In the winter of 1966, Gail came to Manhattan for an extended stay----wanting to see what was happening in the Theatre and what possibilities might be presented to her as an actress.....I was in New York because my mother was dying. My sister and I were staying in the Family home in Great Neck, out on Long Island, where we had all grown up, and spending every day at Colombia Presbyterian Hospital's Harkness Pavllion, which was in the city, where my mother had been for weeks.....I invited Gail to come out to Great Neck, one weekend----the city was kind of getting to her and I thought she might very much enjoy being in the country and the peacefulness of all that 16 Pont Street held. She jumped at the chance, even though I had told her we would not be there at all, during the day.....That Saturday, Gene and I came home from 'vigiling' at the Hospital, exhausted physically and emotionally, and your dear Cousin Gail had cooked this wonderful delicious dinner for us----Even set the table in this very special beautiful way----you have no idea what this meant to my sister and I....Gail had never been in that house before----had no idea where anything was.....But, that didn't stop her. It was such a generous and caring thing to do.....I think it was our first Home Cooked Hot meal in almost a month! We had a cousin who lived next door who had said to us about a week before, 'Is there anything I can do?' We said, how meaningful it would be if she could make us dinner one night....(She had been in that house probably 200 hundred times, at least, since she had been a little girl, and she was now a grown woman.....)...She said: 'Oh, I won't know where anything is and I wouldn't know what to cook or anything.....!'. We said....that's okay, don't worry about it.....'
The contrast between our cousin and Gail, was overwhelming on every level..... But that is who Gail was.....There is a Yiddish word----'Balabusta'...it means Homemaker, but as with all Yiddish words, it means so much more than that---it covers all the loving care someone takes in all that they do regarding their home and how they treat their guests---whether family or friends.....Gail was a true 'Balabusta' in every sense of the word....! Gene and I never ever forgot Gail's loving generous heart on that Saturday, all those years ago. It still brings tears to my eyes.....! There were many many other generous and loving things that Gail did over the years---not just for me, but for just about everyone she knew and loved. But this huge gesture stands out because it was so needed at that time, and Greg, we didn't even ask her to do anything; She just did it! And that was Gail, wasn't it?
Below, there is a picture of Gail on the closed circuit TV Channel that is a staple of The Motion Picture Home---all the people there were and are part of the film industry....Gail often appeared on Channel 22 sharing great story's about her show business experiences......
Given my confinement, I was not able to go.....But I hear it was just lovely---And that Gail would have felt very good about it.....Knowing her, she was no doubt guiding the whole afternoon from her new beautiful home....the loveliest spot in heaven, now that she is there......!
She will be remembered and will have a warm loving place in the Hearts of all those she touched, for always and for ever.
RIP Dear Dear Gail......
More To Come.......
Note: One year, when Gail and I were on the Theatre West Board together. we were at a meeting of the Board and I tripped and fell in the parking lot behind the Theatre, having gone to the Liquor store two doors down to buy some Chocolate Mallomars---talk about punishment for eating the wrong things---And Gail had to drive me to the Emergency Room of UCLA Medical Center, after the meeting---at Midnight, to be treated---I had broken my foot. Now that is a friend!!! So very many memories have flooded in on me.......
......I will write about the second loss, in a separate post.....
Now, back to The Emmy DVD's......
- had this to say:
Such a beautiful post and loving tribute to your dear friend.
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 2:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so sorry for this loss of such a special person in your life Naomi. What a lovely tribute and I am sure that letter meant so much for her family. Hearing such sweet memories about such a giving person can't help but bring warm feelings to aching hearts.
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 5:14:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
A wonderful tribute! xx
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 7:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
She sounds like a wonderful friend, Naomi. I'm so sorry for your loss. She would blush to read such a fine tribute and be filled with joy to know the impact she made on your life.
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:06:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
My sympathies for yet another loss. Your post, made me cry. To have such a thoughtful friend, to go right in and cook up a nice meal...I hope I will be able to do that for someone some day. We should all aspire to be a person like that.
