Methinks it is not wise to blog by clicking send at a time when your reason’s playing treason and your thinkin’ has been stinkin’. So I’m passing these scant words to a friend of Thinking Positive who agreed to update this page.
Gang, I am now a resident of a skilled nursing facility in Hollywood as a result of the determination by many who believe I am no longer able to care for my situation on my own (case in point: the struggle by my Boy Pony Express to read my incoherent handwriting).
The fast-paced environment here leaves little room for learning how to be a citizen of a nursing home community. Already I have had a flare-up during a sponge bath. I wanted to wail, “hey, I can wash THOSE myself, thank you very much”.
In theory, I’ll be here for the duration. We’ll see about that.
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Paul -- Saucy as always. And loving it. -- Marvin
ReplyDeletePaul, Take it esy and enjoy it, just think no housework to do for awhile.
ReplyDeleteMike should be there this weekend to visit, and hopefully I will be there shortly after.
I love you "GUS" hang in there.
Dad
Dear Paul,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear of you clean shiny balls! Ha ha. Hopefully your stay at the nursing home will make you feel young.
Love,
Holly
Hey,tell those nurses to be careful. If they want something to wash ... tell them to put the soap in their mouth.
ReplyDeleteWas thinking of another "Paul" story. When Lisa and I got married (26 years ago), there was no question as to who my best man was going to be. Paul graciously accepted but was a nervous wreck getting in front of all those people about giving the toast. Okay, maybe 125 people!! Anyway Paul did a GREAT job, was funny and said some very meaningful things.
But then ... we had a 50's band for the wedding, Captain Kardiac and the Coronaries and right after the toast and when Paul was up on stage, they gave him a tamborine (sp?) and Paul accompanied them (on stage) with their next song. If I knew how to attach pictures, I would. Paul was the "best" Best Man!!
Love ya and see you Saturday
Mike (the brother)
Very nice story, Mike (the brother).
ReplyDeletePaul, I was looking at the cartoons and drawings of yours that I saved from our Park View/AVHS years...too funny. I can't tell you the pleasure I got from them! Such fond memories...thank you! You're the best.
Wow Mike. I'd love to see a video of that. My experience with your brother is, although he has a passion for music that runs as deep as mine, he is a little...how should I say...rhythmically challenged.
ReplyDeleteTo Paul's friends: keep posting your comments. Until we can get Paul with an internet connection, I am printing out the comments and bringing them to him. I can see that he is clearly pleased when reading what has been written so far.
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a lazy afternoon leading to this:
Hi Paul,
I'm sitting at my desk on a sunny but chilly day at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. As with every Friday, the day drags on. I decided to google myself and see what the minions are saying about me - still jealous - and came across the photos I posted from the APLA reunion a couple of years back. I had not looked at them again since then and read your fun and funny comments. I have to say that you have always made me laugh and continue to do so to this day. I'm glad that for a brief, shining moment, we worked for the same organization.
I hope all is well with you.
john
I tried to email to the address on flicker, but it bounced back. A quick search brought me to your blog and now I am up-to-date with your news.
Paul - hang in there - I will keep you in my thoughts. You really did make me laugh not to mention being a talented editor. I still have an email you sent to me when I asked people where they were when Elvis left us. You shared the story about being in a drive through photomat and the women in the cars on both sides were crying. You had no escape. Again, priceless.
John Sallot
PS Hi Dean - I'm assuming Micelli.
Paul, I'm visiting Melanie in Maryland and we're getting a surprise snowstorm, so we're all toasty and surfing your blog. Melanie sends her best. She reminded me of the time that you were sitting in our rocking chair watching the Scott family spectacle of a spark in the dryer, fire dept. called, 6 firetrucks on our tiny cul-de-sac, neighbors gathering outside, one brother spray painting the other brother with red paint, mom thinking it's blood, screaming, firemen milling around, Melanie running in a closet out of embarrassment, me shutting the door, Melanie re-thinking the closet idea because what if there really was a fire, banging on the door, screaming to get out, me laughing hysterically, all in the space of 5 minutes. And through it all, Paul Serchia rocking away and marveling at a regular day at the Scott's!
