What do you say when one of the brightest influences in your life passes? I don’t know. But I would sure like to try to put my emotions to words.

May 13, 2019 Updated June 19, 2021
What do you say when one of the brightest influences in your life passes? I don’t know. But I would sure like to try to put my emotions to words.
What do you say when one of the brightest influences in your life passes?
I don’t know. But I would sure like to try to put my emotions to words. I am next to tears as I write this.
How can the death of a woman I have never met affect me so deeply? I have immensely enjoyed her films, TV show, music, books about her, I’ve written letters to her, I’ve even been privileged enough to speak with her on the phone. Yet I never met Ms Doris Day. But I feel as if one of my closest and dearest friends in the world is gone.
My feelings may be un-relatable, even seem a bit melodramatic, if you have never experienced that unspeakable, instant love you can have for a person, even a celebrity, who just radiates joy, goodness, and love.
For me, that person has always been Doris Day. From the moment I saw her dance across the screen in that beautiful yellow dress with Gene Nelson so many years ago, I loved her. It was simple, immediate. If you are a Doris fan, you know exactly what I am talking about. To all of my amazing friends who I am lucky enough to see at Doris’ Birthday Celebration each year, I feel our solidarity today. How lucky are we to have each other at this very, very difficult time.
I am going to have to remind myself each day, and especially today, that our Doris is in a better place now, filled with all of her beloved friends and family members—2 and 4 leggers!—who passed before her. She is happy. And Doris would want us to be, so I’m going to try.
A bright light for everything good left this world today, but she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of warmth and kindness. Thanks for everything you have meant to me over the years. I love you, Doris.