Celebrity
No doubt you’ve heard of the death of John Travolta’s son. I won’t even bother to link to a story, it’s everywhere. You know what I think is so sad, beyond the tragic loss of life? The way this story is played out in the media. All the details are being broadcast, from the desperate father’s plea for his son to wake up, to who is going to do the autopsy. The EMT who responded to the call has done an interview and people are even speculating about whether the boy was allowed anti-seizure meds.
John Travolta is a big star, I know. But can’t we leave these people alone? Is the death of his teenage son newsworthy? Yes. Are all the agonizing details our right to know? Absolutely not.
When Rebecca died, there was a standard investigation. Philip and I gave separate, sworn statements. They came to our home and took pictures. Word spread quickly through our small community. But none of it was published for the world to read and comment and pass judgement on. Things that needed to stay private stayed private.
When a child dies, life is never the same. Even the most ordinary things change, things you wouldn’t even think mattered. I cannot imagine having this played out on a world stage. I guess in some way, being a celebrity at a time like this might bring comfort – knowing that strangers care about you. But there is just not enough money in the world that would make me want to share my grief with the world like that. What the world knows is only what I’ve chosen to share.
I don’t know what my point is exactly. I feel badly for John Travolta and Kelly Preston and their surviving daughter. Such a long road stretches in front of them and the world gets to come along to watch.
I haven’t watched any of the coverage, the whole story is just so sad. I’m sure like any parents they made the decisions they thought were healthiest for their kids. Sadly, as long as people continue to watch/listen/read these kinds of stories, devouring every little juicy (to them) detail, the stories will continue. In the end, it’s about money. Tragedy sells, because it’s a big part of gossip. That EMT should be fired.
I was just saying this EXACT SAME THING to my husband. It is devastating (and so very, very wrong) to think about what the media is doing to the family of this boy. Truly terrible.
My prayers are with John Travolta and Kelly Preston tonight. Their sorrow is unimaginable.
Also praying for you as you continue to grieve for your darling little Rebecca. (One of my own little ones is named “Rebecca” too.)
Lorri..I’m so glad you said this..I was thinking the same thing…I have always admired John since I was young, and the only thing I can think is…how do you go on from something like this? He has always shown such a love and respect for his family, and I just hope it doesn’t turn into a circus! To have such a personal and devastating thing happen and play out in the media must be unimaginable! I will pray for peace for John Kelly, and little Ella, and also for you and your family. God Bless!