"The Sting" of Loss

Last night I read, online, of the passing of Paul Newman. Sadness filled my heart. The world has one less humanitarian today and for that I am in mourning.

I know Paul Newman more for his philanthropy than I do for his acting. In 1982 Paul started his commercial food venture (initially as a joke) with salad dressing and pasta sauce. I was 14 then and my mother could never resist his magnificent blue eyes (as I recall he was her favorite actor) and I loved the salad dressing. When I heard that all the profits from his products were going to support his favorite charities (instead of his rather modest CT lifestyle) I was more attracted to him from a fan standpoint. As an adult consumer I made a concerted effort to select "Newman's Own" products whenever I had the option.

As far as Newman's acting goes, I think my favorite film (that I have seen) of his would be "Cool Hand Luke" (and my mother's least favorite....she hated all the violent abuse thrust on him/his character). What I loved about it was his character, Luke's, rebellious spirit and sense of humor. These are two characteristics most dear to my heart!

Like Luke, Newman had a wonderful sense of humor like the time he and one of his best friends, Robert Redford (MY favorite older generational Hollywood star) gifted and re-gifted every year on their birthdays a crashed-up car that was more mangled each year to the point of non-recognition. I am certain human beings can handle any distressing situation as long as a sense of humor is maintained!

My thoughts today are with the Newman family and their close friends and my mother. I know there are many people like me who are feeling a little less optimistic but grateful for having had such a caring, decent and authentic human being among us for 83 years.

Peace, Joy and Love.....

Emma : )