Re: Roger Ebert remembers Gene Siskel

Subject:

Comments:
: Janet Dahl www.jntplnt.com blogged about Roger Ebert. : Many years ago, Steve and I bought a condo in southwest Michigan. We couldn't afford it at the time- I sometimes think that Steve over-obligated himself so that the terror of paying his bills would keep him working hard. At the time, he looked at our three sons, ages 4, 2 and new, and determined that he would never want to take that circus on the road. Instead, we would have a getaway which we could kid-proof and relax in. : This was few years before the area became infused with the cachet of "harbor country". Still, many Chicago people had cottages on that side of the lake, often because retiring there represented an economical option with South Shore access to Chicago. One contemporary who hung out there was Roger Ebert. Roger was already a national media figure; he and Gene Siskel were syndicated on TV and wildly read and respected in their respective papers. He had a rat pack of retired newspaper folks, townies and Chicago visitors streaming in and out of his weekends. He heard that Steve had bought there, and insisted that we be his guest for dinner at the Greek diner where he was family, and the food was cheap and good. We demurred, as we had the clan and no babysitters. "Bring them" was his warm entreaty, and we did. : Despite his bachelor status, Roger was absolutely unflappable with two wiggly, exploring, impatient boys-and a baby. He extolled the virtues of the off the way places for us, introducing us to places we would spend years sharing as a family. He invited us back to his cottage, a rustic place that he shared with his friend, news giant Bob Zonka. There was more food, more wine, and all kinds of folk streaming in and out. On that evening, someone was experimenting with a cous cous recipe. The fact that the Dahl family was emcamped, with Pat and Mike chasing fireflies in the ragged yard, distracted no one. Roger and Bob had built a hive for friends to buzz through, escaping the strictures of deadlines and city life. All were welcome. : Soon after that, Bob passed on, undoubtedly leaving a giant chasm in Roger's weekend rituals. Eventually, Roger moved closer to the lake. His star continued to ascend, and I would imagine that his weekends in Harbor Country were rarer. We became entrenched in the Little League, Summer Camp, swim meet circuit. Our condo saw much less of us; we never saw Roger out and about. Still, we consider him a friend- because his spirit is so generous, and his instinct is to be curious and helpful. Through the years, Roger worked the Pritikin program, and he shared his tapes with Steve, knowing that a love of food and the struggle with weight were concentricities for them. They joked when people mistook one for the other- Steve would say "I'm not that old!" and Roger would say "I'm not that big!" They both had their dance with alcohol, and they both walked away from its lubricating pleasure. : Roger has had a wicked few years, battling a rare cancer of the salivary gland with gritty determination. For every step forward, there has been a half-step backward. He is reduced by this journey: he is finally skinny. He has lost the ability to speak, despite numerous efforts to repair this system. For a man of words, this is a special ring of fire. He has compensated with the most profound gift of words and thoughts, which he publishes on Rogerebert.com, alongside his movie reviews. If you ever wish to discover the magic of his mind- go there. Read all his journal entries. He is laid bare. He travels back to childhood, all across his mosaic of media adventures, and into the nuance of books and movies. Reading his journal is like sitting in on a seminar that few will ever experience. He is funny, poignant, honest, introspective- I cannot tell you the riches that await you. Today he had me sobbing about the role of dogs in our life. He took me back to his childhood, his family- his dogs. The 45 years without one. He wants one, aches for one. It is too much at this time. Life is rich. Life is stingy. : I am almost reluctant to share this special place: I feel honored to partake of these words; reading them makes me feel special and intimately connected to Roger. That, of course, was not his intention. These musings are gifts to the world at large. The response comments are sometimes as well-considered as his own observations. There are poems, counter-arguments and additions to his lists. He often responds to his posters. It is another assemblage, another hive. Dive in and share this kind gift. All are welcome.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

Enter verification code: