Karl Pearson

This one is tough. Very tough.

Several hours ago, my good friend and editor, Don McCormack, called to tell me that our mutual friend and co-worker, Karl Pearson, passed away at his home. Don went to Karl's house when he didn't show up at a softball tournament this afternoon, and found him. He apparently had gone in his sleep.

Karl was 58. He went way too soon. But he certainly left his mark.

Most importantly, Karl was one of the nicest and helpful people around, anywhere. I have to say that first. Everyone who ever met him will tell you that.

Karl was a longtime sports writer for the Ashtabula Star Beacon, and was in the field for more than 35 years. (There is a famous 1975 photo of Frank Robinson on deck for his first at-bat as an African-American manager in the Major Leagues, in which he would hit a home run. Karl is in the background of that photo.) He was dedicated to his work, and to helping the local sports programs. His favorite sport was track, but his influence on area high school sports and other local sports programs ran the gamut. He was the go-to person when it came to organizing many of the Star Beacon high school All-Star games and tournaments. He cared about the local athletes, the schools and the community. He cared about everyone.

Karl was also a man of faith, and was very active with his church. He left a positive impression on everyone who he met.

I first met Karl in late 1993 when he interviewed me to do freelance sports writing for the paper. Almost 18 years later, I am still doing it (with one 1 1/2 year break years ago, during which I went to another paper.) Others played a role in my beginning in that role, but I have never forgotten that Karl was the one who hired me.

Right now, this is still very new to everyone. There is still a lot of shock and confusion. Many of us aren't certain exactly what to do.

Rest in peace, my friend. You are very much missed.

I'm Still Here

Just got back from the auto dealer, where they replaced my headlight.

I bought the part from the auto parts store. They told me I could do it myself, so I bought the part. Then later I opened the hood.

What were they thinking?!?

Thank goodness. I don't have to be careful any more. I don't want to be driving at night or in the rain without that thing working, specially thru Cleveland Heights, where the police work for the money-hungry government.

Anyway, it's been a while since I last posted. Most of that is because of something that happened on June 9. Then I confess I got out of the habit-- or as the woman who got divorced said, I am remiss.

Anyway, there is plenty to talk about. THREE reunions, which is ridiculous, but great! Other stuff too. But let's talk about the June 9 incident too.

The story actually begins about 30 years ago (in a rundown shack in--- oh never mind. :)) I dislocated my shoulder while skiing (something I have done twice in my life and will never do again), and it popped out a few times thereafter, so on a Monday in Oct 1981 (the same day Rick Monday won the NL pennant for the Dodgers), I had it operated on. A pin was placed in my shoulder to prevent it from coming out, and I hadn't had any major problems with it since.

Until June 9.

Early that morning, I guess I was having a bad dream, and I made a sudden motion with my right arm, and woke up to a lot of pain. I knew what it was, and although the bone cannot come all the way out of the socket, it was partially out, and I couldn't get it to go back in.

So I drove myself to the hospital, where they reset it.

Since then I have been to my regular doctor and a specialist. (All this is expensive for me, because since I don't have a full-time job, I pay for my own insurance, and I do not get favorable rates, or treatment from the ins. co.) Bottom line, it's a lot better than it was that morning, but there is still some concern. The x-rays showed that it wasn't back in exactly the place where it should heen, the pin appears to have moved, and I still have restricted movement to the left and to the back. I do not know what comes next, and the time has come when I need to follow up with the specialist.

I can do all the regular everyday functions, though some are easier than others. I still put all my stuff in my left pocket instead of my right. Bathing is difficult in a couple areas. Just when it started to get real hot here, I was finally able to lift my air conditioner so I could put it in the window, though.

Things could always be worse. I am reminded of that constantly, when I hear about people in worse situations. But it is still a pain, both literally and figuratively. (Advil helps a lot though.)

Anyway, sorry about the lack of communication. I hope to catch up here on all the happenings of the last couple months, very soon.