In honor of John Ritter -- gone, but not forgotten

I borrowed Three's Company's DVDs from the library the other day (I used to watch this all the time when I was growing up) and learned a little about the beloved John Ritter (I am a huge fan of his work and he was definitely taken from us too soon). I found out that John, who was the younger son of Western film star and country music great, Tex Ritter, and Dorothy Ritter, founded the United Cerebral Palsy's affiliate in Los Angeles. John's brother has cerebral palsy and for more than 15 years, John was one of the national hosts for UCP telethons to raise funds and awareness for UCP.

In John's honor I'm posting a link to the UCP website and to The John Ritter Foundation. Gone but not forgotten.

Amy Yasbeck -- John Ritter Foundation

I've watched Amy Yasbeck on everything from The Cosby Show, Wings, Just Shoot Me and in the Problem Child movies. Unfortunately, we have something in common. We're both young widows. John Ritter, one of my favorite comedic actors ever, died on September 11, 2003, leaving Yasbeck and Stella, the couple's young daughter.

Yasbeck went on to create The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health and TV Guide did an article on her and the organization. She says,

"John really did heal people with laughter, and more and more, as the days, months and years have gone by, we have been able to choose to transform the grief into something positive."

I admire her the way I admire all other widows, regardless of age. But Amy turned John's death into something more and I know many of you have too, just like I did with this website.

Healing with laughter is a tremendous thing. When I get down, I put on The Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley, I Love Lucy and Three's Company. I laugh, or try to. It's not always easy, but it does help. Check out the organization or start one of your own.