For Ramona

 My favorite radio show of all time is Bob and Sheri. They were based out of Charlotte, NC and were a hoot. Through their show, I got to know Max Sweeten, one of the engineers who has the kindest heart of anyone I know; and the People's Movie Critic Lamar Richardson who is hilarious and a devout Christian. But that isn't what this post is about.

As I listened, and then started following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I noticed other radio people that would sometimes like the same things I liked, or would like something I posted and we began following each other. One of these people was a radio personality named Ramona Holloway.

I've never met Ramona, yet I feel as though I know her. A couple of years ago I saw she was doing a FB live called "The Recovery Room" and she did it every Monday. So I started watching and learned a lot about her. Her premise was, "We're all recovering from SOMETHING right now so I'll be sharing helpful and hopeful stories with a sick world just trying to get well." I believe she started it around covid time and after her mother, Wheezy (Louise), was diagnosed with dementia.

Knowing that I was in a similar situation, I became fascinated with Recovery Room and Ramona in particular. I loved how close she was to her mother, who had lived with her for years. I loved the videos she shared of Wheezy, and I couldn't believe how much she reminded me of Marie in a way. These videos were very entertaining, but never disrespectful or exploitative. And it wasn't always sunshine and roses. They showed in real life what it's like caring for someone with dementia: the good and the bad. It's the same whether you're a celebrity (like her) or a regular person (like me).

Ramona shared how upset she was when her mom remembered the dog (Henri) but not her. She knew it was the disease but that really hurts. Marie would tell stories about her children when they were young, but she never remembered me in those stories. When she had to go to a nursing home and I would call her: she would forget it was me in the middle of the conversation. So whatever name she would call me by: I would answer to. So I knew Ramona's pain.

I remember how torn up Ramona was when she knew she couldn't provide at-home care for Wheezy anymore; and she had to go to a nursing home. I was just as upset. Wheezy wanted to stay home with her daughter, but you know when you can no longer provide the care they need. That can be excruciating. Although Marie drove me bonkers sometimes, when she wasn't at the house anymore, I really missed her and felt guilty for not being Superwoman.

Wheezy went to a very nice facility and the videos continued. Ramona created an all-ages inclusive fundraiser called #FamilyDancePartyCLT to support local charities and teach the next generation about philanthropy. I saw a clip this year of Wheezy dancing at this event and I loved it!

Alas, that clip was deceiving. A couple of weeks ago I saw something on social regarding Wheezy's death. I gasped and couldn't believe it. How had I missed it? I immediately reached out to Ramona and she confirmed that Wheezy had died in April of 2021. I was heartbroken and sent a lovely note to Ramona. 

Why would the death of a stranger hit me so hard? Because through Ramona, I got to know her and her mom, like they were actually a part of my family. I got to see the love and sacrifice of an only child, doing what a child needs to do in later life: take care of the parent that raised and took care of them. I learned a lot through watching their lives unfold.

Someday I fully intend to visit Charlotte, North Carolina to meet my favorite radio people. Ramona is first on my list. I want to thank her for sharing Wheezy with all of us, for the love and care she provided to her mom and for never being too busy or too famous to respond to me.

Here they are with Henri. R.I.P Wheezy. You were certainly loved.