Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey, on May 8, 1940, was one of rock music’s first teen idols.
He rose to fame at a very young age when both he and his brother joined the cast of their parents’ sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
The sitcom ran for sixteen year, a period during which Ricky attended Gardner Street Public School and then reached Hollywood High School.
He wasn’t fond of studying, which made his dad, Ozzie Nelson, mad because he wanted Ricky to go to college. However, as Ricky earned more than an adult would a year, around $100,000, his parents came to terms with his decision not to continue with his education.
American singer, musician and actor Ricky Nelson (1940 – 1985) poses circa 1957. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In an episode titled Ricky, the Drummer, then 17-year-old Ricky played a song, I’m Walking, recorded for the show, and it became an instant hit, reaching number 4 on Billboard’s Best Sellers list. It’s safe to say that it opened the doors to a completely new world for young Ricky, that of music.
It didn’t take long before he released other songs and became a famous name in the industry. Other notable hits he released are Garden Party, Fools Rush In, For You, Poor Little Fool, and Travelin’ Man.
In 1963, Ricky married Kristin Harmon, who shared similar background as him. The two had four children together, Sam Hilliard Nelson, twins Matthew Gray Nelson and Gunnar Eric Nelson, and daughter Tracy Kristine Nelson.
Wikipedia Commons / Stajanlickers14
At the beginning, their marriage was picture perfect, but then problems arouse as they both turned to a hippy lifestyle which involved plenty of alcohol. Eventually, Kristin filed for divorce and was given a temporary custody of the children. At the time, they both accused one another of poor parenting.
Sadly, mere months after their split, Ricky got involved in a plane accident which claimed his life.
Gunnar Nelson, Rick Nelson, Tracy Nelson, Kristin Nelson and Matthew Nelson pose for a portrait in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
From the moment he started touring, Rocky was uncomfortable with flying. He even attended psychotherapy sessions to help him overcome his fears and be able to tour and meet fans.
For a New Year’s Show he was supposed to attend in Dallas, Ricky’s twins were about to accompany him. However, the singer had a strange feeling regarding the flight and decided to call his kids in the last moment and tell them they were not coming on the plane with him.
“We were supposed to be on the plane on that trip. Our dad called us right before we were supposed to come down to Alabama and meet him and fly with him to the New Year’s show in Dallas,” Gunnar explained.
Unfortunately, the DC-3 plane Ricky boarded with his then girlfriend Helen Blaine caught on fire and although the pilot was able to land it, the passengers died.
Ricky Nelson Remembered staring his twin sons Gunnar Nelson and Matthew Nelson perform at City Winery Nashville on July 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee / Getty Images
Rumors were that the plane had problems with the gasoline heater. However, the real reason which led to the tragedy remains a mystery.
Ricky’s gut feeling before the tragic flight which claimed his life helped prevent much larger tragedy from taking place.
Today, his sons are musicians in their own right and continue their father’s legacy.
“It’s an ongoing labor of love, an open letter to our dad, who was our best friend,” Matthew says.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
The feeling of being unappreciated and undervalued after dedicating years of your life working for the same company can be devastating, but sadly, plenty of people experience this. This is one of the reasons why we shouldn’t put our job on the top of the list of priorities.
Experiences like this should be accepted as valuable life lessons that teach us our worth isn’t determined by one company’s perception.
A woman named Annie shared a story about her her boss who forced her to go through ordeal for no reason.
Namely, the woman shared that she hadn’t used her leave for the year, so when her son Kenny got sick and she needed to spend some time at home to nurture him, she believed it wouldn’t be an issue with her boss. Sadly, she was wrong.
Pexels
When she called him on the phone, telling him that her boy had a high fever and needed to see a doctor, the only thing he cared for was the marketing reports.
“Are you serious, Annie?” he shouted. “We have our annual general meeting in two days, and you’re abandoning me now? You know I need the marketing reports.”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” she replied. “But I just can’t come in. And the reports are done. I emailed them to you yesterday morning.”
He, however, didn’t bother to answer anything back but hanged the phone.
