Keep Moving

My sister Lynn and I just observed the 5th anniversary of our Mother’s death. “It just keeps rollin, just keeps on rollin along” These are lyrics from the song Ole Man River, that I would sing in basso profondo from the age 5-7. My mother used to say that, as she got older, time seemed to go by faster. Having just turned 60 my new mantra hit me immediately, “Don’t Wait”. Not very original, but a good jumping off point to Mom’s other expression. “Gotta keep movin” I guess you don’t really embrace these truisms until you occupy the space. It’s a different world from when I came to Hollywood in 1980 at the age of 30 and for the next 10 or so years would, with tongue in cheek, remind my friends that I was “In my prime” Funny enough I still feel that way and I’m not going to wait to take advantage of it. The lesson lives on even when the teacher is gone.

Was it Will Rogers who said that all that the only thing certain in life is death and taxes. What difference does knowing that make? Tax season is over, the next quarter is already closing and I have friends and family who have recently died or are very sick. There comes a point when you realize you are not the savior to all you know and love. That you can’t be there for everyone and that the unexpected will happen even as you are prepare to help.

I quote my friend Harry Leon who died at the age of 99. “I’m doing the best I can with the tools I have” Never really got it over all the years he said it to me. Doing the best you can.

My friend Nosson Deitsch died last week in a tragic jet ski accident. He was 21, full of life and a very religious young man. He taught young people and learned ancient laws, traditions and mystical connections to the universe. He lived his life fully. His older brother Levi had asked me to stay in touch with him after they lost their Dad a few years ago and was going thru a tough time. He’d made a deep connection with “Dying to Live” and a seen it several times. I found him to be joyous and upbeat. A lover of life. Nosson would call or email me out of the blue using his trademark introduction “Hey!” His death is inexplicable to me. An accident. A tragedy. Volumes can be written on him. All of the wheels that were put in place to bring him to that exact moment in time when he drew his last breath.

My young friend Coco has been diagnosed with cancer. He has a young son of 4 and two older children, a beautiful wife, looks like a movie star and has vitality, charm and a sweet & generous soul. He will beat it. Of this I am almost certain, but you can never be positive about anything in life except D & T.

Nosson’s brother, my close and dear friend Levi, is in year 3 of fighting off lung cancer. He has been thru various protocols at the NIH (National Institute of Health), has 4 kids, a thriving congregation, beautiful wife and a passion for people and living. When I visited him in Virginia recently he gave me a yellow wrist band that when translated from the Yiddish stated, “If you think positive, it will be positive” I wore it on my flight over to Europe and for days after. We found out about his brother Nosson the next week.

Today I’m in France with my girlfriend Catherine. Her Mom has just had her hip replaced at the age of 83, is recouping in a clinic and coming home in two days. We are making the house ready and Catherine is preparing to continue her care at home. The Mom, as we like to refer to her, has been a ball of energy her entire life, an artist and enthusiastic gardener. She’s bursting to come home and wWe’re nervous about being able to do the best we can. Catherine is giving maximum attention and going over every detail for her Mom. I know the feeling. I’m trying to help where I can and be supportive. I’ve been here before, but each time feels like the first.

Perspective. Having perspective on each moment. Living the moments out fully, each exact moment in time.