It’s been a while since I’ve written and I am sorry at what prompted me to write today… Last night I lost a dear dear friend to cancer…someone who I had come to love and view as a confidante. Dana Lorge…the beautifully glamorous entertainer is a star in more than one way. She has a heart of gold! She is caring, giving, no nonsense and a woman of authenticity. You will know very soon after meeting her if she likes you. If she does, she will embrace you into her world and is a wonderfully supportive friend. I was one of those fortunate ones that she chosed to love and embrace. We bonded through a mutual interest in shopping.. Dana is a woman of style and grace, in so many ways, she reminded me of my late superstar mother. I told her that several times and she would always smile and say that they are from a different time when it comes to being a performer. Ironically what claimed her life was the same illness that took my mother’s life. Dana had shared so many of her life stories with me in the time I’ve come to know her. We would meet and go shopping together and then grab a bite afterwards. While we shopped she would tell me stories of her life and about performing and people in general. Dana has a very good sense of judging a persons character and I valued her opinions tremendously. I was one of a handful of people that had known about her illness and sworn to secrecy. I watched her fought the illness bravely and stoicly. We talked on the phone almost every day. She knew that her time was running out and of course there is fear but she was brave to the very end. I was one of the last people to see her. I feel fortunate to be able to be there with her and for her this Friday, Passover night, the night before her passing. 
I will never forget…when she saw me walked in to her room, her eyes lit up! I could tell that she was feeling a bit lonely. She would’ve been at a Seder enjoying the company of loved ones if she was feeling well. I brought her homemade chocolate chip cookies and some essentials she asked for and spent the next few hours there with her doing everything I could to try to perk her up! I gave her tidbits of my upcoming show and she said to me that she would love to have Lennie Watts direct a show for her when she gets better. My heart tightened as I kept up my smiles and say of course! She was tired and in pain but she was brave and kept her smile. I could tell she didn’t want me to go because she held my hand. I stayed and chatted with her until she could no longer keep her eyes open. She tried so hard to stay awake. Before she fell asleep she said to me “Natasha, I love you” kissed me on both cheeks and said she needs to close her eyes for a bit. I left after telling her I love her too and promising to visit again soon… My heart was heavy when I left but never did I expect that would be the last time I see her. I found out about her passing late last night and my tears haven’t stopped. The world had lost an extraordinary women… Dana Lorge…. Heaven had gained another star! I am lucky to have been able to spend those last few hours with her and make her smile… My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who loves Dana! Time passes before you know it… Cherish each and every day you’ve got. Live and love as if there is no tomorrow and have no fear is the lesson I’ve learned… I love you Dana…. Farewell…Rest in Peace…
That was beautiful…Thank you for sharing your moment with Dana….she is missed!
Thank you, Natasha— that was very moving and I appreciate knowing that tenderness you shared with Dana— sending much love your way— Ruth
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, thankyou.