Superstar Status

They say Americans are especially guilty of it: We glorify our athletes, our rock stars, sometimes, even our politicians. We bestow upon them a kind of "superstar status." And I admit - I'm guilty of doing it as much as anyone. I mean, how many times can I refer to my deep-seated desire for one Mr. Brett Favre to return to the Vikings? And if I haven't mentioned it in previous blogs, you may as well also know that I adore Bono of U2, whom I consider a consummate musician and more importantly, humanitarian.

But every now and then - more often than any of us take the time to acknowledge - "regular" people achieve a certain level of superstardom, such that they should be acknowledged for their achievements, their contributions, their character.

I know of just such a person... and I'm sad to write, I'm hours away from attending her funeral.

I realize that when it comes to Minnesota television, it's common to commit to just one station. You develop a preference or taste for a team's style, personality or even the specific "personalities" of those presenting the news. I suspect most of you, for example, tend to tune in to KARE 11 more than you do other stations; (hence you're checking out the "KARE 11" website).

But just in case you've dabbled in viewing other stations, you may have come across the work of one fabulous reporter. Her name was Darcy Pohland, and last week, as many may know, she passed away at her home. She was only 48-years-old.

In the last week, Darcy's been honored by her colleagues, her friends, her family and a community that had come to love her. She deserves their praise. And although I wanted to wait my turn to add to that praise, I do so now with complete enthusiasm and sincerity. Because truth is, Darcy was one of a kind.

I was fortunate to work with Darcy during my two years at WCCO-TV. I was even more fortunate to still consider her a friend after I decided to leave WCCO to join KARE. From my perspective, she absolutely ranked as one of the key elements of the newsroom. She was "that person" who independently, single-handedly "made" the workplace morale. Truly - she had the respect and love of every employee - manager, photographer, fellow reporter. She was enthusiastic and strong, funny and kind, free-spirited and supportive. Darcy made you laugh and made you think. She always gave ideas, she always gave praise. She always... gave.

And that is what is so amazing about Darcy. She gave and advocated for others despite the challenges of her own life. Darcy was one of the few quadriplegic reporters in the country; although paralyzed, she persevered. And she did so with style and grace, never drawing attention to her limitations and instead cheer-leading you on how to overcome your own.

She was downright dogged in her love and support of others. I still remember the day I told her and others of my decision to leave WCCO for KARE. Darcy's response: "I certainly hope they fought for you here." Always an advocate, always a champion of others...

I used to tell Darcy I couldn't imagine the 'CCO newsroom without her. Honestly, I told her that. I told her it would be devastating to the newsroom's dynamics and morale if she ever opted to leave. She'd laugh at that... apparently she had no desire to go. God thought differently for Darcy.

And so again tomorrow, I'll join the hundreds of people gathered to honor a woman who accomplished so much and did so joyfully and without complaint. I'm sure the service will provide a needed outlet for her closest friends, her family and her current colleagues, but I suspect it will also provide this former colleague and current friend some comfort.

My one hope - and I believe it's realistic to think it will be fulfilled: is that Darcy's legacy continues. Not just for those with disabilities who saw her as an example of all you can accomplish, but to all of us, that we would remember that no "disability," no hardship, no challenge needs to prevent you from living a fulfilling life. It's about attitude. It's about a decision to love and not dwell... It's about looking forward, not back, and making the most of what we have. Maybe then, we can achieve a status, if not of a superstar, maybe of someone who's striving to be.

Until next time, take care. And in the words of Mike Wallace, "do well and do good."

Check out our KARE family of Web sites:
	takeKARE		Metromix
	Moms Like Me		Minnesota Bound
	Showcase Minnesota		HighSchoolSports.net