My Letter from Regis

I have to be honest, my autograph book is empty, and the number of photos of me with well known or famous people is slim to none. I’ve just never really been one to gush about, fawn over, or give much attention to celebrities. After all, their lives have nothing to do with mine or with those around me; they are just people on screens or in photos who don’t even know I exist. I’ve looked at them more as a commodity or something to be consumed and to entertain me at my whim, than as real people. So celebrity news usually goes in one ear and out the other, but I did pause over the weekend and catch my breath as I let out an, “Oh no…”when I heard that Regis Philbin died, because I have a soft spot for him in my heart.

In February 2009, Regis Philbin was coming to Spokane for a live show. I had read about what a huge fan he was of Bing Crosby, so on a whim I decided to mail him a copy of the magazine for which I was the editor, with a cover story I had written about Bing Crosby and his connection to Spokane. Once the postage was pasted on the manila envelope and I slid it across the counter at the post office, it was long-forgotten by me, other than the passing thought that it would most-likely end up in the round file of his publicity team, or in a stack of unread mail.

A few weeks later, after getting home from work, I pulled the mail from the mailbox and started flipping through the usual suspects: bills, catalogs, coupons, and….a letter from Regis Philbin? There in a white envelope with the “Live with Regis & Kelly” New York City studio return address was a letter from Regis Philbin with my name and home address handwritten on it! He had not gotten the story I wrote until after he returned to New York, but he shared about his wonderful visit to Spokane, his history with, and admiration for, Bing, and how close he felt to him while touring all of his stomping grounds at Gonzaga, and then he wrapped it up with the words that meant so much to me and boosted my writer’s spirit: “Thanks for sending the magazine to me. You wrote about him beautifully. My Best, Regis”

I remember being stunned. I scoffed at celebrities, they meant nothing to me. Yet here was a huge celebrity, whose to-do list and daily calendar were no-doubt brimming over the edges of each day, but he took the time to write and to acknowledge me and build me up, recognizing the work I had poured myself into, and of which I was so proud. I was a unknown to him, and yet he made me feel known, important and valued. My hunch is that is how he made so many feel. Not as an act to win fans, but as the overflow of a genuinely caring heart belonging to someone who was so beloved because he put others first.

So I was sad to hear of Regis’ death, knowing that it was a loss not only for those near to him, but also for those whom he touched from afar. At a time like this, when it feels as though there are more dark days that bright ones, and more reasons to despair than to rejoice, more common to criticize than to build up, perhaps each of us can turn the tide ever so slowly, if only we be like Regis. We can all take the time to acknowledge someone, encourage them and boost their spirits; to make sure others feel built up. It is truly one of the greatest gifts we can give. I know, because I have been on the receiving end.