Hey folks. I don't mean to bring you all down by this thread, but I need to release some of my tension and emotions.

I have been listening to The Don and Mike Show, a nationally syndicated daily radio talk show program, since I moved to Baltimore in 1990. Their show helped me get through the mid-high school change from yet another move to a different state. Now I don't want to sound like some old lady who ritually watches her "stories" in the daily soap operas, but these guys are like family to me. For four hours every day, they invite me into their life, leaving virtually nothing of their life to privacy.

Today (Monday) was to be their return from their two-week Summer vacation. The show came back on the air with a new episode, but it was a show that one hopes they never have to listen to. On Sunday, Don's wife was tragically killed in an autmobile accident. Upon hearing this, my day (nothing special to begin with) went to the dump. I feel like I was kicked in the stomach. This really is a strange sensation. Even when family pets have died I haven't felt this badly. I hope you all don't think I'm crazy because of this.

Don's wife, Freda, was an integral part of the show. She called in just about every day--more often than not, to give grief to her husband. This was a couple that lived a great deal of their life over the air--thus making me and all the listeners a part of their family. And that's what it really feels like: Like I have lost part of my family. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but that's how I feel.

It's strange, you never really know how you are going to feel/deal with such situations. They just happen and knock you on your butt so fast you don't know what hit you. Anyway, from a couple of crazy guys who have a crazy show, this is indeed a crazy tragedy. Freda was the only casualty from a ten car pile-up accident ... and she wasn't even on that side of the road! The tired, old phrase of "When it's someone's time..." was quite clearly illustrated in this event, and leaves me terrified and in awe.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Don (real name Mike) and his son Bart and their family. I even said "I love you" to my wife a few more times than usual today. Thanks for listening to my purging; I really apprecaite it. For all those interested, I have pasted below the story that appeared on radioandrecords.com today. Be well, everyone.

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Monday, July 11, 2005


Radio Host Don Geronimo's Wife Dies In
Car Accident


Freda Wright-Sorce, the wife of 23 years of Westwood One-syndicated Don and Mike Show co-host Don Geronimo (a.k.a. Mike Sorce), died late yesterday from injuries sustained in a head-on collision on an Ocean City, MD highway. She was 50. According to Maryland State Police, Wright-Sorce was traveling westbound when she was struck by an eastbound SUV that crossed the median in an attempt to avoid a 10-car pileup that had already occurred. Wright-Sorce was flown to a shock trauma facility in Baltimore, where she died. The 22-year-old male driver of the SUV was treated and released.

"[Freda] was such an integral part of this program and an integral part of our lives," a subdued Mike O'Meara told listeners at the beginning of today's show, based at Infinity FM Talker WJFK-FM/Washington. "We're all in shock today. You do not realize -- you cannot possibly realize -- how fragile life is until something like this happens so close to home. We're in a very awkward situation, and we will try to do the very best we can. We will try to play some tapes of Freda, if we find that we can. And we'll just go on and do a show." Don and Mike news anchor Buzz Burbank (a.k.a. Mike Elston) added, "[Don and Freda] were both a really great match. Their strengths really complemented each other."

WJFK-FM SVP/GM Michael Hughes told R&R that information on where condolences may be sent is still forthcoming. He added that it was Geronimo's idea for O'Meara, Elston and show producer Rob Spiwack to go on the air today to talk about the tragedy and share their feelings with listeners.

Besides Geronimo, Wright-Sorce is survived by the couple's college-aged son, Bart.

my condolences

things like that happened sorry for her but you gotta move on

Always sad to hear about accidents.... You have my condolences

Very sad

Very sad, be strong mate!

damn man,,, goodluck!

such news always gives you a strange kind of feeling...
hope you'll get over it soon, best of luck mate.

Thanks for the well wishes. I realize now that much like the other host and members of the show, I just needed to talk about it a bit. It really was therapeutic. Today's show was already gravitating toward what it is normally like--stupid stuff, just being funny--albeit without one of the hosts. It has been at the request of Don that Mike and company soldier on with their schtick, and they showed that as hard as it seems, it is still possible. Thanks again--especially for reading the long post. You guys (and gals) are great!