On The Air

Chapter 34

February 2003
A long time has passed since the 90s movie offers were dying down. Everything was a bit more calm. I talk to my fellow showmates from time to time to catch up with them . By this time Tim was happily married .. well I think all of us are actually. Vicki had another baby growing up, and Harvey was taking care of his two children from his second wife. As for me, Tommy and I got married in 1993 and the service was beautiful. We rented a little space near the beach to hold the ceremony and all of our friends and family were there . At the end, Harvey came by when I was alone from the crowd and gave me a loving kiss on the cheek.
"I'm so glad you found someone who gave you true happiness," he said.
   "Aw Harvey you made me utterly happy like I haven't felt that way before. I love Tommy and I know you dearly love Helen and are devoted to her and your kids. But there will always be something special about you."
"Same to you Carol," he said and with that we hugged and headed back to the reception.

   Over the years we had a few cast reunion which were fun. But my concern was my daughter. The doctor who was observing her cancer said she was doing fine and most likely recover. One night we were sitting around the house , Me, Tommy, and Carrie and we had an idea to make a play about my life and also her life. Tommy agreed that would be a wonderful idea to show the world who we really are.

   So we began to write out our little play.
One night I was in the other room preparing dinner when all of a sudden I heard a thud on the floor . I quickly rushed and I saw a sight I just wanted to unsee. My dearest baby had collapsed on the floor , I immediately picked her up to get her in the car and I literally sped down the road to the hospital. Once I arrived I rushed through the ER doors screaming "HELP MY DAUGHTER'S COLLAPSED!!"
Immediately nurses rushed with a stretcher to help her into the ER wing. A lot of people in the waiting room were shocked to see me in general but for me to be grieving in public.

    I've been waiting for about an hour when I saw Tommy rushing through the door. "Carol ! What's happened!" He exasperated a bit winded.
"I don't know yet, Tommy , I don't know," I said as I rested my head on his shoulder and started tearing up. He gave me a reassuring hug to let me know she would be okay.
About twenty minutes later, the doctor came out and he came to greet us. "How is she ?!"

There was a long pause and I started to tear up more, Tommy still had a shocked expression on his face as to what the doctor was going to say.
"I'm sorry Ms. Burnett, she didn't make it."

That's when I felt my world was crushed ..she's gone . My pride and joy is gone . "Do you know what caused this?"
"Well we thought she was getting better but something went wrong with her cells and the cancer took over . Our deepest condolences are with you and Mr. Smothers at this time."

Tommy turned to face me , his face still shocked but he started to tear up. We both walked out of the hospital, heads down and our arms wrapped around each other's waist.

A few days later
I had called all my loved ones to break the news but some of them already heard thanks to the newspaper. I swear those devils are fast receiving information.

Next week
A funeral was arranged for my baby. I couldn't even come to terms that she was really gone. But my mind instantly thought about how I should keep moving on and knowing she'll be happy with my moving on. I'll finish our play.