Ask Rona

Have a question or comment for Rona?

Want to share a senior story?

Email Rona now at: info@ronabarrett.com.

(For a personalized autographed photo of Rona, please mail a $25 check-donation to “The Rona Barrett Foundation.” Include “personalized language” with your name, to The Rona Barrett Foundation, P.O. Box 1559, Santa Ynez, CA 93460).

Read below to see comments from Rona’s fans and her responses:

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I have never been so moved before as to seek out a website to be able to just say ” thank you for being you”. I just saw the story on NBC Nightly News and wanted to thank you for being a voice and an advocate for these seniors who might not have anyone else to turn to. I applaud you. Bless you for caring for these most vulnerable of human beings…..My heart breaks to think of any Senior who is alone- without any family to visit or care for them. Keep bringing the light to those who need this love. Thank you Ms. Barrett.

Sincere Regards-
Chantal Moore

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RONA’S WARRIORS:

Hi Rona,

I saw a wonderful piece about your organization on television tonight and I
was inspired to google you!  After viewing your website, I decided I had to
send you a note.

I am a professional photographer here in Boston and I have been inspired to
photograph elders ever since I was visiting a 91 year old, who was still a very active
photographer. I was amazed that he was out taking photos with a big old box
camera, working in the darkroom and photographing in the studio as well.  I
became curious and wanted to speak with him about his life and his photos.
He kindly allowed me to photograph and interview him.   From this moment, I
began to photograph elders.

I believe, as you do, in recognizing, giving voice and listening to our
elders.  Since, I have been photographing and interviewing elders, I have
found a wonderful wealth of wisdom, history and story that are inspiring and
I hope allows them to be seen and heard.  I am saddened at how overlooked
this period of life is.  The initial responses of many subjects is, “I have
nothing to say.”

If you have any ideas on how I can expand my venture in photographing
elders, please let me know. 

Please take a moment to view my web site – www.millicentharvey.com – and the
very first section is called “elders.”

I would greatly value and appreciate your feedback on my idea.

I envy that you live in the Santa Ynez valley. I was there this year for the
first time and I fell in love!  My dream is to live their one day!

Thanks so much for reading my note and I so admire the work that you are
doing.

Best,

Millicent

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RONA’S WARRIORS:

Dear Ms. Barrett,

Thank you for your wonderful work. I had being caring for my mother for
2 months shy of seven years. My best friend passed away Monday, June 28.
She was stricken with Alzheimer’s and it has always made me very angry
that this country forgets its elderly in favor of so much unimportant
junk. We can put men on the Moon be we cannot find cures or good
assistance for people with Alzheimer’s or many of  the other terrible
diseases the elder and young, for that matter face.

I could take your time up with explaining how completely wonderful my
mother is but you would just figure, “what else would her son say?” So I
will not indulge myself. But I will tell you of a little organization in
Green Bay, Wisconsin that provided my mother with unbelievably wonderful
care 3 to 4 mornings each week. This also helped me as her sole
caregiver, to get many things done, that otherwise would have had to be
postponed or forgotten. Mom got to sing and and get a cute little prize or do some art work. I could go on, but I think
you get the idea.

This organization is called ‘”The Cloud Family Care Center.” If you or
your organization is looking to acknowledge places like this, well this
should be one at the top of your list. It is doubtful if I would have
been able to care for my Mom and have her live at home until she passed
if it were not for this organization and the people that staff it. They
do so many wonderful things you might want to find out what and how they
do it.

Please consider giving them some praise for all their wonderful work.

Respectfully,

Stephen F. Kurowski
Green Bay, Wisconsin

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RONA’S WARRIORS:

Ms. Rona,
 
I was a full-time caregiver to my Mother for almost the last decade until her recent passing in February.  My Mom was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called: Cortico Basal Ganglionic Degeneration; is easily described as a combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  I am very frustrated how ill prepared this country is to assist the elderly, so I am very happy to see someone with your status being so giving, Thank You! I saw a story on your Foundation on an evening news show and am sad to say it is the first I heard of it; maybe it is because I am on the east coast. I wish there were more that had the ability to give, that would give to our elderly, but they may have not been personnally affected. 
 
