A Place In Our Hearts For Farrah

The news coverage of the death of Michael Jackson seemed to smother us as the afternoon passed into the night. I flipped from channel to channel as every network seemed to report the same details of his life, play the same songs we´ve all heard seemingly a million times, and offer the same images and sounds of the multitude of shocked fans as they gathered all over the world to pay their respects to a great musical icon we grew to know as The King of Pop.

Of course, there were those who eagerly discussed the many scandals and oddities that peppered his life of great successes. They were tragic, but they didn´t just happen yesterday. So I see no need for me to dwell on them today.

But on this day, we lost another famous person. Unfortunately, her loss was eclipsed by this avalanche of The King´s news coverage. Someone who was also known worldwide for her great talent. Someone who had a successful career of her own. She was the face of beauty for a generation.

She was, of course, Farah Fawcett.

Most of us remember her from the 1970´s television show Charley´s Angels. In her role as Jill Monroe, she was one of three attractive women employed by mysterious millionaire Charles Townsend at his private detective agency.

Of course, many of us also knew her from being immortalized on the most popular and arguably highest selling pinup poster of all time. Ah yes, that wonderful poster with that blonde hair and beautiful smile.

But I also remember her as a very talented actor. I learned that from the made-for-television movie The Burning Bed as she gave a wonderful performance as a battered wife who finally took matters into her own hand. It drew much-needed attention to spousal abuse, something that is near and dear to my heart, having seen the hurt and destruction this cause when I was a child. Her triumphant performance forever changed how we saw spousal abuse.

She was able to attack our prejudices that such a beautiful woman can also have great talent.

But her greatest role came later in life. She personified the image of a strong and courageous woman dealing with cancer with great strength. And by her side during this ordeal was her companion, Ryan O´Neal. He lovingly bid her farewell as she made her journey from this world.

It´s great to remember such an iconic artist as Michael Jackson. He did revolutionize the music industry in so many ways. But we should also reserve a space in our hearts for the loss of Farrah Fawcett. She will also be remembered for her contribution to pop culture.

And our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Lawrence D. Elliott

Lawrence D. Elliott is a nationally published author and storyteller who has been published in many popular national publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, the New York Times #1 Bestselling book series.

Lawrence wrote his first creative words in the sixth grade when a teacher gave him a writing assignment. He even create a rudimentary book, filled with illustrations. "Actually," says Lawrence, "they were the most pathetic looking stick figures you´d ever see. But I was proud of my little book."

Heading into the seventh grade, Lawrence was among the earliest group of kids bused from his San Diego inner city neighborhood to a predominantly white school. The racial tensions were high. Often, there were fights before, after, and even during class. To make matters worse, he was identified as having a severe reading problem and was placed in a reading development class. Lawrence remember fighting back the tears of shame as he entered the separated bungalow classroom that first day. Then, Lawrence met Ms. Davila, the remedial reading teacher. She not only worked with him to improve his reading, but she learned Lawrence had a hidden gift. He loved to write. She helped Lawrence cultivate his new-found skill and gently guided him to discover how powerful it could be.

And in those tumultuous times, the fact that she was white had a lasting effect on his life. In her, was the example that there are good people everywhere, you just have to find them.

Throughout high school and beyond, Lawrence spent evenings scribbling his stories and attempting to get them published. The rejection notices mounted. But he was stubborn. However, eventually he was forced to realize that perhaps his talents would possibly be of used in other ways.

Through life, his path lead him through military service, the aerospace industry, even cleaning toilets when it was the best job he could get. Eventually, he landed in real estate where he had a 20-year career. But Lawrence continued to write, if only for his own enjoyment. He was also able to collect a host of characters along the way.

Then, in 2005 Lawrence had a near-death experience with a pulmonary embolism. It was then that he decided to brush off that dream he had as a kid. He decided to give publishing one more try.

In 2006, Lawrence had his first story accepted. In fact, he had four stories accepted! Fittingly, one of those earliest stories was about a teacher who, working with a black kid from the inner city with a reading problem, showed him that he had a hidden gift to share with the world. Since then, his stories have appeared in many popular books and periodicals.

Lawrence believes his life has been a wild ride, replete with twists and turns. There were good times, and bad times. Sometimes, very bad times. But he says he wouldn't trade it for all the gold in the world. "I'm excited," says Lawrence. "I'm also proud, grateful, and somewhat surprised that something seemingly unattainable has become a reality."

Lawrence feels his life has prepared him for this moment and he refuses to squander it.

Currently, he is editing two novels and hopes to have them submitted by mid-year. In addition to writing, Lawrence is also the sole caretaker for his wife Lisa. Their dog Lacie helps, too.


Recently Released:

"Unexpected Guests" published in A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas.

"Thank God for the Sandwiches" published in Letters to My Mother: Tributes to the Women Who Give Us Life--and Love.

"God, I'm Shvitzing!" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause: Living and Laughing through Hot Flashes and Hormones.

"Well, I've Had A Plenty" published in My Dad Is My Hero: Tributes to the Men Who Gave Us Life, Love, and Driving Lessons.

"She Gently Opened Doors" published in Teacher Miracles: Inspirational True Stories from the Classroom.

"Learning to Share" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrating People Who Make a Difference: The Headlines You'll Never Read.

"A Visit From Arthur" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Arthritis.

To get autographed copies of his books, click here.

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