ReplyDeleteTake care, Paul. Best wishes from the Scott sisters!
Kim and Melanie
Dear Paul,
ReplyDeleteMy mother told me this am that your blog is down. And yet--- here you still are! (yay!) This is just a little frightening (as I am sure you can relate) as it now means I'll have to go over there and show her how to get to your blog again.
Hang in there, babe. And thank your friend Dean for updating all of us on your facebook page as well.
Annie, David's elder daughter (oooh, she'd hate me for referring to her that way, but really, how else do I remind you of who she is? okay, the daughter that's not Emma??) is living with me now. She is looking for a job in the US, having been jerked around by the UK Immigration people and having her visa status changed.
I love having her living with me.
Give my love to Mike (the brother), and to your dad when he gets there.
Love you!
Ann (the cousin)
Hey Paul,
ReplyDeleteI'm another "anonymous" cuz I have no idea what a profile is or if I have one!! If I knew the name of the skilled nursing facility in Hollywood I'd bring you an apple pie. Hang in there guy, your sense of humor is amazing!! And I'm serious about the pie, if you want the pie let me know the name.
Luv
Karen
Dear Paul,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog for the first time as I was preparing for ALC 6. The moment I started reading was the moment I knew I was riding for more than it being a personal challenge. You have such a way of expressing yourself that draws people in. I followed your blog through the rest of my training and thought of you many times on the ride. I still think of you and the effect you've had on me.
I met you a few times during training for ALC 7 with Team UTAC. I hope you get well soon. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
-Erin Curry
Dear Paul,
ReplyDeleteIt's been too long, and I hope it's not too late to tell you that I am even more awestruck by you now – by the spirit, strength, honesty, humor and talent that you’ve shared in your blog – than I was when I first met you in the 7th grade at Park View. I think we both had Miss Jones for English in 7th grade and creative writing in 8th grade – remember the flaming red beehive hair and the black cat eyeglasses that she’d lower to peer at us while addressing the class slowly and precisely in tones steeped in sarcasm and irony? How I loved her mock disdain for us, and the sly, fleeting smile that would signal her secret pleasure in giving us A’s for work well done. Remember, too, at AVHS, our existentialist teacher, Mr. Guzman, Ramon Guzman’s father, constricted by a metal leg brace that forced an awkward gait? He seemed to ignore it, and expected us to do likewise. As he frequently reminded us, “All you’ve got is this moment – which has just passed.” I think we were 18, and starting college – you at Pepperdine Malibu, and me at USC – when you came out to me. If it weren’t for you, it probably wouldn’t have occurred to me to research and write a paper on “The Social Life of Gays” for my Human Sexuality class (60% biology, 40% sociology) with Dr. Laura Schlessinger – yes, that Dr. Laura Schlessinger. She may have earned a reputation for being homophobic in later years, but back then, she gave that paper an A, and I owe it to those nighttime field trips you took me on. What a drag for a boy like you to let a girl like me tag along – but you were always a good sport, Paul, and generous.
I think the last time we saw each other in person was in 1996, at our 20th class reunion, and before that, in 1992, when I was pregnant with Alexander. He’s 17 now, will be graduating in June, and plans to attend community college for a couple of years to get his general education requirements out of the way. He hasn’t figured out yet what he wants to do when he grows up – maybe something in web design, interactive media, music or business, or all of the above. Alex is a good kid and he’s growing up to be a fine young man – which is good, because he’s going to be living at home with Larry and me for awhile longer until he figures out what to do. You’d appreciate his sarcastic sense of humor and love of music – most modern genres, predominantly rock and electronic. He’s more interested in composing and DJing now than in performing, though he did learn to play guitar, drums, flute and keyboards along the way (and I’m still paying for weekly guitar and drum lessons).
