Sunday Newscape Magazine

It is nice to read a story that will inspire people to realize how lucky they are to be alive. The machine of routine that has become such a part of our lifestyle often leads us to miss the little things that really make life worth living. This story; I hope, will inspire you to look at life and how much the little things really matter.

Anyone who is a fan of the iconic television series “Law & Order” knows the wise cracking one-liners Jerry Orbach (aka) “Detective Lennie Briscoe” brought to this series. This man had New York written all over him. The old fashion hair cut, long trench coat, and seasoned veteran made his character a legend for over 12 years. In my opinion, the show has never been the same since his departure and unfortunate early death in 2004 at the age of 69.

What most don’t realize is that Jerry was a true romantic and poet. Like all of us, we have daily routines and rituals, but Jerry was different. After the usual shower, shave, and morning coffee, Jerry would leave his wife a simple scribbled poem on the back of a to-do list calendar and leave it next to his wife Elaine’s coffee cup.

After reading these poems I soon found out how deep this man really was. Jerry expressed his profound love for his wife and deep gratitude for working. Most important, was his love for life itself. He was never a man of few words and often put humor into those simple notes. Elaine saved every one of them. Sadly, Elaine died just before the book of Jerry’s poems was released this year.

As I do in many of my of my columns I use 9/11 as a foundation to prove a powerful point. This one is no different. All of us remember where we were on 9/11 and the fear and anger we all felt that horrific day. What transpired from that day was a Country coming together as one and appreciating life. That warm fuzzy feeling comes to mind as neighbors hung flags and spoke to those they did not even know. In other words, people got the message to live everyday in what most would call, “The Attitude of Gratitude.” This is exactly what Jerry did everyday, but he did not need a tragic event to understand this wonderful belief and share it with everyone he knew.

Unfortunately it seems that this Country has stepped backwards in these tough times. The flags that were found just about everywhere are gone and the majorities have gone back to their cynical ways once again. Granted, most of us are going through tough times, but that doesn’t mean we should forget how lucky we are to be alive.

Jerry Orbach had an illustrious career in television, stage, and film, but it never went to his head. His wife Elaine wrote, “Jerry was a regular guy-a working actor- never your typical star.” He did not have the entourage like most. Preferring a subway instead of limos was his forte. Describing Jerry Orbach is easy; a simple stoic man with a passion for life, compassion for others, lots of love, and many friends. These are the only things that really mattered to him.

“Remember How I Love You” is a book that will fill your heart with love and inspire you to step back. It is amazing what you find out once you peel back the persona and see the real person.

Most important, I wish I had the chance to interview this man of simplicity, but I got the next best thing. His words will last a lifetime and his passion for life is now written to inspire all of us to realize how lucky we are to be alive.

© Jerry Maldonado-2009 all rights reserved This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it