a nervous wreck thinking that… well you know why.   Was it equally fun for the people stranded at work or public servants who didn’t know when they would be able to go home to their families?  Many people didn’t have more than a day’s worth of basic necessities available.  Homeless shelters were operating at their maximum capacity; hospitals were dealing with increased storm related cases and relying on employees who had been there too long already. 

I really do think that is when we started to talk about the “WHAT IF” stuff.  When things happen in your own backyard you have a tendency to see the consequences more clearly.  I’m a firm believer in the idea of don’t sweat the small stuff but if you don’t keep the small stuff in mind, it can sure get big in a hurry.

 Sharon

FIREWORKS

It was getting late last night and I turned on the television. The satellite was down and I had to shut everything off and reboot the system.  It came back up on a PBS station showing the Fourth of July Celebration at the Capital.  Barry Manilow was performing and then Neal Diamond was singing Coming to America.  Paying some attention to the television and more to the ever increasing noise outside, I stepped out onto the deck.  The frogs were happily croaking joyously at the nearby pond which was at near overflow, thanks to the nearly 30 days of rain we’ve experienced.  Overhead, the sky was just turning purple, and the first volley of fireworks doted across the sky. 

                Our town, like so many others, did what they could with a limited fireworks budget.  Schools, police and other expenses were rightly on the list above fireworks and local celebrations.  Many of my neighbors took it upon themselves to fill in the gap and gave us a mighty display of patriotic fireworks.  Appreciation goes without saying!  The cows are still in hiding, though.

                While watching this great local outdoor display, the Capital fireworks were being illuminated off the television screen and the window and I could see both displays simultaneously.  Obviously, the fireworks on the tv screen were spectacular and worthy of our country’s independence celebration as were those of my neighbor.  But,  I just couldn’t help but feel a little sad.

                Many military bases in this country were unable to have fireworks this year due to budget cuts.  This was unfortunate but other than a disappointment, harmless.  Many communities helped out to make great celebrations happen in spite of the cuts.  Starting Monday, thousands of National Guardsmen and civilians who work with them will be furloughed for one day a week.  They will be living with 20 percent less pay over the next three months as the Defense Department carries out automatic, federal budget cuts.  Obviously, this will affect not only the economy of the military families but also the economy of the community surrounding the bases involved.    Economic issues aside, this also means that there will be fewer guardsmen available to fly those helicopters over heavily forested areas  looking for fires and putting them out before reaching the homes of nearby civilians.  There will be fewer early responders available in case of natural disasters. 

                I think we all agree that certain budget cuts need to be made but we must hope that whoever makes these decisions stops to think things through. 

                Hope you all had a good 4^th of July.  Let us keep America strong.

Sharon

FOR THE LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY

            For many of us the Fourth of July celebrations started the last weekend in June with local fireworks, family gatherings and GIGANTIC, STUPENDOUS STORE SALES!!!  What a lucky bunch of people we are.  Most of us are starting the work week anticipating a holiday on Thursday, perhaps even Friday.  A four day holiday would be a joyous occasion.  Part of whatever amount of holiday we get will be spent reflecting on the generosity of those responsible for this event.  Sure!

            “Why can’t we get along?”  This country was built by a fiercely independent, opinionated group of people who did not play well with others. They wanted to be left alone to raise their families, have some chance of financial success and worship the way they saw fit.  These people were tired of an aristocratic, overseas government telling them what to do with their lives and what they could not do.  The thirteen colonies legally separated from England on July 2, 1776 and on July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson and others prepared the Declaration of Independence as an announcement of and an explanation of why this separation was necessary.  This turned into more than just a shouting match between us and them and many lives were lost, families separated and homes destroyed.  Yet in the end, a new nation was born.

            We’ve had a few years to consider the actions of these people. Did they do the right thing?  They could have left well enough alone, allowing King George III’s emissaries to continue overseeing this fledgling group of colonies however they saw fit.  Those who worked well in the system and acquiesced to the British reign would be treated well and those who did not would not.  Hmmm.

            If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence recently, here are a few points that are covered in the indictment section. 

            Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

            I hope we all have a safe Independence Day, full of parades, sports events and fireworks.  As you spend time with your families, take a moment to consider the bravery of some who chose to make this day historic.  Consider these final words taken from this most important document.  Occasionally, we can agree on some things.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

 Sharon

THE SURVIVALIST MARCHES ON

            Thanks guys for all your input in recasting THE SURVIVALIST characters; taking them out of the 80s and bringing them into the present day.  The one major thing I’ve learned from this is that I spend too much time watching movies on TCM.  The majority of people you suggested for the various roles, I have never heard of!  Ok – Hugh Jackman can play anyone he wants to play and I’ll make sure I see him.  Kurt Russell is the right age and build to play John Thomas Rourke and a fine actor but after Captain Ron and Snake Plissken, I more imagine him as Hank Frost, the one-eyed mercenary with the horrible jokes in the THEY CALL ME THE MERCENARY series.  Mel Gibson and Dolph Lundgren – I don’t know! 