I’m sorry I’ve been so lousy at keeping in touch, Paul – but please don’t take it personally. I don’t have much of a personal life because I’ve been self-employed since 1992 and supporting the family since 1998. I’m behind on work and billing now, as usual – I typically work seven days a week, including nights, although I have been trying to pare it down to six days – but my mother called me this afternoon (the anonymous “Karen” in one of the comments above) and she said that you’re in a nursing facility now. Having read some of your recent postings, I’m glad to know that you’ve got caregivers with you around the clock now. I hope the hospice workers are keeping you free of pain. At least you're safe from tripping over medical devices in your apartment.
Mostly, I hope you receive this message so you know that I do think of you, that you were a beautiful part of my growing up, and that I still love you, Paul. I hate posting personal stuff publicly, but I’m afraid that you may not have access to your e-mail now, so this is the way it’s got to be. Plus, if you can be this open about your situation, then I can certainly dispense with a little bit of privacy.
– Love always from your wayward friend, Lynn
Hi Paul ... just wanted to say I'm thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHello friends and followers of Paul's blog. I saw Paul this weekend at the skilled nursing facility this past weekend. It is difficult for Paul to keep up the blog, even though we tried several times over the weekend. He is still very passionate about communicating and read it many times while I was there. Until we are able to update the blog with his words ... keep making comments to this latest posting. He lives for everyone's comments.
ReplyDeletePaul is an amazing person and it is sad to see him like this ... but he is also a fighter! Believe me, I have known him for awhile and have first hand experience.
Paul's 52nd birthday is Friday, February 5th. Send him positive birthday wishes.
I believe in MIRACLES!!
Mike (the brother)
Hey Paul!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I, too, am sending positive thoughts your way. Lynn Sprenger's letter to you was so funny and reminded me of that time again as well. She described you so beautifully. I think we were all in Miss Timrott's class together...what WAS that about? All I remember, really, were some odd writings and playing Monopoly in Spanish. Very effective to play a game that all you needed to do was recognize the pictures and colors and NOT have to read any of the Spanish to know where you were and what to do.
Your writings have inspired me to think back a lot and to reflect on those days. I pick out kids in my classes that remind me of people I knew back then...I might think, wow, that kid's such a Cal Spadoni, or yes, even a Lynn Sprenger ;) but I haven't met one yet that makes me think of you--a talented writer and artist who is sensitive to what's going on in the world and with people as you have been. You must be inimitable!
I hope you're managing to stay pain free and as always, I hope for that same miracle that all your readers do. I miss your postings.
Sue Thompson
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteJust checking in and realizing how much I miss the daily dose of Paul that I have become so used to! I join the chorus of well-wishers who are all pulling for you.
Your articles in Positive Living were a highlight of my early years at APLA (and a must read for anybody who missed them). You are an incomprable talent and human being, as evidenced by the outpouring of love expressed on these pages.
Keep giving those mystery visitors HELL! (trenchcoats were so 80's anyway) Looking forward to you getting hooked up/plugged back into your blogisphere. Your audience awaits!
Big Hugs,
Scott Singer
Hey Paul! Lynn's post made me sniffle and Sue's post made me laugh...I hope for you too! So good to hear from old school mates.
ReplyDeletePicture this....
Miss Timrott on her stool, flinging one leg over the other, clasping her hands, looking at the class soulfully and saying, "Let's rap!"
In the words of Valley girls all over, "WHATEVER!"
Kim (Scott) Krask
I so want to see Miss Timrott's pictures from her Peace Corps time in Liberia, just one more time. Paul, I hope those don't appear in your sundowns! And wow, I would pay a lot to have a healthy Paul Serchia, Kim Scott, Cal Spadoni and Lynn Sprenger in one room so we could "rap!"
ReplyDeleteSue Thompson
And thank you SO much, Dean, for being Paul's legs and hands and strength and bringing him these messages. If only love, honor, respect and admiration could cure him he'd be the healthiest guy around, judging by the messages here.
Thanks everyone for all your posts. I will see Paul tonight, and besides having another stack of Birthday cards to give him, I will also print the comments left on his blog.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I can post something on his behalf, but in the meantime, keep the love, hope and prayers alive for our friend. I apprecaite it, and I know he does.
