I haven’t been to Wow in some time…but am grateful for this site today as an outlet to express how tremendously upset I’ve been about this tragedy for the past two days…esp given that I did not even know Natasha Richardson. But there are reasons for this.

First, I was a huge fan. I watched that seemingly innocuous ‘Parent Trap’ an embarrassing number of times. It not only perfectly captured our Northern California…i.e. San Francisco [including in scenes steps away from my former home on Nob Hill] and Napa Valley vibe…but that ‘Sloane Ranger’ thing in London, too. She was adorable and gifted, and unlike some "To The Royal Manor Born" industry brats, she was Down-to-Earth, genuine, with terrific values, nice as could be, and she lived a completely exemplary life, putting motherhood and family #1, as it should be.

Second, I was a ski nut for many years..not on Bunny Slopes, but Expert ones, and know how easily this could happen to many, in numerous sports by not wearing a helmet. I hope that bicyclists and skateboarders, etc., will take heed.

Third, We lost a totally adorable 16-year old, vivacious, very gorgeous blond and popular niece in the family [my sister-in-law and brother’s niece] to a head injury AFTER the doctors said she’d be OK. My son, and this darling girl, and her sister had been in my brother’s wedding as ring-bearer and flower girls together…charming as can be. Her death was my introduction of head injuries and how devastatingly tragic they be.

Fourth, I sustained a head injury 8 years ago. I was hit extremely hard on the left side of the head…and thought at the time ‘This is it, the game is over.’ I am amazed I survived, but it was at a devastating cost, and with impacts to this day. In all the reporting about Natasha Richardson a neurologist said, "You never get over a head injury." I am here to say this is true.  I was about her age, also a very sunny blond, with a nationwide career and a lot going on. The injury cost me a tremendous lot…in every way, including financially. When they first said she waited an hour, I thought…."Oh No." Having gone through what I did I know that responding in the first hour and getting a CatScan is the minimum. A PetScan is much preferred. In the first hour or so of a brain injury or a stroke there are drugs that can be administered, steps that can be taken that can minimize damage….after that time the brain swells and brain stem damage is sustained….and t’s pretty much irreversible..from what I’ve come to know.

Fifth, Since my brother’s tragic death nearly 8 months ago, and he was also a thoroughly successful and admirable person as Ms. Richardson, I haven’t stopped crying, or slept since. The consequences to our family have been tremendous. So I realize something of what this tragic death will mean to her family and close friends for life….I know they will say "If only" and ponder ’Why?" at the very minimum.

The only thing that helps in a tragedy of this magnitude is getting in nature as much as possible and trying to take a more transcendent view when possible. I do believe that as Shakespeare and Einstein said…"they have just slipped beyond the veil" and try to recall that when you are grieving for someone as beautiful, rare, charming, talented, and good as Natasha Richardson…and for a death so incomprehensible.

Please…if you see kids biking, riding a skateboard, skiing etc without a helmet….caution them.

Nathasa Richardson…you were truly a Golden Girl. May your family somehow….and it is not easy from experience…find comfort…and darling girl…may you rest in peace. I hope you are with your beloved Dad who went before you.

This is just so horribly sad. And I’m sure to for our much beloved Liz Smith who had to balance personal restraint and feelings, against public interest in a beloved public figure. Oh Liz…this is sad….and am sure esp for you. 

My deepest sympathies to the entire family of Natasha.  The world has lost another talent.

Prayers and thoughts are with Natasha’s family….I wish there was a way to get this message to you:

http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Life/index.htm

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn’t have one.
 

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.


To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.


To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
 

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.


To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.


To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.


To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.


Time waits for no one.


Treasure every moment you have.


You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.


To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.
 


The origin of this letter is unknown,
But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Remember…

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Richardson always planned to act, apart from one brief childhood moment when she wanted to be a flight attendant — "wonderful irony now since I hate to fly and have to take a pill in order to get on a plane. I’m so terrified."

Natasha, You will be missed. You were a wonderful actress, wife and mother.