Well - everyone arrived for the luncheon.....and it was wonderful seeing folks that I hadn't seen in 10-25 years - and from all over the country..... Hopefully it was also nice to be seen.
We had our intro, our invocation, our luncheon - our Roll of Honor (thanks DR JOSE for the idea) - and then we began a "Memories" section where those who wished could stand and talk a bit - I was the second crack out of the box....and we had several funny & touching anecdotes.
As my friend from the past Ann stood and began to talk - there was some commotion from the other end of the room....my friend Ernie had collapsed and fallen to the floor......ambulance was called......and arrived....I ran out to the front door of the building so they could get into the door closest to the room..... Ernie was non responsive - not breathing - they got his pulse back, and shocked him and then put him on a respirator....
People were directed to head on out to the theatre, if they wished.....most did. I pulled my car around and took Ernie's wife to the hospital emergency room.....a few miles away. I waited with her through a most trying - but necessary - process of checking him in, etc.
Linda & Ernie's daughter Stacy had been called and was "on the way." I sat with Linda in the ER - there were a few words from the doctors....Ernie was breathing on his own.
One hour later, Stacy and her husband and son arrived. Linda told me to go on out to the barn where I was expected and needed...... I did - but don't really know much of what was going on there......the DVD was a success.....we sold MANY MANY copies.....several season tickets.....had a chocolate fountain and all sorts of other goodies. People were MOST entertained and appreciative. The open house was public, so many people not at the luncheon were in attendance.
Stacy & husband came by to pick up Ernie's car - and of course it was at the venue NOT the theatre.....but they stayed so their son could have some marshmallows in the chocolate fountain.
Ernie was airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis - where he is at this moment - still unresponsive.....so there we are....
An emotion charged day for so many of us.
Thoughts prayers and vibes for Ernie (he was Oscar to my Felix) if you will.....Thanks.