Okay, another embarassing Paul story ...
ReplyDeleteWhen Paul was in high school he drove a Dodge Dart. Ugly green, but good stereo. Well one night, Mom, Dad, and I were home and Paul was out. Friday night in Lancaster ... probably cruising Lancaster Blvd! Well, anyway we hear Paul's car come flying up the drive way, the garage door open (Paul never used the garage), Paul come in the house and ask to use Mom/Dad's car. Dad said okay. About 10 minutes later the CHP came to the door and asked if we owned a green (ugly green) Dodge Dart with a good stereo. Dad said yes and opened the garage and showed it to them. Guess Paul and some of his buddies were throwing eggs at something and they saw the car. FUN in LANCASTER!!!
And Paul was always the "good son"???
Love you Paul. See you Saturday for your 52nd BIRTHDAY!!!
Love,
Mike (the brother)
Mike (the brother): Good stereo is very important, ugly green, less so. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Paul!
Lois
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteNote to "Someone"
ReplyDeletePlease email me at godscomic (at) sbcglobal.net
Hi, Paul! This is Nyree from The Saban Free Clinic! I wanted to wish you a blessed Happy Birthday and let you know that you are very much missed. you are in my thoughts and hope to have a chance to visit you. With much love and respect, your friend always,
ReplyDeleteNyree
Happy Birthday, Paul!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kim
Happpy Birthday to you! I am glad to know that you will have friends and family with you to celebrate your birthday. Remember that there are lots of us out here in blogworld that are sending our best wishes to you too! Speaking of blogs, I want to thank you for posting this blog. Sharing this past year with us was very unselfish and generous of you. Reading about your adventures and reading the comments brought back many memories and reminded me that the most important thing in life is to share it with the people you love. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Diane Denson
Happy Birthday Paul!!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts often, and I am sending you lots of love.
Laurie (Goodman)
Happy Birthday Paul! I miss reading your daily blog and hope that you are getting better at the nursing home. Here's hoping they put some cake in a blender and send it into your g-tube. Remember the childrens' g-tube brochures we had at APLA?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, do something fun today to celebrate turning 52. Like maybe playing 52 pick up while listening to Billy Joel's 52nd Street. Actually I wish you something more fun than that. Give Dean a hug from me. I miss you both so.
Love,
Holly
Happy Birthday Paul! I miss your postings--which have always been my first "warm-up" reading in the am. Thank you for sharing so generously with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jude Schneider
OK< now you know, as Ann said to you, I don't have a clue about blogs, etc...she is so bad... Today is the B-day, and all of that. I wish the best for you. i know that Mike thought you were the GoodOne, every family has one i think. Gee, do you think Unka Kev was the Good One? Oh dear....Now that your egg flinging days are gone by, just think of the stuff you will do next...I never did eggs, but, well that;s another story.. Give Mike the brother our best when you see him this weekend, and know you are in our prayers. Don't hassle those nurses, they are in charge of the morphine.... love you, Kid,,,AMA, the aunt
ReplyDeleteHi Paul
ReplyDeleteI miss not only your daily blog, but seeing you every day. Happy Birthday!!
I was the "good one" too and what people don't know is that we are not so good. We get away with a lot because of our perceived goodness in relation to other brothers and sisters bad grades or behavior. I was late to high school every day and never had to go to detention because I was an A student and my brothers and sisters were a lot worse. I'm sure you have plenty of stories about being not so good (and getting away with it).
If you are up to having visitors, let me know.
Would love to see you soon and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Jennifer
Paul,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as I do daily.
I finally clued in to read the comments.
All the love being sent to you through these comments is stunning and heart warming.
Love you lots,
Mickie
I saw Paul for his birthday and he was looking good. Dean and I disagree on his "rockstar" hair but he was alert and we could almost read his writing. Thank you all for the cards sent ... it was very touching and he appreciated them very much. they are getting him up and walking. He loves visitors, so if you are near ... stop by. Dean is trying to get him to write so we can update the blog ... so be patient. In the meantime, continue to comment as Dean prints them off for him to read.