I don’t feel society has a good understanding of what it is to be a caregiver and therefore, the support both emotionally and financially, is just not there for either the elderly or the caregivers.  I am currently an active duty Coast Guard member and even had a hard time with the organization’s Work-Life Program to understand my situation because having a military member caring for a special needs parent was not common.  I was very fortunate that the people I worked for understood and respected my situation, but it was difficult having to transfer every few years and worrying that the next boss may not be so understanding.
 
I continue to go to the assisted living that my Mom lived in the last 10 months of her life; it seems some of the residents remember my face, but not necessarily who I am.  I am sad to say there are several that don’t have active families in their care; I visited my Mom daily and brought her home often.
 
My Mom was my world and I miss her dearly; I had to see her decline instead of her being able to enjoy her golden years, so I feel your pain of when your Father didn’t know your name…I am sorry!
 
Again, thank you for all that you are doing!
 
Sincerely,
Kristi Nadler

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Ms Rona,

I know you maybe embarrassed by this and I mean NO ill will to others.
You paved the way for entertainment news, you! I must say you were ahead of your time, gentle and did not have to put a bunny suit on to prove anything to anyone.

Always my favorite and I have thought of you from time to time.
To all, this is the lady who came first , and knew how far to go. To your poise, manners and caring nature.

Sincerely,
Pam

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RONA’S WARRIORS:

Rona,

Was on the net and saw the story about your one woman show “Nothing But The Truth”. I remember you from the 70’s reading your columns and seeing you on tv. Seeing your name intrigued me to read the story. Sounds like your show is great, hope that I could sometime see it. The story mentioned The Rona Barrett Foundation and I proceded to look for info on that. I think it is WONDERFUL!  

A little background on me: I was born with Spina Bifida and am in a wheelchair, but have all my life tried to tend for myself as much as possible. My Father owned his own business(a chipboard box maker), and growing up, we all(Brother and Mother)helped him with the business which he started in 1960. About 10 years ago, my Dad had a heart attack and we had to close the business, mainly because I myself could not continue the business on my own(because of my condition, I could not work the machines, and there really wasn’t anyone that wanted to help continue it so I really didn’t have much choice). 

Both my parents are in their 80’s. After my Dads attack, I moved back home to help my Mom care for my Dad. My Dad is diabetic, has congestive heart failure, and cataracts in both eyes among other things. My Brother was born with downs syndrome and can’t really help much plus he also has diabetes. My Mom has osteoporosis and arthritis. So as you can guess we have our hands full. But you know what? We are all together and I feel so lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to care for both of my parents and just be with them! It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t want to have done anything different. My Mom still has it tough though because even with the little help I provide she has to make both my Dad and Brother breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do shopping, etc etc etc. During the day she doesn’t have to worry about my Dad too much because I will go lay down with him, keep him company and help him with whatever he needs. At night, I will help my Dad with whatever he might need so that my Mom can sleep. I sleep a little during the day while I’m with my Dad and he wakes me if he needs anything.

The last time my Dad was in the hospital for an extended amount of time(about 2 years ago) they suggested putting him in a home. My Mom did not want to and I certainly didn’t want that, so here we are. My Dad is bed ridden, he can get up but with a lot of help, he also uses a wheelchair, but with my Moms condition we don’t get him up as much as we would like especially since we have so much nice weather in California. Whenever my Dad is in the hospital, I stay with him because when he is there he has bouts of dementia…not good. Luckily thank God its not too often. In spite of it all my Dad is always smiling, never complains and never says “no” when asked if he wants to do anything. Please know that what I do for them, it’s not because they’re my parents and I feel like I “have” to do it. I do it because I really want to do it and If I didn’t have my parents I would still love to be around seniors and help them however I could. I think with what I’ve gone through with my parents, I’ve gained a special affection(I don’t know if that’s the right word) to help seniors, and keep them company. As soon as I can, I will donate whatever I can to your Foundation because I think it is a wonderful thing and don’t really think that seniors get the appreciation that they deserve. Thank you so so much for what you are doing!
 
David Pandeli

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Ms. Barrett

I happened to find your website from a new article about your One Woman Show.

It has been a few years since you popped into my memory….  But all good memories
you made.

I have to say I had always enjoyed your style in covering Hollywood, without
all the added no underwear stories today’s so called Gossip Reporters are doing.

Thanks,
Bill Sanderson
Palm Springs, CA.

