Post 14: "If I Should Wake Before I Die"

From 13-Year-Old Anne's Journal —November 16, 1982  – FAIR             "This old woman wanted Doc Baker & Charles to call her kids & tell them she was dead. It worked & they came. They yelled at her for playing such a dirty trick."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xQE9qU0CG0____________________________________________________From Tracy —There's not a lot of difference between the 12-year-old Anne and the 43 year old Anne. (Or is it 42?) She would far rather see some rock 'em sock 'em action or even some rom-com vs. wading through a teary weaper like this one. Although I have to say this episode is also pretty funny. I love how this sweet little old lady has everyone wrapped around her finger, even Ma. Hope I'm that spunky and clever at her age. But it's still sad — why do some people only show up for the funeral? It's important to support the family left behind of course but the dearly departed can't really enjoy it. And although I grew up agnostic, I can safely say there are three things I like about Catholicism: 1) The pomp and circumstance! 2) A Jesuit Education 3) Wakes. I think wakes are a wonderful idea and sure as heck hope I get one.____________________________________________________From Anne —OK, I'd like to take a different tack here. The essence of Catholicism is guilt. (As a gleeful ex-Catholic, I say this with assurance). Miss Amy wields guilt like a guerrilla wields a machete. She's good at making people feel bad, it's embarrassing! And impressive too, I agree. Could Miss Amy at least give her soldier son a break? It's not like he could book a Wanna Get Away fare on Southwest.Side note: sometimes in these episodes you get a clear picture of the fondness between Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. I wonder if that moment when he teases her about how she snarfs corn on the cob was ad-libbed.Tracy: for the record, I turn 43 in September. And if you die before I do, I promise to plan a serious party. With cute favors, great retro music, lots of bon-bons, and a dress code. No guilt allowed!