Localism Challenge, Day #24: Farewell, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Use this...don't use this. Use this.. I've gone back and forth for most of the day over whether to go wth this as the subject of this localism post. Arguments against doing so...It's a news story I'm commenting on and some may feel it's a lay-up. It's not appropriate for me to use someone's death as part of some deal that will help me get some crazy ActiveRain points if I make I one more week.
Arguments for using this item (the arguments that won) follow...
Kelly Fitzpatrick of the Orlando Sentinel was "localism" to me- and I'm saddened by her passing at an age 7 years younger than the 43 I turn when the clock strikes midnight. In reading The Sentinel for the past 4 years, Kelly Fitzpatrick's nightlife column was one I never missed. And I'm not a club-goer...have never- and almost certainly will never darken the doors of any nightclubs she raved about- let alone the ones she panned. It was her great writing that kept me reading- not to find the best places to go the next Friday (or in some cases ones to avoid). The true love she had for life and others that enjoyed it was evident in everything she put to paper- and she's already missed.
Orlando's nightlife crowd has lost a buddy- and Orlando's gay nightlife has lost an unapologetic advocate and friend
My second reason for using this is that sleep apnea may...repeat, may have been a contributing factor in her death. Right now, the good Lord is the only one that knows for sure.
I do know sleep apnea, though. In December of 2000, I finally answered the urging of (or got tired of the nagging of) my fiancee' and went to see the ol' medicine man about why I kept waking up so many times during the night- oh, and not breathing. In the mornings, she'd tell me how scared she'd gotten the night before..how she'd know I had stopped breathing, and would count ever how many "1 Mississippis" before I'd wake up for a second and start over. She was terrified- and part of me didn't understand. The other part of me is big enough now to admit that I just didn't care. Both parts were wrong.
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea soon after. My happy self weighed about 130 and ran 7 miles/day- and I had some fat man's problem? Sort-of. I had the problem, but it wasn't (and isn't) a "fat man's problem": it can strike us all- and strike some of us dead. I took my ENT's advice and had surgery (long, boring name) to remove my uvula (thing hangin' in back of your mouth), 1/2 of my soft palate and my adnoids- and had a deviated septum fixed. Didn't help me- and to this day I help myself stay alive and my loved ones remain sane by using a machine that keeps my airway open.
To those who believe a loved one may have sleep apnea: keep nagging, or risk losing them.
To those being nagged by their loved ones who believe they may have sleep apnea: they're not gonna shut up until you get checked- so go get checked to make 'em stop yappin'. And thank them.
Fair winds and following seas, Kelly Fitzpatrick. May God bring blessings and comfort to your friends and family at this difficult time- and may the loss of your light shine another one upon sleep apnea and its dangers.
Localism Challenge, Day #24: Farewell, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Orlando Sentinel staff: The Sentinel's nightlife columnist, Kelly Fitzpatrick, died early Friday morning at home in her sleep. She was 36.
The cause of death is pending, but her husband, Casey Dayhoff, said sleep apnea may have been a contributing factor.
Fitzpatrick started at the Sentinel 15 years ago, after attending the University of Central Florida. She worked as a copy clerk before joining the company's digital team, where she also was an online producer.
In her role as nightlife columnist, Fitzpatrick wrote about Central Florida's burgeoning nightlife — from Sanford to Kissimmee and all points in-between.
"To know Kelly was to appreciate her vibrant personality and zest for life," said Mark Russell, the Sentinel's editor. "She could fill a room, and her vast knowledge of the Orlando entertainment scene and its players were in full display weekly in her nightlife column. "We have lost an important member of the Sentinel family and we are praying for Kelly's husband, Casey, and their families and friends," Russell said.
Localism Challenge, Day #24: Farewell, Kelly Fitzpatrick
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