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Dear Ms. Barrett,
 
My name is Davonne Whaley and for seventeen years, I’ve worked in the radio industry but the person who really has made a major influence in my life and I’ve always wanted to meet was you!  I remember the first time watching your entertainment segment on WABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” in NYC (I’m from New Jersey) during the early days with David Hartman and I was absolutely blown away by your style, class, professionalism and elegance on how you reported the entertainment news from Hollywood.  From the way your hair was beautifully coiffed, the make-up was flawless while the fashion ensemble was fabulous, you’ve truly set the standard on how entertainment news should be reported.  Ms. Barrett, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my hero as well as inspiring me and if I ever get my own television news magazine, I would hire you as my mentor/executive producer!  I really miss seeing you on television because that image of you on “GMA” has stayed with me for a long time to someday have my own television news magazine.
 
I just read on your website that you began your one-woman show, “Nothing But The Truth” at The Paley Center in Beverly Hills and was wondering if your show is coming to New York?  If so, could you please post it on your website because I would really love to see your show and hopefully meet you!  I wish you continued success and happiness on your one-woman show, The Rona Barrett Foundation and all of your future endeavors!!  Have a fabulous day…You’re the best!!
 
 Most Sincerely,
 Davonne Whaley

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Hi Rona – Absolutely delighted to read the article about your show and your program to help the elderly.  Since I just turned 73, I can certainly understand the need for this kind of aid. 

About 16 years ago I decided to try my hand at some freelance writing and selected a favorite classic star, Maureen O’Hara , as my topic.  The article was published but my research on Maureen O’Hara proved to be so fascinating. it became an ongoing project that evolved into a website and a friendship with Ms. O’Hara. 

Although she now resides in Ireland I cannot wait to call her tomorrow and tell her about your return to the public eye.  They are in the process now of building a legacy center in her honor in Glengarriff, County Cork.  She celebrates her 90th birthday on August 17th.

Again, it’s so good to see your name again.

June

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RONA’S WARRIORS:

Dear Rona,

Many years ago, when you had a television variety show on Saturday evenings I believe, I was one of the lucky ones, whose mail got picked for the ‘Electronic Mailbag’ segment. I’m sure you do not remember me; however, I just really wanted to tell you what a ‘Wonderful’ experience that was for me at that time in my life. My Question was for actor ‘Paul-Michael-Glaser,” formerly from the cops TV show ‘Starsky & Hutch.’

Thank you or your show for choosing my letter back then. We need more TV shows like that now…

I am now 52 and from 2003 – 2006, I became a caregiver for my mom, who was a stroke survivor. Sadly she passed away on Christmas Day 2006. The last 6 months of her life, I had to quit my full time job and become a full time caregiver for her. I refused to place her in a nursing home, where she would waste away.

She had to be in one, a nursing home, for 3 months due to a fall she had, and doctors had to insert a rod into her thigh. From Jan 14, 2005 to the day she passed, she was wheel chair bound. I am glad she was only restricted in a wheelchair for that amount of time because up until she fell, she was very active. She also had early stages of dementia. Though she always knew who she was and could remember everyone else, the disease did cause her personality to change somewhat.

But, what I want to share with your readers who may be still caring for their loved ones, never let your loved ones give up. I know firsthand how hard this is. My own mother was limited as to what she could do. Before she became ill, her passion in life was to care for her family. She loved to cook and was an awesome cook at that (I still miss her meals), but I still let her help me in the kitchen. She did what she could. We would also sit and play the children’s board game “Memory”, which is a very helpful game tool for the elderly… and the young at heart.

I wanted her to express her emotions. We tried coloring, but she use to get upset that she could not stay in the lines. So then I gave her a large scrape pad and paints. I said, “Let yourself go, you don’t have to worry about staying in the lines…,” and she’d paint away… I also used to hang up what she would paint… She used to love to read, but then her eyesight became poor. I am not sure if some of your readers know that most public libraries offer the “SOS Program,” where they will deliver free materials right to a person’s doorstep, whether they live in their own home or an apartment. Then when they are finished, all people have to do is put back the materials that were sent (books, DVDs, CDs, even magazines) in a blue zipper bag, and turn the mail card around, place the zip tie around the zipper, and leave for their mail person to pick up. It is an awesome service the library provides.

