LuckyDawg's Blog

I just found out that Estelle Getty has died.  She played Sophia Petrillo, the mother of Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), on the television show "The Golden Girls".  I really loved that show.  It aired from about 1985 until 1992, and was highly accoladed by the television industry, as well as the viewing public.

Picture it, Ohio, 1985......

I remember when I first watched this show, back in the '80's, with my Granny and Papaw.  I was only 8 years old then, but I adored my Granny, and anything that she was "in to", I was "in to" as well.  And she was "in to" the Golden Girls.  Some of the jokes on the show were not appropriate for an 8 year old, and I could see my Granny half laugh at them and half cringe at them, as she hoped I didn't ask what condoms were or what the jokes meant.  I continued to watch the show, and still do to this day.  My Granny has since passed away, but by my watching the Golden Girls, I still feel a sort of connection with my Granny when I watch the show.  I think to myself, "Boy, Granny would've had a hard time explaining that one to me!!"  Or I think, "These ladies remind me of my Granny", and it takes me back to being a kid again sitting there with her laughing and creating memories!

But now, poor Estelle Getty has passed away and I can't help but feel like I've lost a part of my Granny, again.  I know it's foolish to associate a family member with a television show and it's characters, but this is truly one of the greatest times of my life--the time I got to spend with my Granny. 

I realize all good things must come to an end, that's just life.  And I realize no one can or will live forever.  But what can live on forever are the memories and feelings of love for a passed family member, friend, loved one or even pet!  It's a matter of how you choose to remember the one you've lost that helps people get over the immediate pain.  And I choose to remember both Estelle Getty and my Granny with a smile on their faces, bringing joy and laughter to others, offering a hug when you're sad, some encouragement when you're down and love when you feel alone in this world.

I never met Estelle Getty, but having watched her for years and years, I feel confident that I can say,

"Thank you for being a friend!!!!"