Subject: Michael Landon Tribute Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:04 pm
As we come upon the 17th anniversary of Michael Landon’s passing July 1st, 1991, I’ve been trying to think of a way to celebrate what he has left for us all. This is a different sort of story because it is written in rhyme. I find I can express myself easier that way and these ditties, as I so call them, happen to be a hobby of mine. I hope you will enjoy my tribute to Michael, for I feel he has left his mark on the world in many ways.
THE Man
Little Joe Cartwright sat at his desk, pen in his left hand Frustrated, he thought, “What can I say... It must be good... it must be grand.” He paused once more before he began Then he wrote a letter to THE man
“Dear Mr. Landon, at first I was just a character name written simply on a page You made me a woman charmer and a young man quick to rage You gave me an infectious laugh that made others follow suit You taught me to show kindness and compassion, AND I must say I enjoyed how all the ladies deemed me cute You filled me with energy, and gave me confidence to conquer all Demonstrating how a quick wit could win any brawl You allowed me to fail, so that I could then succeed You brought tears to my eyes to show pain and how my heart would bleed You devotedly wore the green jacket along with the Stetson hat And you taught me to board Cochise without using the stirrup... just like that You made me mischievous and daring But also loving and caring The fourteen years we were together made me who I am today A western icon from the 60’s that will never just go away”
Little Joe heaved a sigh and signed his letter as such
“Best wishes to you always, Joe Cartwright. You gave the Ponderosa the right touch”
Charles Ingalls sat under a big oak tree Looking out at the vast prairie He too, was having problems finding the right words to say Tears welled in his eyes as his emotions gave way He heaved a huge sigh and with pencil in hand He thoughtfully wrote a letter to THE man
“Dear Mr. Landon, I was more than just a character on a page For I was a true historical person that lived at another time, another age You used what was known about me when I was alive And built up my character with anything you could contrive You kept me clean shaven, but I still played the fiddle loud and strong And you knew just what to say when my children had done wrong You made me a caring man one that the community looked up to For you always knew the right answers when others didn’t have a clue You saw the goodness in people and taught me to leave prejudice behind Stressing the importance of family and the goodness of mankind You made me experience humility and heartache And taught me to learn from every mistake At times you were sentimental and a tear rolled down my cheek Other times you were angry at injustice and then fairness you’d have me seek You taught me family values and the importance of treating one another with respect Our 10 years together I will always look back on and fondly reflect You taught me that life is not always a bed of roses, that’s true But I’m a remembered pioneer icon because of you”
Charles Ingalls looked out to see his children running through the tall grass He paused for a moment hoping this image would never fade, never pass With a smile on his face he signed his letter nice and clear
“Best Wishes My Friend, Charles Ingalls ... for it is you I will always revere.”
Jonathon Smith sat quietly on a park bench His next assignment made his gut wrench He was asked to look deep beneath his skin And write a letter to THE man within
He looked up to the sky On this sunny first day of July He thought for a while and laid out a plan Then picked up a pen and wrote to THE man
“Dear Mr. Landon, you showed me how to make the world a better place How to get along with others regardless of differences, beliefs, or race You opened my eyes to the problems going on in the world And showed me the effects of “kindness towards others”... when it is unfurled You healed broken families before their loved ones had to depart But most of all you taught me how to speak directly from the heart You once said that we often live life by reliving life, ‘tis true I learned to look towards the future and not dwell on the past because of you Our 5 years together went by way too fast But the lessons learned will forever last”
Just then a bird soared high into the air Jonathon looked skyward squinting into the sun’s blare He smiled broadly and nodded his head Putting a closing on his letter he then finally said
“Thank you for all that you have given me, Fondly, Jonathan Smith... I mean every word sincerely”
The characters have spoken and now it’s time for the author to add a brief note For we must acknowledge all that THE man directed and all that THE man wrote His true passion was not acting... or writing... but directing, ‘tis true He was a leader that could get people to try something they never thought they could do
Thank you Michael!
