Master Keith Olbermann impersonator, Ben Affleck, directed a film called The Town last year. Though I am not supposed to be watching anything violent or scary, I saw the movie this past weekend. A line from that story about the softening of a tough guy played out yesterday (three times seventy) in the town of Pleasantville, New York. Knowing that he has to be separated from the love of his life, Ben's character promises that he will see her again, if not here, on the other side.
It is odd that I caught all three tributes made to a beautiful woman named Michele O'Callaghan by three pretty sturdy guys. I had heard of her and seen her in sketches on The Late Show with David Letterman, and it appears she not only did hair and make up there for years, but also at Keith's Football Night in America and hundreds of other sports programs. She goes all the way back to Bryant Gumble, whose turkey recipe with sage leaves is still my favorite.
Mr. Costas was the first to make a tribute. I am trying to recall why in the world I was even watching that night. I like Dan Patrick, so it could have been the promise of seeing him. Or was it that the Saints were playing? I love feeling the Brees. Suddenly, I was hearing Bob's salute to this remarkable woman who had lived with great gusto and courage. His voice began to waver, and I knew it was real, just as real as she was. Genuine. Authentic. Sincere.
Cancer had taken her. This thing takes so many from us. It took my dad before he got his years and it appears to be taking my little cousin who is at St. Jude's right now. I pray not, but it is a heartbreaker. Keith's coverage of Michele's death was lovely. He hit on her humor, which must have been rooted in her ability to tell a good story. He witnessed to the packed Memorial Mass and the precious family left behind, which included a husband and three great kids.
When David Letterman came on, I knew he would be paying homage as well, since Keith had tipped off his audience earlier. I just had to watch him. Seeing Romney do The Top Ten and Tom Cruise in tight jeans didn't hurt either. Mr. Letterman showed footage in his tribute, and told a wonderful story about a wild encounter between Michele and her sister. The most touching part perhaps, was how he recalled that lady's pregnancy with each of her three children as she did his make up. I started to see that this was not about what she did, but rather who she was.
Michele O'Callaghan might have done a lot of hair and make up for a whole lot of famous folks, but it was the being behind the job that broke all the hearts yesterday. She was loved. Not because she made all these great fellas look better, but because she made them be better. They were clearly touched by who she was, colored by her beauty, enhanced by their brushes with her, and enriched by her palette of reality and fortitude.
How strange that she spent a lifetime focusing on others. What a treasure she was for all who knew her! How fortunate for the family in Pleasantville, that she made their lives synonymous with that suburb's name! Why, even her dog looks like he adored her! Whenever anyone dies, I always come away asking myself, "Who was that?" I mean, I know the name and all, but I am asking, "Who was that masked man? Or woman?" What was the essence there? Then, I find great relief in the fact that essence never dies.
P.S. She would have smiled in knowing that she overshadowed a dictator's death. Kim Jung Who? If only she could have gotten to his hair and make up. The world would have been a different place. And unless she did surgery, Mr. Costas has had a little extra finishing. You don't live that long without any wrinkles. ;o) I wish I could have known you, Michele. But I am among the many who did not have the pleasure. I will certainly see you on the other side.
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