Nell Stewart

This week (1/9) marks my 30th anniversary of marriage to Nancy, and I dedicate this column to the love of my life that has stood by me in every decision I have made.

This past week, the wrestling world lost another of its great legends in Nell Stewart. Nell was trained by Billy Wolfe and Gladys Gillam and was a huge success in the late 40's and 50's. She was a credit to the business as one of the pioneer lady wrestlers that paved the road for others to follow. Her epic battles with Ida Mae Martinez and Penny Banner and others will never be forgotten.

I never had the opportunity to meet her, but her friends Ida Mae Martinez and Penny Banner spoke very well of her and cared about her friendship with them. They even took her to a reunion of past and present stars in the business in Mobile, Alabama. It was a grand time for Nell, as she got to see people that looked at her as a person.... and as a friend. It gave Nell the chance to be in the spotlight again.... if only for a brief time.

Nell had a devastating battle with cancer but was a fighter and did not just give up because of the illness. If Webster's ever comes out with a new design on words for their dictionary.... surely Nell's picture will be beside the word COURAGE. God needed her in the Main Event, and the bells were ringing for her to go home.

To quote Dr. Mike Lano from a recent e-mail sent to me:

"May God Rest Her Soul, she gave so much to this world as a person and an athlete and was a beautiful person. Credit to Ida and Penny for all they've done---none will forget Ida locating her, taking care of her and bringing her to the Mobile Reunion that great year."---Dr. Mike Lano.

Erma Bombeck, who wrote a syndicated column, also passed away from cancer. She wrote this column, and an ICU nurse named Peggy at Toledo Hospital was kind enough to send it to me. I would love to share it with you:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

by Erma Bombeck

(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

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In memory of Erma Bombeck, who lost her fight with cancer. Here is an angel sent to watch over you... Goodbye Nell, Rest in Peace...

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers