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Saturday, August 12, 2006
Mike Douglas was more than just a legendary TV talk show host that interviewed the giants of entertainment, sports, politics and literature. He was a man of compassion and decency. A man that treated everyday folk with the same humor and respect he demonstrated in his high profile interviews.
I only met Mike Douglas and his wife once, but it is a memory I will always cherish. The year was 1971.I had just graduated from Bishop Grimes High School and my parents, Ray and Gwen Bills decided to take the family and a few friends out to dine at the Ramada Inn on Buckley Road in Liverpool. I tend to believe the restaurant celebration vs. a home party was in part, a decision that was made because of my mother’s illness - she was dying of cancer.
Mike Douglas and his wife were also staying at the Ramada Inn. My mother was a huge Mike Douglas fan and was thrilled, just to have seen him. Without telling anyone, my father quietly approached Mike Douglas, explained the situation and asked if a picture might be possible. Without hesitation Mike Douglas not only agreed to a picture, but suggested they go outside where the light was better. He and his wife couldn’t have been more kind.
My mother had often told family members that she wanted to live long enough to "see Bobby graduate."
She got her wish, but in my heart I always felt a certain pride that my graduation gave her a chance to meet one of her idol’s. Less than 60 days from the day this picture was taken, my mother passed away, but my memory of her standing next to Mike Douglas will never fade.
Mike Douglas was more than just a legendary TV talk show host that interviewed the giants of entertainment, sports, politics and literature. He was a man of compassion and decency. A man that treated everyday folk with the same humor and respect he demonstrated in his high profile interviews.
I only met Mike Douglas and his wife once, but it is a memory I will always cherish. The year was 1971.I had just graduated from Bishop Grimes High School and my parents, Ray and Gwen Bills decided to take the family and a few friends out to dine at the Ramada Inn on Buckley Road in Liverpool. I tend to believe the restaurant celebration vs. a home party was in part, a decision that was made because of my mother’s illness - she was dying of cancer.
Mike Douglas and his wife were also staying at the Ramada Inn. My mother was a huge Mike Douglas fan and was thrilled, just to have seen him. Without telling anyone, my father quietly approached Mike Douglas, explained the situation and asked if a picture might be possible. Without hesitation Mike Douglas not only agreed to a picture, but suggested they go outside where the light was better. He and his wife couldn’t have been more kind.
My mother had often told family members that she wanted to live long enough to "see Bobby graduate."
She got her wish, but in my heart I always felt a certain pride that my graduation gave her a chance to meet one of her idol’s. Less than 60 days from the day this picture was taken, my mother passed away, but my memory of her standing next to Mike Douglas will never fade.
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