My Dad and I were asked to tell our story recently…
at the Wrap It Up Luncheon benefitting the CC Young Benevolence Fund. Here’s a little bit of what we said.
Jane: I got my broadcasting start at age 4, about the age I was in this picture, doing commercials for my Dad’s radio station in Anna, Illinois, the small town where I grew up.
Dad: Jane did commercials for my advertisers like Bunny Bread and the local car dealerships.
Me: My Dad paid me in…Barbie Dolls.
Dad: I interviewed people like Walter Cronkite and the famous heart surgeon Michael DeBakey and I often took Jane with me.
Jane: My Dad showed my brother, David, and me that we could do just about anything we wanted, if we worked hard. My Dad even got into a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden when John F. Kennedy was President, without a press pass!
My Dad was always doing something new and fun. He was always moving forward and enjoying life. That’s the example he set.
Dad: After college, Jane got a job as the weekend reporter for the local TV station before eventually coming to Dallas, where her brother, David, was in school at SMU.
Jane: One of the first stories I covered was the Republican National Convention in Dallas…
and I’ve been fortunate to interview everyone from President George W. Bush…
…to Texas music legend Willie Nelson.
Dad: Almost three years ago, Jane’s mother and I decided to move to Dallas so we could be close to our kids and grandkids. Jane’s mother, Marian, and I met in college and almost never spent a night apart in 59 years old marriage.
Jane: Right after my parents got here my Mom got sick. That was in May. We took her to doctors and hospitals all summer trying to figure out what was wrong. Right around the Christmas she was diagnosed with ALS, and she died a few weeks later, January 22.
My Dad was all alone. For months he was so sad. My brother and I visited, but nothing seemed to help.
Dad: I met some people at Highland Park Methodist Church, where I go to church, who took me to lunch at CC Young Retirement Center. I never thought I would want to live into a retirement center but it was beautiful and the people were so friendly. I told them the following Monday I was moving in.
Jane: I’m here speaking with my Dad at this Wrap It Up Luncheon to benefit the Benevolence Fund at CC Young because I want to thank you. You literally saved my Dad’s life. Does he look sad now?
Dad: I’m having a wonderful life. I’m writing biographies on a lot of the folks who live at CC Young, there are so many interesting people there…and I’ve met some wonderful new friends. And Valentine’s Day, I’m starting a brand new project, interviewing people there for a series called “How I Met My Husband”.
It’s perfect for me. CC Young…Where the Spirit is Ageless.
Thank you to Mrs. H. Ross Perot, for being Wrap It Up Luncheon Honorary Chair, and to Photographer Danny Campbell for the great photos of my Dad and me, and the luncheon.
That was beautiful!!!!
Thank you so much Mary, I appreciate your taking the time to comment, jane
That is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. There is something very special between a girl and her Dad.
My pleasure Lalita, thank you so much for commenting. And yes there is:)
Shared your heart warming story with a couple of DNA friends back in Herrin & Marion, IL. One is Julia Schroeder and her brother Wayne Isaacs (Saluki’s all). Julia asked about “The Bread Song Girl.” You know you have ‘Star Power’ when one has ‘Brand Recognition’ after all these years. Glad to hear you testify.:-)) Walt Disney was right. It is a ‘Small World, After All.’
In Big “D”
Tom B.
Hi Tom! Thanks so much. “The Bread Song Girl” is pretty funny. Best wishes in Big D, jane
I love your father’s spirit. Inspiring.
Thank you so much Carol, I wanted to share that, Jane
Hi Jane –
About 12 years ago, I was an Associate Buyer at Neiman Marcus Direct. Your dad, Don Michel, was one of our vendors (he sold us Russian dinnerware). He is such a delightful man! And we loved hearing him speak with such pride about his family. Please accept and pass on my condolences about your mom. What a great love story!!
Hi Pam, how nice! I will tell him to be sure and read your comment, Jane
You are a very wonderful Lady, I always admired you, Nothing ever stopped you. Very Classy Lady!!!
Mary, thanks so much. I have been very fortunate and hopefully, appreciative. Thank you for commenting!
I love your stories especially the ones you’ve done about your mom and dad. What great parents that have helped make you the great lady you are today.
Cathy thanks so much. I was fortunate and I’m lucky now that I get to share that experience. Have a great day!
How delightful to read a little of your stories…and the pictures are great. So glad you continue to do the great stories you’re doing on Good Morning Texas…I’ve been following you since the noon news on Channel 5 back in the 80’s. Hope you and your dad keep doing what you do the best for years to come.
Thanks so much Margo! Have a wonderful day:) Jane
Jane, I loved your story about your parents…their love story and your wonderful relationship with your dad. My father was much like your dad and I miss him dearly. I am passing on your story to my father in law who just moved into a retirement home after my mother in law passed away. He has not been happy there but I think your father’s story about what he is doing at C.C. Young is inspiring. Your dad truly chooses joy in his life and shares it with others. You are both such inspiring people. All the best!
My pleasure to share Nikki, and all my best to you and your Dad, Jane
Loved this. Made me cry but beautiful article and loved the cake ad and pictures.
Aww, thanks so much Linda, appreciate your comment, Jane
Jane I enjoyed this so much Thank you for sharing: Its going to be a sad Christmas here, My Sweet Momma passed away Wednesday the 3rd 2014, we were going shopping, lunch and her groceries, her usual 3rd of the month thing… I found her , she was getting ready for our day but God took her Home before we could ..:( I know shes in Heaven but the pain is unbearable..
Sandy, may your holidays be blessed. Thank you so much for sharing.