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm sorry for your loss, Naomi. I would not have remembered her from the name, but I do remember her photos - a beautiful woman and I know she was in TV some when I was younger.
- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 2:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Naomi. I've always loved the way you cherish your friends, the way they become your family, and the way you share their lives with us. May you know no further sorrow, and may Gail's memory always be a blessing.
I'm so glad we can see your world - and its incredible people - through your eyes.- Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 8:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry for your lost. However, you always write a wonderful and fitting tribute for your dear friends.
I know my own dad often says he doesn't think there'll be anyone left to attend his funeral at this rate.- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 8:09:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful friend Gail was. I'm so sorry for your loss, my friend.
Having done my share of "vigiling" in hospitals - I know what a true gift that gift of a hot meal was.- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 12:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a sweet memory to have of her making dinner for you.
I'm so sorry, Naomi for your losses.- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 1:40:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
A loving tribute and I had heard my in-laws speak about the hardest part of getting old was having so many go before them.
- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 5:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm so sorry. That's rough to have so many losses, one after another. She sounds like an ideal and rare friend.
- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 7:25:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh, dear. I enjoyed hearing about your friend and especially was touched by your story of her cooking for you and your family when you needed to be taken care of so.
Here in Floyd we have just lost another icon and you may remember me writing about him, the hermit/butterfly mystic, musician and artist. He was only 57.- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 7:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry to hear about your loss Naomi. The older we get, the more we hear about people we personally know, die. Horrible. But that is life and life goes on. Gail sounded like a lovely friend to have but I'm putting a bet on the fact you had purchased liquor not chocolate! (lol! - I'm kidding!)
xx- Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 8:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so very sorry you had to loose another of your special friends.
it never gets easier.. a cyber hug isn't very comforting but it's all I can do ..xoxoxoxo- Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 5:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh no you have lost so many dear dear friends. I'm so sorry. What amazes me is just how many close friends you have. You must have cherished and looked after them all so well.
Gail was a beautiful woman. I love the photo where they have painted out the background. That's of course what they did before the days of computers and photoshop.
Big hugs to you!- Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 1:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry to hear of your loss, Naomi! What a wonderful friend and person she was to you and all in her life! You have my heart. xoxoxo
- Friday, August 23, 2013 at 12:32:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Again I think of what a wonderful, full, happy life you have lead and above all the beautiful people that were part of it...I remember her...Twilight Zone...Peyton Place...such a beauty...those eyes...that 60s look that just couldn't be sexier or more alluring...
Naomi you have been blessed with a gorgeous cast of characters in your first act, second act and now the third...hold your beautiful memories as a warm blanket and let all your friends past and present hold you close...
I had a busy week trying to get into school...gone are the days of just filling in a form...the computer wouldn't let me in so I had to go three times to the school and finally someone was able to really help me and register...so...your pods are made and need proper curing time...I will ship them hopefully on Monday...I want to tie up my lose ends before school starts...xxxcynthia- Friday, August 23, 2013 at 3:37:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Gail was a great friend to you over the years, just as I am sure you were a great friend to her. So sad that she is gone. I'm thinking of you, and sending you my best wishes in your loss.
- Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 12:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my dear Naomi, I am so sorry for your loss... It is so sad and so painful to loss such a lovely and special person in your life.
You did a beautiful homage to your wonderful friend Gail.
I am thinking of you and sending you many comfort hugs and much love.- Monday, August 26, 2013 at 12:34:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Naomi, it is so touching. She looks stunning in the first photograph you placed on your blog and I understand that she was also stunning inside. How wonderful for you to have been a friend to such a caring and lovely person.
- Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 7:51:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Gail was beautiful both inside and out and a wonderful friend to you which says a lot about the sort of person you are.
You are very much valued and needed by so many of us. Don't forget.- Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 2:39:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Kindness is timeless. Thank you for reminding us to leave good memories. Hugs and prayers.
- Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11:24:00 PM PDT
x4