            Russell Crowe’s name has come up a few times as Rourke and once as Wolfgang Mann. Bob Anderson, co-writer of the new SURVIVALIST series thinks Mark Harmon or Mathew McConaughey would both be excellent choices.   Mark Wahlberg was another suggestion.  What do you think about Alex O’Loughlin from HAWAII FIVE-O?  I think he’s got that “normal guy look” that a lot of people like. 

Some of the unknown to me actors suggested for Rourke – all quite good looking, by the way – were Jeremy Renner, Thomas Jane, Josh Holloway and Timothy Olyphant.  Those of you who live in the modern era may have heard of them or have seen their works.  I had to look them up on Google.

            When we originally came up with the characters, John Thomas Rourke was a combination of Clint Eastwood and Charlton Heston.  We could imagine him both logical and patient as well as, when necessary, a killing machine.  We always tried to make his character one who was put in the ultimate survival situation; a situation that did not necessarily get resolved with logical solutions.  He was no better than anyone else; he just used his brain and with all things, planned ahead.

            Natalia was easy for us to cast.  Picture a thirty-something Sophia Loren in a leather jumpsuit – with a lot of attitude.  Sophia Loren is still one of the most beautiful women in the world and still has that look.  Much later, after Jerry saw Milla Jovovich movies - over and over again - he envisioned her as Natalia.  Another contributor suggested Angelina Jolie for the role.  Some suggested Mariska Hargitay and Summer Glau.  Whoever played her would have to exude confidence and be as graceful as the ballerina she could have become. 

            Everybody likes Noah Wyle and wants him to play Paul!  Hands down, he got more votes than anyone else. We all watched him grow up on ER and are proud of him having his own TV gig now.  We even like him as THE LIBRARIAN movies.  He just comes off like a nice guy who could learn how to do anything and you wouldn’t mind him marrying into the family.  Michael Cera from ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT received some votes as did Paul Rudd. 

            Jerry and I had a real person in mind with Paul.  We knew John since before we were married.  He suffered through some classes with Jerry at DePaul University and the three of us would hang out together.  He was and still is a gentle soul which meant that Jerry and I picked on him unmercifully.  We always knew though, that in a pinch, John could step up and do what ever was needed.

            Sarah was a hard character to write.  She was like Paul, an average person thrown into a desperate situation but, unlike Paul, who had his mentor to show him the ropes, Sarah had to learn to survive and to be able to protect her then, small children, all by herself.  One day we applauded her bravery, the next we lamented her liberal naiveté   She was the character you wanted to hate but just couldn’t.  In some ways, Sarah had more sadness dealt to her than most of us could even imagine.  Eventually, she was as much a survivalist as her husband. 

            I don’t think either one of us ever had one person in mind for Sarah but looking back I can picture Geraldine Page in the 1953 classic movie HONDO being a Sarah type.  Some suggestions from you were Suzanna Thompson and Gwynneth Paltrow.  We also got some votes for Milla Jovovich.  Any thoughts on this?     

            Michael Rourke will always be pictured by me as that little boy who became a man overnight.  I guess we all know some real life Michaels.  You picked a diverse group of adult Michaels.   Channing Tatum got the most votes, then Chris Pine from STAR TREK fame and ARROW’s Stephen Amell.  Someone named Jason suggested that he was born to play the part.  I don’t know.

            Annie is the little girl who grew up to be this sensible, domestic diva who could blow your head off so fast you wouldn’t have time to blink  She could sew buttons on a shirt and concoct a recipe for incendiary devices at the same time.  My choice for Annie is Ashley Greene.  The first time I saw her in THE TWILIGHT movies I knew she was the one.  You guys like Piper Perabo, Drew Barrymore and Willa Holland from O.C., all good choices as well.

            I certainly wouldn’t consider Karamatsov a secondary character because he did so much to propel the story forward.  He was so good at being evil; you just want to hug him.  Aaron Eckhart name was put out there as a choice. The guy I think would be great is the tall, bloodsucking vamp on TRUE BLOOD, Alexander Skarsgard.  Picture him with dark hair and a sneer.  Another thought, James Purefoy who plays Joe Carroll on THE FOLLOWING.

            Didn’t get much action on some characters.  Russell Crowe has his pick of John Rourke or Wolfgang, whichever character he wishes to play.  Emma, who is now a major player in the saga had the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE actress, Michelle Monaghan suggested for the role.  Paul Blackthorne from ARROW was suggested for the part of Tim Shaw. 

            As you continue reading the series, you’ll meet a lot more characters.  I hope we do this again when you’ll have to come up with an actor to play future ETs and astronauts as well as new family members.  I had a good time compiling these results and I look forward to your comments.

            Remember to always plan ahead!

Sharon