ReplyDeleteKeep the POSITIVE THOUGHTS and believe in MIRACLES!!
Mike (the brother)
Note to Marvin:
ReplyDeleteIf you are reading this, could you email me
godscomic (at) sbcglobal.net
I know someone who is looking for information regarding Paul's time at Thousand Oaks News Chronicle, and I think you would have some great information about his time there.
Thanks
Dean
Note to Dean -- A long time ago, but there's an e-mail as you requested. I missed Paul's birthday (had arthroscopic knee surgery that morning and was out of it all day), but give him belated birthday greetings. -- Marvin
ReplyDeletePaul, We miss you at work. Things are just not the same without you. Be strong. Sending you love and support.
ReplyDeleteWendy Ziegler Marsh
Just got in from visiting Paul. He's having a tough time. All these days and nights in a hospital bed will have a toll on anyone.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to get him to give me something to post to his blog, but he just couldn't do it.
Please keep him in your prayers, and continue to post here.
Keep fighting, Paul. We love you.
ReplyDeleteLois
Each day is another triumph, Paul. Keep 'em coming. -- Marvin
ReplyDeleteThinking of you often, Paul. I hope you're comfortable. Take a minute and let the love and good wishes of all of your friends and family wash over you.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Kim
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteThe apple pie offer is still good! Just let Dean know and I'll bring it on down if he posts an okay on this blog. You are in my daily prayers, keep on fighting. I believe in miracles just like your brother does.
Luv,
Karen
Hey Karen.
ReplyDeleteSend him a virtual pie. Paul has been unable to eat anything for over a year and only gets Isosource through G tube.
Paul
ReplyDeleteDad arrives tomorrow night and Jennifer is going to bring him to see you right after she picks him up. He is going to stay at your apartment while he is there. I know he is really looking forward to seeing you. Let the nurses know that the "old man" is in town and is not going to put up with anything.
Hang in there, be strong and as Steve Perry said (not that I am a big Journey fan) ... "Don't stop believing"
I believe in MIRACLES
Love ya
Mike (the brother)
Hey there, I was glad to hear that you get these notes from your blog. I do know how to do that, at least until the dementia sets in. Keep up the fight Paul, you are always in out thoughts and prayers. Give your Dad a hug from us, he'll watch over you and the nurses, too. We love you Buddy, AMA
ReplyDeleteHey Paul,
ReplyDeleteToday Wolfgang's Vault sent me an email that they are streaming a Stevie Wonder concert from 1973 at Winterland in San Francisco. I listened to him sing "Blowin' in the Wind" ... and couldn't help thinking about you. Stevie-Dylan-and what I think you said you consider to be the best year in Rock Music was a Paul Trifecta.
Thinking of you -Adam L (Please notice that I apostrophized Blowin' in The Wind correctly)
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteI have nothing interesting at all to write, but wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and wishing you well.
Lots of love,
Holly & six cats
Paul,
ReplyDeleteJust thinking of you. While you don't know me the wit and grace you've shown in this blog have been a great inspiration to me. Wishing you much peace.
Dan (the guy who recognized you at The Rose screening)
Hello again,
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is the Big Heart Day, and no one has a heart bigger than yours, Paul. I hope the stuff they pour down your G-tube comes in chocolate, and if so, have them pour you a double.
Cheers! -- Marvin
Lord Paul...You are a true master. The words, the images, your thoughts...Just amazing. And hell, the humor. What a stunning wit. I am constantly in awe and sweet, sweet child, my prayers are with you every single day. Bless you and all you have brought and will bring. Love,
ReplyDeletedana miller
Paul,
ReplyDeleteI hope this time with your family brings you happiness and comfort.
My old friend Scott Snedigar from AVHS is coming to VA tonight to visit for awhile. I will be taking a trip down memory lane with him, I'm sure, and lots of nice memories about you will be part of them!
