In Others’ Words: Remember Your Nice Words

Comedian Jerry Lewis died just this past Sunday, August 20. The New York Times hailed him as “a defining figure of American entertainment in the 20th century.” While at times he was controversial, Lewis was also certainly multi-talented, known for his slapstick humor, as well as an actor, singer, producer, director, screenwriter, and humanitarian.

Jerry Lewis was also one of my all-time favorite comedians. His routines with Dean Martin are laugh out loud funny, and my family watches and rewatches his movies, such as Rock-a-Bye Baby, Who’s Minding the Store, as well as Cinderfella and other favorites.

I thought it would be fun to honor Jerry Lewis by showcasing a quote today. To be honest, I thought I’d find something humorous or witty, or maybe something he’d said about about life as a comedian. And yes, there were quotes like that.

But then I read this statement: “I don’t want to be remembered. I want the nice words when I can hear them.”

What a poignant truth, now that Lewis can no longer hear the “nice words” people are saying about him as they remember him. I can only trust he heard plenty of “nice words” while he was alive.

We all hope we’ll be remembered. But I have to agree with Jerry Lewis that hearing “nice words” now makes a difference in my life. Sometimes an encouraging or kind or positive word can change my day. Or my perspective. Or help me believe in myself again.

In Your Words: I’d love for you to join the conversation and share when someone’s  “nice words” have encouraged you. And I also hope you know that I appreciate you reading my blog! 

In Others\’ Words: Remember Your Nice Words http://wp.me/p63waO-2oW #quotes #JerryLewis

Click To Tweet

\”I don\’t want to be remembered. I want the nice words when I can hear them.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2oW #quotes #JerryLewis

Click To Tweet