So yeah. Here I am again. Up late, skulking around the kitchen, mindlessly opening the fridge, checking the pantry--not really hungry, just restless. I retreat to the couch empty-handed.

I check the computer. No Craig. Ugh. Where is my crazy night-owl sibling when I need him?

So I'm sitting on the couch, tuned in to--what else?--Nightline, and an IM pops up. (Thank goodness I have more than one crazy night-owl sibling!) After briefly exchanging our thoughts on the promo that just aired for tomorrow's show, Renée offers up a terrific suggestion. 

" I think a 'night before nightline' blog would be a great thing!" she says.

Well, anyway, it's not a rap!


'Twas the Night Before Nightline
’Twas the night before Nightline, when all through my home
Not a kiddo was stirring, I sat up alone.
The Tivo was set on the TV with care,
In hopes that John Donvan soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Pokemon danced in their heads.
And Jim, who had just checked the latest Cubs score,
Had now settled down, and he'd started snore.

When on the TV there arose a promotion,
for our segment tomorrow. Oh, what a commotion!
Away to the sofa I flew like a flash,
(Not really, I’m no longer able to dash.)

The grave face of news anchor Terry Moran,
Gave a brief touch of sadness as our promo ran.
Then, what to my wondering eyes should I see,
But my very own face! Right there! On TV!

With a serious face, and a frown on my brow.
(I think you should know I’m not glaring right now.)
It’s hard to speak clearly. I must concentrate.
But I’m really not mean! I can’t help my face!

"Ask Marty! Ask Patty! Ask Kelly and Jim!
Ask Eunice! Ask Curt! I’m not mean to them!
I try to be friendly! I’m usually nice!
I don’t know that frowner! I’m not made of ice!"

As deep lines before Botox often surround the eye,
So my face betrays years (and too much French silk pie).
So please if you’re watching tomorrow, beware!
I’m not angry. I am simply speaking with care.

And then, in a twinkling, I saw my sweet Em,
And reminded myself “I’m doing this for them.”
This story is not about how I look or sound,
It’s about spreading the ALS story around.

The kids who are out there, who don’t know of Lou,
I’m doing this for them; I'm doing this for you.

There are thousands out there who are patients like me,  
And more on the way. Who knows who they’ll be?

ALS strikes the young. It strikes women and men.
And in some families it strikes again and again.

That’s the reason we signed up to be on this show,
This disease is a killer everyone should know.

Lou Gehrig and Morrie have been its best faces,

But their names are unknown in too many places.
So we’ve got to keep trying to get the word out.
For as long as I can, I will (figuratively) shout!

We'll be there tomorrow sharing our views,
On ABC, after the late local news. 
But that's just one story, told on just one night.
We need lots more people to join in this fight.

When we all pull together, great things can be done.

I’m confident someday this war will be won.
So please do your best to help get out the word,

We need lots of help for our voices to be heard.
 

I’m awfully nervous. A lie I can’t tell.

I hope we represent ALS families well.

I’ve got to remember that we did our best.