Take care,
Kim
Paul update: although I don't know the details, Paul was sent to ER today for blood transfusion. He is back at nursing home, and I told him they gave him Keith Richards blood. That should make him feel invincible. His dad is in town for a couple of weeks, but he still welcomes visitors. And of course, prayers and positive vibes are always helpful.
ReplyDeleteHey, Bud, it'll be he big V-day when you get this, know you are in our hearts and our prayers especially today. Love you Paul E, and stay focused and keep on fighting...We send our love.
ReplyDeleteAMA the aunt)
Paul,
ReplyDeleteIt is the morning of Valentines Day and I am sending you a BIG Valentine I love you message!!!
The comments people are writing show how much love you have around you. You are a lucky man. So respected, loved and enjoyed as a person.
Your impact on all of us leaves us better people.
Love,
Mickie
Keith Richard's blood!!! Well I guess if anyone can live forever ... Keith is. According to my father Paul was doing better last night, today he seems to be very uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteLike Dean says, Paul likes visitors so if you are nearby, please go see him! Okay, so here is another Paul story ...
When Paul graduated from college he was working for Marv at the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle (or was it the Enterprise then??) and was doing cartoons as well as editorials. Anyway when John Lennon was murdered Paul did an AMAZING editorial cartoon that actually one an award from the state. It was a picture of a fan holding his head in his hands, an image of the Beatles and a larger one of John. The caption was simply ... "I read the news today, oh boy". It brought tears to my eyes.
Years later, Paul gave me the original drawing as he knew I am a big John Lennon fan. Yes, it still brings tears to my eyes.
Thank you Paul, it is hanging in my home office and I read it everyday.
Keep those positive thoughts coming ... and believe in MIRACLES!!!
Mike (the brother)
How lucky Mike is to have an original Serchia! I never kept any -- my loss. -- Marvin
ReplyDeleteSorry Marvin! I have one too! Lucky me! It's from 1971, but, hey...a masterpiece is a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteSue Thompson
So, how many of you out there have a Rolling Stones "Hot Lick" that Paul drew? I wonder how many times you drew that logo, Paul. I swear you could draw it with your eyes closed when you were in high school. I have a couple of them in my yearbooks! They still make me smile.
ReplyDeleteDiane Denson
Marvin ... you helped to create the original SERCHIA. Paul spoke very highly of you all the time he worked for you. Your mentorship helped to mold him into the person that he is today. The memories of your time together are priceless.
ReplyDeleteBe proud and thank you.
Mike (the brother)
I've got several Paul Serchia originals between my scrapbook and yearbooks. So does my sister...they bring back many fond memories!
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing ok, Paul. Take care.
Kim
While I don't have a cartoon, I have a Serchia original of another sort. As I'm sure Mike knows, when you have brilliance, wit, courage and kindness to work with, it doesn't take much molding to make a Serchia. -- Marvin
ReplyDeleteHi again Buddy, your e-mailers comments are good, but not anything like your words in your blog. I think of you often, and send tons of prayers...Ann,s son Jay has an internship in England this summer..and your Mom and I thought going to
ReplyDeleteBuffalo was a big time. Dave's daughter Annie just got a job today here in Phx, so Champagne is in order for this evening. I don't know if you remember Annie, that was a long time ago, nearly 11 years this May. Hang in there, Paul, and know we love you lots, and do the prayer thing so often, Give your Dad a hug from me, AMA
Nice to meet you Paul, this blog is so ..awesome~!
ReplyDeleteI saw Paul over the weekend and he looked great on Saturday. He got a haircut (sorry Dean) and he was very alert. Even though the hearing is going, we were able to write back/forth and he seemed comfortable. On Sunday he started running a fever and was a bit anxious.Dad spoke to the Doctor on Monday and they found Paul to have some fluid in his lungs and pnenomia (sp?). They are treating him with medication and will continue to watch. Dad is there until Friday and Lisa is going to be there for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteHe looks at all of the bday cards often and Dean prints his blog comments. He misses having direct contact, but knows you are all there pulling for him. Keep the POSITIVE thoughts and prayers coming ... and most importantly BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.
