Cherish is the word

David Cassidy passed away yesterday.  It wasn't a huge surprise - he had been hospitalized for several days in critical condition.  It is still sad news though.  He was only 67.  It might be a surprise though to see me writing about him.  This is where I tell of heroes, but as I have often said, not all heroes wear capes.

David Cassidy didn't have the smoothest of lives.  There were multiple marriages, health issues, problems with alcohol, and even some legal matters, but for most of his life, David did something that made him happy and made him famous:  he entertained.  When people sang along with his song he smiled.  When he say he was making someone happy, he was happy too.  That would seem to be the best reason to be a performer, but se certainly cannot say this about all in the business.

David did things for charity, and this became especially true after his mother died from Alzheimer’s, having spent her last years in a nursing home.  David bravely shared with the world that he too had dementia, and retired from performing.  He had brought attention though to a health matter that really doesn't get much attention.  This month also happens to be National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.  We can use David Cassidy's death as another reason to get involved and learn more about dementia and what can be done.

Danny Bonaduce‏, who co-starred as David Cassidy's younger brother on The Partridge Family, last night tweeted "I have known, loved, and admired David Cassidy for 48 out of my 58 years. He has been as kind to me as any real brother could ever be. We’ve been through a lot together and he was always there for me. This loss is huge."

Last night the internet lit up with news about David's death and words of love were in abundance.  "Come On Get Happy" wasn't just a song he sang, it was really his mission and there is ample proof of this as the world mourns his loss.  I'll always have a special place for this special guy.  I suppose cherish is the word.