The Show Must Go On

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By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

I must confess I haven’t really enjoyed the hand I’ve been dealt these past few weeks. For the most part, I’m pretty good at playing the cards I’m holding – making lemonade out of lemons, so to speak – and forging ahead bluffing my way through this thing called life. And I guess, to a certain degree, I’m doing the same now, but the fact that the Ace of Spades keeps showing up is really starting to get on my last nerve.

During the last 18 months, so many have experienced loss in a myriad of ways: loss of livelihood, loss of loved ones, loss of purpose, loss of home, loss of security, loss of well-being – a general theme of loss in general. As the summer months began, I was overcome with an extreme sense of optimism about the coming months despite the mountain of loss of the previous months. And yes, I was overcome with massive hot flashes as well, but that’s an entirely different story.

But my optimism, along with my patience for a Texas summer, is waning. I’m about done with anything bad, sad and definitely anything that makes me mad. And yes, I realize I sound like a Dr. Seuss book, and no I do not believe in the cancel culture controversy as it pertains to the authentic alliteration of the amazing author.

We’ve lost some amazing souls in the past few weeks, talented individuals who left their marks on our world, all of whom I had the privilege to know or at least meet. Bob Brown was a true talent who created an empire out of nothing and make the community better for it. I’ll always remember calling him at the EDC and leaving him messages. He would never call me back. He would always show up at my office the very next morning many times before I would. The girls would call me and let me know Mr. Brown was in my office. I’d show up, and he would say, “Well, you called me. You must have needed me.” And I always assured him that indeed I did need him and always would.

Bob and I got into a lot of trouble at community events dancing, discussing, bidding, scheming. And yes, Mr. Kaminski got stuck with a dog at an auction despite my warnings and Bob’s track record. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

A brilliant photographer and lovely, Godly man who photographed my children from t-ball through high school, Geoffrey Neossi was an artist, humanitarian and community supporter gone far too soon. I have him to thank for capturing years of sports teams, school grades and special events for my children, and I had the privilege of working with him as a member of our Focus family for many years. Geof always had a smile on his face and met each day with enthusiasm, gusto and humor. Oh, the crazy photo shoots and the laughter we shared. Priceless memories of an amazing talent.

The world lost one-third of that Little Ole Band from Texas as well recently and that too, was heavy on my heart. A longtime fan of my hometown band, I frequently saw Billy when I lived in Houston, and I had the honor to meet and spend some time with Dusty Hill in 2004. Despite his seemingly wild rock ‘n roll roots, Dusty was very shy, extremely polite and so, so sweet.

So bad, sad and mad sums up my attitude for the past few weeks, but I’m not going to allow these raunchy rhyming wrongs to set up shop in my heart. As gala season approaches and we need to support our community, as a new school year starts and we need to get those team photos taken and as a tour is booked and concert dates must continue, Bob, Geof and Dusty would say, “The show must go on.” I, for one, agree.

See y’all next week – on the porch.

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Patti Parish-Kaminski

Follow Patti Parish-Kaminski on Facebook at facebook.com/patti.parishkaminski and on Instagram at instagram.com/ontheporchwithpatti/.