He is strong and can be a bit stubborn ... but that is a Serchia strength, even though some of you may view it as a weakness!
BELIEVE
Mike (the brother)
thanks for keeping us posted, Mike (the brother).
ReplyDeletePaul is in my thoughts every day. Sending all my best wishes to you and your family as you surround him with love.
Kim Krask
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteThe Antelope Valley Press runs a "History" column every week. Sunday it was about streaking. The article said four AVHS students ran naked across the campus during a lunch break. "The cafeteria emptied out like a herd of cattle when they went by," Principal Jim Carmichael told the AV Ledger-Gazette. I remember when you kids were graduating and Mr. Carmeichel said ABSOLUTELY NO STREAKING ALLOWED during the graduation ceremony or no diploma! Remember?? Just had to send this on, I figured it was good for some smiles!
You're still in my prayers, I believe in miracles!
Karen (Lynn Sprenger Scott's mom)
Hey Bud,keep up the fight, and know you are well loved and are in so many prayers... Nancy and Ken Kenney are visiting with us, and want to be remembered to you.Give your Dad a punch from all of us in Phx. More later...love AMA
ReplyDeletePaul -- When we were at the News Chronicle I tried to estimate the number of people we affected every day, the ripples that went out across the community and into the world. Each day I check to see the number of comments here and it goes up again, and I see ripples. I hope you do, too. -- Marvin
ReplyDeleteMarvin, you are so right. But I do remember a couple of articles the Thousand Oaks City Council did not like!!!
ReplyDeleteHey, everyone, you did such a good job with the birthday cards, lets send Paul emails or tell everyone who ever was lucky enough to have Paul in his/her life to comment on the blog or email me at MASerchia@aol.com and I will make sure he sees them. As Marvin said ... lets count the ripples.
Sheri, thank you for sending the pictures to Paul of swimming in our pool in North Tonawanda and the Adams Fire Department Childrens Parade (circa 1963). Everyone else, thank you for being here for Paul.
Even though he cannot communicate well, when you go see him, his right eye gives off a "twinkle" that says ... "I see you and thanks for coming"!!
Lynn, please do come this weekend and see Paul. Lisa (my wife) will be there. She is one of Paul's top ten favorite people and would like to meet an old friend.
Everyone, please tell friends about Paul and let make him "wowed" by the messages.
Paul, hang in there, be strong, and be POSITIVE!!
Believe in MIRACLES
Mike (the brother)
Hey all. I haven't checked in for some time, and haven't seen Paul in the flesh in eons, but I just wanted to say that I'm keeping Paul in my thoughts and sending love from San Francisco. hang in there, and know you're loved.
ReplyDelete--Bruce Mirken
As Mike said, the birthday cards were a raging success. I was lucky enough to be the one to open many of these cards for him, so I saw first hand how much these cards meant to him. So many cool cards and great messages from everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping Paul in your thoughts and prayers. Communication has been made even harder by Paul's increased hearing loss and inability to write. But, like Mike says, his good eye says it all.
Hi, Paul. Just taking a moment to remind you that you, like all of us, are always carried in God's ever loving arms. Be strong, my friend, becuase your guarding angel is always by your side while the Lord watches over you...
ReplyDeleteYour friend who has you in her prayers always,
Nyree
Hi great kid, your brother wanted ripples,I can send ripples, and long with that wrinkles, I have plenty to share. You are a gift from God Paul E, and we are blessed to have you in our lives. As always, you are in our thoughts and prayers every day, keep fighting, we love you so. AMA (the aunt)
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Paul and sending you love.
ReplyDeleteMickie
Please keep Paul in your thoughts and prayers. He is going through a really rough time now, and is back in emergency for blood transfusion and more antibiotics.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteSending you light and love. Will never forget the look on your face at the surprise Mick Jagger visit at the annual dinner fundraiser. If it had not been a secret surprise to me too, I would have arranged for a visit in the green room for you. That was the Brad Grey year and much was out of our control and apparently advance knowledge.
