This has been a tricky couple of weeks for me. Two different people whose paths crossed mine, and were friends at different times during my life, could no longer sustain their lives on this Earth. They left us, on their own terms, far too soon. I get it. I struggle with mental health issues and understand the darkness that breeds those decisions. It didn’t stop me from being angry, though. How dare they leave? We weren’t done yet. There were still many laughs to be had.
You heard me right. Times I spent with each gal was guaranteed to be full of laughter. They shared my occasionally goofy sense of humor. They were smart. They were fun-loving. They were friends. One gal became known to me during our school years, mainly junior high and high school. We encountered one another sporadically in adulthood and always had a smile and a greeting for one another. There were some wild sleepover memories associated with her. And in a time when we identified each other by whichever of our mother’s cars we were driving, she drove the Betty-mobile, the Demon Duster. I’m sure there were a few times the Demon Duster may have been at the red light being circled by a gaggle of giggling teenage girls. Most of the time we were back in the car (fill in any mom’s name here…Joan, Lee, Marge, Charlotte, Helen…you get it) by the time the light turned green. How would we have ever known then how life would treat us?
My other friend I’ve written about more than a few times. We had several fun trips to Cape Cod. She smoked cigarettes and I would have my annual cigarette while sitting on the beach. And that was due to the dizziness I knew would happen. So, if seated, no chance of wiping out. I happen to be good at wiping out and it doesn’t take much for it to happen. Again, we participated in so much laughter together. When I recall many of our antics, conversations, etc., I laugh all over again…out loud and by myself.
Though these two are never far from my conscious thought, they are in the forefront during the first few months of the year for reasons I won’t mention. Winter is not my optimal time of the year for excellent mental health, so it’s hard to bear some of those thoughts. I feel things very deeply, though I’m also stoic so most wouldn’t say I’m a deep thinker. But I am and I never know what’s going to trigger my emotions…a thought, a smell, a setting.
Today as I sat browsing the news, it happened. Some of my friends know I’m still an avid sports fan and have been since my early childhood. I follow different sports through television and other media. I especially admire those sports reporters who write well. Think Curt Gowdy, Mitch Albom, Mike Lupica ( though he’s annoying), Bill Ryan, Will McDonough.
There was a headline “Longtime ESPN NFL reporter Mortensen dies at 72.” My heart sank, my throat constricted, my eyes filled with tears. Chris Mortensen was one of my favorite sports reporters in the last few decades. Mort was refreshing and upbeat. He could write and was an excellent speaker. Most of all he had integrity and the respect of most of those around him, whether it was his colleagues, athletes, team owners, etc. People trusted Mort with information. I remember when it was disclosed that he had stage IV throat cancer back in January of 2016. It would cause him to miss covering the Super Bowl for the first time in a few decades, not to mention the threat to his life.
Mort managed to get back to reporting, finally stepping away in September 2023. He will be missed by many, including me. I’m just so happy to have enjoyed his work. RIP, Mort, resquiat en pace.
Chris Mortensen 1951-2024
N.B. A bit of an awkward (inappropriate?) thought related to a wacky sleepover memory…I wonder what happened to the “Kappy People” cassette tape?
Stories Are For Eternity 