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9 21 00……………………..Manhasset Press BERNIE'S BANTER…………Bernard Klainberg Professor Morrie: Last week Jack Lemmon, a much beloved actor and human being, won an Emmy for portraying the late and great professor Morrie Schwartz. The film was based on the book , "Tuesdays with Morrie", a best seller written by a former student who visited prof. Schwartz regularly as he lay dying of ALS. In the 1980's we were privileged to meet him several times as he was one of our daughter's favorite teachers at Brandeis University. Danielle saw Morrie on Mondays and Wednesdays. He imparted his knowledge and wisdom with great enthusiasm, and was much loved by his students. Dancing We met him one time on the street in Cambridge, and he gleefully related he was coming from his regular dancing class. Born in the Bronx, he had been dancing since the l930's. He was now in his early seventies, and already having a few problems swallowing and walking. The ALS debilitated and crippled him rapidly. We last saw him at Danielle's graduation where he mingled and interacted with the students and parents. Wisdom Morrie used to say: "remember always that 110 years from now, no one alive today will be around". A neurological patient can empathize with his later pronouncements on dealing with his devastating disease. He said something like,: "If I need a glass of water, and no one is around to serve it to me, and hold it while I struggle with the straw, I will think on it, and come up with a rational interpretation on why I don't really need it at this time ". About five years ago and close to 80, he appeared on three special "Nightline" shows with Ted Koppel. His last wish before dying was predictable; to teach the ill to talk about and openly face their illnesses. His message was also directed at the caretakers, and close friends and relatives. His teachings make it easy for others such as Michael J. Fox , and this writer ,to "come out of the closet" and face the struggle ahead. Now when I spot a fellow parkinsonian trying to hide his tremors, or shuffling along I try to make contact. I've been convinced even to go marching in the annual two mile "walk" in Central Park next Sunday. Some of the grand kids may come along for there will be balloons, and ice cream , and laughter. Humor One of the major decisions Morrie made to help him cope with his ailments was to surround himself with humor. He watched the wackiest comedies he could get a hold of; had hilarious books read to him, and looked for jocularity in any situation. Humor can possibly help the many people in our community sufffering from all types of illnesses and thronging the drug counters. Morrie's other resolve was to write, write, write, and he did so till he was totally uncapacitated. Plentiful humor , and steadfast activities such as writing appear to be a good prescription . Happy stuff We are so fortunate this year. The presidential Election is five or so weeks away, and it is time we have some good, dirty, controversial fun. We've been collecting some funny tales and anecdotes, some meant to insult . Some items will be real, some fiction, and thus we will"surround ourselves with humor." Pat, the bulldog The Reform's party former Republican Pat Buchanan is making the Gore camp quite happy by staying in the race. Buchanan however had problems getting a good vice presidential candidate. Buchanan declares he "wants to rein in the Washington administration, and put Government on a leash". Well he can have my dog to run with him, Attila , the West Highland terrier. He has been acting crazy lately and would be right at home with Buchanan. email………; [log in to unmask] webpage; http://pages.prodigy.net/nursemarilyn > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.