This Just In...
Kevin Fischer is an award-winning veteran broadcaster who has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for nearly three decades.
Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, “InterCHANGE,” on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
Ted Kennedy and my cousin
By Kevin Fischer
Monday, May 26 2008, 08:03 AM
Like many Americans, I was saddened to hear the news that Senator Ted Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor.
I’m old enough to remember the assassinations of JFK and RFK. While I don’t believe Ted Kennedy comes close to having the same stature of his brothers, when news of the brain tumor hit, you put politics aside. You must feel great empathy, especially given the tremendous grief and suffering the Kennedy family has had to endure.
At about the very same time I heard the news about Kennedy, I learned that one of my cousins, just a few years older than me, who had suffered a major stroke was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor is treatable, but not curable. He has less than a month to live.
This Memorial Day weekend, I went to the VA to see him. Past the veterans in wheelchairs, I made my way to the 8th floor, the “waiting to die” floor as it’s called at the VA.
There are swirls of emotions you feel as you look at a once healthy, stocky, happy-go-lucky guy who is now helpless.
I must admit the VA is clean and the care my cousin is receiving is top notch. There is someone in his room with him 24 hours a day to do everything, even hold his hand if necessary.
I stayed for over an hour and talked, mostly with my cousin’s wife and the medical personnel. My cousin called me by name several times and extended his hand for a handshake when I walked into the room. After that, I’m not sure he knew who I was or that I was even in the room. Finding the right words for conversation is virtually impossible.
I tried very hard not to cry, and I almost pulled it off…….until I got outside the VA and walked to my car.
Back in the early 80’s, I anchored WUWM’s live coverage of a major announcement by Wisconsin Governor Lee Dreyfus. I have blogged about this before, but it’s relevant again.
For over 25 years, a phrase Dreyfus said in his speech, for whatever reason, has remained with me.
“I am not cavalier about time,” Dreyfus said as he announced he would not run for a second term.
“I am not cavalier about time.”
No one should be.
Life can be stripped away anyplace, anytime.
Numerous clichés also come to mind. You know, ones like living each day as though it’s your last. But does anyone really do that?
And can you imagine the daunting challenge of simple everyday management, knowing you have a fraction of a calendar left?
Every Memorial Day weekend, I spend time relaxing, grilling, spending time with family and what not.
I’m not sure what’s left on my dance card, but whatever time I have, I’ll never forget my Memorial Day weekend trip to the VA.