So, I turned my mom onto audio books and she loved listening to her style of music, Dean Martin,
Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, etc. with the CD player I had gotten for her.

I also treated her with respect; after all, though she was ill, she was still my mom. I also tried to give her some independence, like I asked if she would be alright while I went to get the mail… I was never gone long, but I’d give her some peace, even though she could not do what she use to do. She was still her own person.

I know now what they mean by saying care giving can be so rewarding and at the same time, be so frustrating. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat because I developed a special bond with my mom that my older siblings can’t touch. She was my best friend, and I miss her every day… Thank you for letting me share my story… This letter is dedicated to my mom (Dolly Whistler) and all the caregivers who are caring for their loved ones… Never give up… it is worth it.

Respectfully,
Karen Whistler

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Dear Rona,

We need you back. Since Barbara WhaWha is not doing her post Oscar show, there is a place for you. I know you still have lots of juice. Yes, I know you hate the Hollyweird scene, but if the money is right, this can help your philanthropic endeavors. The “reel me” at home in sweats, no make-up, bad hair day type show—you should do something such as this. It would take off!!

Best wishes,

Jacqueline G.

R.B.: Ye gads, Jacqueline! Without hair and make-up, are you nuts! I’ll scare the TV audience, destroy the Internet, and be accused of murder. . . but I love your idea!

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Oh my God, I was talking to my daughter who never had the opportunity to know Ms. Barrett. She always hears me say, “Oh, no one tells it like Rona Barrett…” My daughter was questioning me about Ms. Rona Barrett and who she is, so we decided to look on the internet for her. Here she is, beautiful and still Rona Barrett. I love her and always have. I love to hear what she has to say and see who she interviewed. There has not yet been anyone that I know that could touch Ms. Rona Barrett, not even Oprah. Sorry, but it is the truth. I will buy the dvd for my daughter so she can finally meet Ms. Rona Barrett. Love her.

Linda M.

R.B.: I was talking to my granddaughter and ­­­­­­­­­­­asked her if she ever heard of Bette Davis. “Who?” she said. “I only know of Justin Bieber.”

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I’ve been a fan of ‘Miss Rona’ my whole life. I would watch her when I was little, on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, and regularly caught her – on whatever & wherever she was appearing.

I’ve not seen Ms. Barrett in quite awhile, I’m so happy to have not only found her website, but to see a picture, that shows Miss Barrett still looking terrific!

It’s so nice to see what she’s now doing with her career (while I’m not a senior citizen, my folks are getting up there), and I plan to pass this site on to both of them.

I just want to send her my best wishes, and thank her for giving me (and millions of others) so many years of gossip, and entertainment reporting, and wish her the best in this very worthwhile venture.

With much affection,

Ron P., NYC

R.B.: And same back to you, Ron.

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Hi, Rona. Your magazine “Rona Barrett’s Hollywood” wasn’t generally available here in Great Britain , but now and again it would appear on the news stands here. I always looked forward to reading it , as it nearly always featured something about one special entertainer………….. DEAN MARTIN.

With best regards, Graham.

R.B: Nice man, Mr. Martin. He disliked Frank Sinatra, always picking on me!

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Rona,

Congratulations!  The website is terrific.

I’ve wanted to tell you a story about your cute father for years, but never seemed like the right time.  So, here goes:  I was President of Valley Haven and took some prospective board members into the activities room.  There was your tiny dad with sparkling eyes, saying, “Look at all these smiling people!  And they’re smiling with their own teeth!”  I cherish that memory.

Lelia Birrell

R.B.: He never knew he was funny!  He used to come up with the oddest answers and everyone always laughed.  He thought they were laughing at him, but I swore to him they were laughing “with” him!

One day he told my sister, who was calling long distance, that he had a girlfriend.  She said, “What’s her name?”  He said, “Can you hold on just a minute?”  Several minutes went by and my sister not knowing what happened to my father starts screaming into the phone, “Dad, where are you?  Daddy, are you there?”  Apparently, he went into his room to find his wallet.  He couldn’t remember the girlfriend’s name, but he remembered he had put her name in his wallet.  When he came back to pick up the phone he could hear my sister yelling, “Daddy, where are you?”

“Her name’s Cheryl!”  Cheryl had just become his overnight care giver!

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