Stay strong - you have lots of friends, family, coworkers and others praying for you and thinking about you.
Jennifer
Along with the blood and antibiotics goes love and energy from all of us. -- Marvin
ReplyDeleteAs much as I would like to tell a "Paul story" or try to be witty, I cannot tonight. As Dean said, Paul is on the way or is in the hospital having another transfusion. He needs all of your prayers and POSITIVE thoughts now, so please continue to think of him.
ReplyDeletePaul and I have had some great times together and probably have shared some times we both would like to forget. All I know right now is that I love him very much and have been inspired by all of your wishes for him.
Paul, be strong and know that you are loved by many people and have made a difference in their lives ... as you have in mine.
Dean had a dream of a miracle and Paul recovered from this illness. I hope and pray that tomorrow when I wake up, I can hear Paul's voice telling me ... anything.
Be strong! Be POSITIVE! Never forget how much we all love you.
BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
Mike (the brother)
Hey Paul: It's dana miller. I just have to let you know that you have been in my thoughts constantly lately. When I met you at APLA all those many years ago you were such a formative figure. I was there, thrust in by a loss, but had no real understanding as to the day to day life of the people we were committed to help. I was an impassioned, yet fairly clueless board chair who used to hang on your every word, either written or spoken. Your thoughts and prose put a face on the battle for me. You have made a decisive and very marked difference in my journey and hell, I just really never told you so.
ReplyDeleteSince Jim V turned me onto your blog I have been mesmerized by the words and especially the humor. Lord. It is a blessing to read what you write.
Fight on baby. Please fight on. But take just a second to bask in the knowledge that you helped me to ever so slightly comprehend something that is quite simply incomprehensible. What a joy to have known you and what an honor to have been given the privilege to follow your journey.
I love and respect you greatly.
Your friend.
dana miller
This is my very first time to read your blog and I noticed that most of the comments are saying "Happy Birthday, Paul". In this connection, I must say belated Happy birthday to you, more blessings to come.
ReplyDeletePaul -- It's been a month since you posted the wisecrack, "We'll see about that." Obviously, that's still the mantra. Keep it in mind -- Marvin
ReplyDeletePaul, Just as Marvin said above: Sending love and energy from all of us. Love conquers all.
ReplyDeleteLisa O
Paul - It's Jordana from NYC. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and sending you love and strength. Did you hear that the Stones are releasing ten songs from their archives? Apparently they are from the Exile years and have not been included on any bootlegs. I can't wait...
ReplyDeleteI played the newest Elvis Costello CD tonight and all I could think about was you, Paul.
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings.
Mickie
Paul passed away this morning at 7:30 am
ReplyDeletePaul E. Serchia
Feb 5 1958 - March 1, 2010
RIP and Rock on!
Mike (the brother)
I came on to read the latest on Paul's blog. After reading several comments that I read before I decided to scroll down to the bottom. I'm deeply saddened to find out Paul past away this morning. He was such a great, kind hearted person who always made me laugh. He was amazing. My deepest condolences to all his family & friends. -Paul, I'll be looking for your writings from the sky!
ReplyDeleteWith all my blessings,
Darlene
Dear Mike and Dean -- Paul is out of pain at last. You kept the flame alive. Thank you for that in so many ways. -- Marvin
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteWe only worked together for a few months, but I found deep inspiration reading your blog since I found out about it. Your focus, commitment, and the joy that you brought to everyone who surrounded you is a reminder of what we should all strive to become. The wonderful impact you had on every person you came in contact with is such a power legacy.
Thank you.
This was easy reading for me and that is exactly what I like! I am so glad I read your article.What a great article. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul,
ReplyDeleteI just finished my first Relay for Life. We lit a luminaria for you. Hope you saw it from up there. Your light still shines.
Diane
Check out this website aycsite.com...it connect people who are saying the same person/people...the objective is to allow those who don't know to make solid decisions in their personal lives..p.s love this blog!!!
ReplyDelete