ChristinaAL Little House Lady
Number of posts : 2761
Subject: Re: Michael Landon Tribute Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:07 pm
Pbeaking, how sweet! I loved reading this, about what each of the characters would say. You're absolutely right, Michael Landon did bring those characters to life; he brought something so special to them. I can't believe he's been gone for 17 years. I wonder what else he would given the world. It seems like nowadays, there aren't any family TV shows to watch; certainly nothing that comes close to teaching the lessons Michael taught in his shows. He is dearly missed.
"It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong."
Number of posts : 13417 Location : Michigan Mood :
Subject: Re: Michael Landon Tribute Wed Jul 21, 2010 9:11 am
I really love that picture of him. Gosh, it really is hard to believe....time sure does pass quickly. But I remember my son was about 1 year old when Michael passed....I bought the "LIFE" magazine with him on the cover---I think I still have it. I remember it had a picture of of Cindy and their two kids on the cover. Gosh, it seems like yesterday. But then again, it seems like yesterday that my son was born too.
Vanesa Ingalls Friend for Life
Number of posts : 5136 Location : Buenos Aires, Argentina Mood :
Subject: Re: Michael Landon Tribute Thu Jul 22, 2010 12:46 am
Great fiction...I loved it. It's so moving! I can prtray all these characters coming to life by the magic of Michael Landon pen. The wallpaper is also wonderful.
I can remember very well, almost as if it was yesterday, whe I've watched at a TV show the announce of Michael Landon suffering from a pancreas cancer. I knew he will die, since no one who has this kind of cancer survives more than a couple of months (the longest case of a survival I ever knew was for the opera tenor Lucciano Pavarotti). He said he should fight his cancer and stated that he felt strong enough. He even made some little physical excercise before cameras to show how well he was.
Sadly, he died a little time after it. When the news come out, I felt like it was my own dad who was dead.
Vanesa.
Rider New Pioneer
Number of posts : 61 Location : Chicago IL Mood :
Subject: RIP MICHAEL LANDON Fri Jul 01, 2011 2:29 pm
Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of Michael Landon! I made this video in memory of him!!
Last edited by Rider on Sat Jul 02, 2011 12:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
Wonderful job Rider. Canada Day is always a happy day for me except for the fact that we lost Michael on that day. He is still loved and fondly remembered.
Krissy Ingalls Friend for Life
Number of posts : 45733 Location : Ontario, Canada Mood :
A friend of mine just visited Hollywood Studios in Orlando and took this picture for me of Michael. I thought his hair looked really good.
It is the lack of Christianity that has brought us where we are. Not a lack of churches or religious forms but of the real thing in our hearts. LIW.....Words From a Fearless Heart
alexczarn Ingalls Friend for Life
Number of posts : 22999 Location : Victor Harbor, South Australia Mood :
I watched an episode of Bonanza today. I always liked him in that.
"The beauty of a woman is incredibly radiant when she finds her identity, her confidence, & her hope in Christ alone. "
pat1964 New Pioneer
Number of posts : 81 Location : North Carolina
Subject: Re: Michael Landon Tribute Sun Jul 10, 2011 2:16 am
Great work,Rider. Thanks for sharing. I thought I read that Michael Landon is second only to Lucille Ball as the person who has been on TV the most. Michael Landon would have been 75 in October. Such a wonderful person. I still miss him and always will.
Subject: Re: Michael Landon Tribute Sat Jul 30, 2011 3:12 am
A lovely fan fiction. I was 8 going on 9, when he passed away on July 1, 1991. I remember watching LHOTP & Highway to Heaven, when I was little girl. Never got chance to meet him, in person. I always admire him, anytime, I watch LHOTP.
Shell Farm Land Owner
Number of posts : 1353 Location : Indiana Mood :
Subject: 21 years Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:03 am
Hard to believe it's been 21 years since Michael Landon died. He will always be my favorite actor.