Ups and Downs

MARILYN MCCOO


Ups and downs….ups and downs; we all have had our share of them.

At fifty-two years of age as I think back on my life, it’s been a roller coaster ride of astronomical highs and indescribable lows. Here are a few:

The peer pressure of adolescence and the heartbreaking ordeals that kids go through trying to socially “fit in”; don’t you remember how difficult those days could be?

First loves….the palpitation and flutter as your heart awakens to the desire for another. Is there anything as syrupy sweet in your life as your first true love?

High School and graduation; the deadline to get that last term paper done so you can graduate on time; the 12 hour cramming sessions for your final exams because you put it off to the last possible minute. The angst you felt as the teacher passed out that last test in the hushed silence of the brightly lit classroom, and the prayer you said as you flipped over the paper hoping the questions that you studied where actually on the test.

The joy of getting your driver’s license and the sense of freedom and independence it gave you at age sixteen. My 67 Ford Fairlane with “three on the column", ear shattering static for an AM radio, and no heater was the finest of rides. I had a seven mile drive to high school in the bitter cold Illinois winter and I was frozen by the time I got there. My friends called my “Pinky” because of the color of my face until I thawed out by the third period.

My parents divorcing at age twelve and feeling the uncertainty of the future. Despising her eventual new boyfriend and future husband didn’t help.

The birth of my four daughters made me understand what the definition of true love really is.

Excelling in basketball and escaping to Memphis where I planned to make the fine people of the “City of Trees” forget about Elvis. I fell a bit short on that one.

The phone call from my brother telling me to jump on a plane and return to Chicago immediately because my Dad suffered a heart attack; one year later he was diagnosed with colon cancer, but survived both.

The thrill it was to make the 1980 Eagles and get to the Super Bowl; and the heartbreak of falling short in the game.

The passing of my Father in Law Danny Vasturo and Mother in Law Helen Vasturo; two wonderful people.

My fiancee Terri exercised poor judgment (the only knock against her) as she accepted my proposal of marriage.

My daughter Alexandra was diagnosed with a rare germ cell cancer at one year of age and it gave a new meaning to the word terror; but her “all clear” ten months later brought a relief that can’t be described.

Buying my first Cadillac, and driving it off the lot in quietly sublime splendor.

My wife’s nearly fatal car accident in May of 2008 brought our world to a screeching halt.

Ups and downs…ups and downs; we all have had our share of them.

Speaking of ups and downs, let’s talk about elevators and the interesting experiences they can bring. I was once at a fancy hotel when I entered an empty elevator that had been recently occupied by someone who had spicy chili for lunch (if you know what I mean). The odor was horrendous, but I couldn’t get to the button in time to open the door and get off, so I had to hold my breath until the next stop. One floor prior to my greatly anticipated exit, the doors opened and a young couple entered. They looked at me in horror after their first collective deep breath. “It wasn’t me!” I exclaimed as I pleaded my innocence to a terrible crime I did not commit. They gave me the verdict of guilt however as they cursed me upon their exit.

I can remember being in Atlantic City at the old Golden Nugget when I walked into the elevator and noticed a statuesque figure in the back. It was none other than the lovely and talented singer Marilyn McCoo what was headlining a there at the time. I told her I was a big fan and she smiled at me as she got off on her floor.

Another time I was in Cincinnati playing ball when I got a “lift” on the elevator and I noticed another statuesque female in the back. There was a professional women’s tennis tournament in town that week. It was called the “Virginia Slims” tour back then. My eyes started at the large feet of this extremely tall athlete, went up past her well muscled legs, flat stomach and broad shoulders. When I got to her face, I recognized her as Dr. Renee Richards, the recent transsexual tennis player that was attempting to play on the women’s tour. I can recall going a bit numb as my fingers quickly reached for the button of the next available floor.

Ups and downs…ups and downs; we have all had our share of them.