Tuesday, October 17, 2000

So long, Mel

It is one thing to watch television coverage of a tragic plane crash when the victims are nameless strangers or inaccessible celebrities. Geographic distance begets an emotional remove and you can compartmentalize your grief by assuring yourself that "these things happen."

It is quite another to watch the same information-free news updates when the tragic plane crash happens near your home and the victims include a long-time family friend who also happens to be the governor of your state.

It is another thing still to know that your and a few of your friends were among the last to see the man alive. None of these things, however, is at all pleasant.