Tola Talks with Urban Folk Rock Band, Kids on McCadden

 

Tola Talks new Autopilot cars from Tesla Motors & lavish launches, the Nobel Peace Prize & the Game of Thrones, Pope Francis & Rodney Yee Yoga videos, plus hackers breaking into Dairy Queen and of course, Rich’s new monologue. On Acoustic Fridays, Rich and guest co-host & comedian Shannon Dee welcome the super talented and super cool Urban Folk Rock Band, Kids on McCadden. Live weekdays on youtube.com/tolatalks.

Tola Talks' Rich Tola with the band, Kids on McCadden performing live on Acoustic Fridays.
Tola Talks’ Rich Tola with LA-based Urban Folk Rock band, Kids on McCadden, performing live on ‘Acoustic Fridays’.

Gone But Certainly Not Forgotten

With the recent passing of Dr. Jerry Buss, the legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of remembering loved ones who may be gone but certainly not forgotten.

Like my Uncle Mickey who left us in 2003. Also know as Dr. Cook by his WWII comrades, I fondly remember our weekly talks and brisk walks around the nursing home where he spent his final days.

And although he suffered from an unsympathetic Alzheimer’s disease that made him progressively distant each time I visited, Uncle Mickey remained ever so sweet, benevolent and respectful to everyone he met. Not to mention his charming old school ways – he wore a three piece suit every single day until he could no longer dress himself – and his school-boy crush on Avril Lavigne!

Little did I know that 10 years later I would find this poem I wrote for him the day he passed:

Ode to Mickey

Sitting in my chair, bent head held low,
Oh what I’ve seen, from this window seat row

This is my story, no fear for me now,
Can’t wait for my walks, with my nephew so proud

Cold wars, New York terror, amazing Ali,
Just like my true brethren, please let me be me

Hold onto the past, try not to be seen,
Smile time for my chats, with sweet Avril Lavigne

Nobody can hear me, I’m in the abyss,
What did I do, what in life did I miss

This world did I change, like the high rolling seas,
No chance for me now, against this ugly disease

But worry none friends, fight hard, freedom ring,
Keep faith til the end, cause in life we’re all Kings.

RIP Uncle Mickey (and Dr. Buss)…I’ll always remember you! – R