{Straight From the Heart}   *Dealing with Loss*  2/18/00
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Welcome to "Straight From the Heart!"

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For those of you who read Celebration of Life (Tell Them), on my thoughts at the tragic death of WGN Radio Host Bob Collins, I wanted to share the following two emails I received from Bob Collin's sister, Saga Stevin.  It is not a normal practice for me to share responses I receive.  For one, my time is severely limited, and two I always feel as if I am self promoting.  However I was impressed by Saga's attitude and courage....
  After emailing back and forth a few more times I found out that Saga is an author.  I will be asking her to share some of her writing with all of us in the next month or so. 
So here they are.  Small world ain't it!
Michael

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Dear Michael,

Your letter was forwarded to me about my brother, Bob Collins. 
First of all thank you so much for your kind words. 

When you were talking about how after someone dies is when all the
unsaid feelings seem to be spoken, that is partially true.  Especially
with a public figure such as my brother.  However, Bob was always one
to let those around him know how he felt. 

From a personal note, there was nothing left unsaid between the two
of us - we both knew how much we loved each other and were always
there for one another.  As I know was the same with those nearest and
dearest to him.

As far as the public - he knew from all the e-mail and letters, but
took all that in stride.  At heart he was the disk jockey who was so
grateful to be making a living doing what he loved.  And he did indeed
love Chicago!

We all grieve at this tragic loss, the public and the private for this
wonderful guy.  He had a great life, lived it to the fullest and truly
did it all.  He was born into eternity after having done it all on
earth.  Now he really is flying with angels.

Please don't give out, or fwd, my e-mail address as I value my
privacy as much as did my brother.  I usually delete before reading
any e-dress I don't recognize any way - but don't want to get flooded.
I will recognize yours though.

You are case in point about how my brother continues to touch people.
 I'm glad you will be playing Batman more!

Thanks so much for your heartfelt letter. 

You may have known me as "Kimmy" from hearing Bob talk about me over
the years.

My prayers are with you.

***

Michael - feel free to pass along/fwd any or all of my message to
whomever you like.  I greatly appreciate you leaving out my e-dress. 

The last thing I ever wanted to do was to bury my brother.  Today
was the family service and one of his dear friends put it best. 
Through all of this, though we lost Bob, we gained new friends and
family.  We got to know each other better and formed lasting bonds. 
I now have several big brothers to watch over me.  OY! :)

In true Collins fashion we were trying to get the Harley-Davidson
vintage urn - but couldn't find one.  Then again we would have to
change it every 6 months to keep up with how often he changed modes
of transportation.  And if they ever come out with one that has a lot
of buttons, switches and a microchips ... well, guess we will have to
add that to his collection too!  Well, this is a nice road to take the
conversation down...  Can you tell we're related?

Michael - thanks for all your kind words.  Keep playing Batman - even
when your kids get to be in their 20's - makes them really wonder! 
And I understand daughters love it when Dad's greet their dates in
full costume.

By the way - my name is Saga.  Please feel free to keep in touch. 
Thanks again for your kind words about my brother.  One of the
greatest things is how his laugh was his trademark - which means it
was something he did a lot - as should we too!

Mind if I just call you Batman?

All my best - Saga
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Thought For The Day:

"Faithful friends, like diamonds, withstand the test of time."

Kid's Thought for the day:

"A ten dollar bill doesn't do much good if the candy machine only
takes quarters."

Parent's Thought For The Day

"Parents of teens and parents of babies have something in common. 
They spend a great deal of time trying to get their kids to talk."

Coach's Thought For The Day

"What we do best or most perfectly is what we have most thoroughly
learned by the longest practice, and at length it falls from us
without our notice, as a leaf from a tree."

Deep Thought For The Day:

"Some people can tell the time by looking at the sun, but I have never
been able to make out the numbers."

  _
/_/\/\    MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\  /    THUNDER27@aol.com   http://members.aol.com/Thunder27/index.html
/_/  \    "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \   Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body I live for the Son
   \_\/   of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."  Galatians 2:20 

"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video
we gave them. They loved it, to say the least!  Within thirty
seconds my mom was crying and my dad did too.  They said it was
the best Christmas gift we could have given them!!  You did such
a beautiful job!  They were so suprised and so touched---they
really, really, really loved it.  Thanks for helping to make it so
special to us all.  My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for
the video too!  Thanks again!"
        
Kelli  (RKaGe@aol.com)    College Station, TX

Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
Check out the web page for Michael's video production business!
 Video Imagery
http://members.aol.com/Videoimg/index.html