A week passed by and Kenny felt better and started school. Annie returned to work, but the moment she entered her office, she saw her boss sitting on her chair and clapping his hands. There was also an officer there holding handcuffs in his hands.
Pixabay
“Annie,” the boss said. “Welcome back. I have a surprise for you.”
Before she could even react, the uniformed officer started reading her her rights.
“What is going on?” she gasped, suddenly unable to breathe.
“Annie, it has come to my attention that you don’t have a son. And now, you’re going to be punished. Well played, Annie, but you got caught in your lies.”
In the next moment, Annie found herself at the police station ad then at a holding cell. She was refused a phone call and was left trembling because she had no idea what she did wrong.
After some time, she spoke to another officer who granted her a phone call. Worried for her life and future, she called her friend Mia who was a lawyer.
Pexels
Mia was quick to get to the station where Annie was held and took her case without hesitation.
“There’s something shady going on here,” Mia said. She talked to some of the officers – needless to say, a few voices were raised. Eventually, she was able to get Annie out.
Mia did some digging and learnt that Annie’s boss accused her of something she hadn’t done and then paid an officer to arrest her. The e-mails between him and the officers came to life following an investigation. The reason why was that according to the company contracts, if an employee is arrested, suspected, or involved in any criminal activity, the contract is to be terminated, and the company would take whatever money was outstanding.
Unsplash
In Annie’s case, it was her salary yet to be paid.
Mia saved Annie’s life, and she even offered her a job. She now takes care of Mia’s firm’s marketing needs and PR. As of her old job, the company offered to pay her $40,000 as moral compensation and good faith claiming that Annie’s boss acted alone.
What are your thoughts on this?
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
Marriage can be difficult at times. With the precious moments we get to share with our partner—the love, the trust, and the passion—as well as the disagreements and the feuds, marriage is all about balance, I guess.
The following story will definitely give you a glimpse into the meaning of marriage and will certainly make you laugh.
A woman was getting frustrated with her husband’s constant outings. She felt angry and even neglected because he would go out with his friends a couple of nights a week. She couldn’t help but wonder why he would choose his pals over her as she imagined him having a fun time while she stayed home.
One day, she decided to confront him and express her disappointment in his actions.
“Why do you spend all your free time at that pub? What’s so special about it that you can’t stay home with me?” she asked him.
The husband smiled because he saw it as a chance to show her his perspective. Without hesitating, he invited her to come and spend a night at the pub with him and his buddies. The woman was thrilled because she could finally see what her husband was doing when out.
Once they entered the pub, the woman was taken aback by the loud music and the heavy smoke from the cigarettes. The raucous laughter that seemed to erupt every few minutes made her ears hurt, but she decided to stay.
“What will you have dear,” the husband asked her as they approached the bar.
“Oh, I don’t know… I suppose I’ll have the same as you,” the wife uttered.
The husband nodded and ordered two shots of a strong, bitter liquor. When the drinks arrived, he quickly downed his in one go, barely reacting.
Determined to keep up, the wife watched him and then picked up her glass. She brought it to her lips and took a cautious sip. As soon as the liquid touched her tongue, her face contorted in disgust, and she spat it out with a loud, “Yuck! That’s TERRIBLE!” Coughing and sputtering, she glared at her husband. “I don’t know how you can drink this stuff!” she exclaimed, wiping her mouth.
“Well, there you go… and you think I’m out enjoying myself every night!” he said.
If this joke made you laugh, please SHARE it with your family and friends on Facebook.
Following a procedure for an enlarged prostate, King Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The head monarch has been receiving weekly treatments ever since and splits his time between London and Sandrigham.
Buckingham Palace’s initial statement read: “During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
Tim Rooke – Pool/Getty Images
A source told the Daily Mail that King Charles is “on good form,” but besides that, it is expected that he takes a longer absence from his royal duties.
His younger son, Prince Harry, who returned to Britain for a visit with his father shortly after his diagnosis was revealed, was reported to have offered to step in and play a role while his father receives cancer treatment. However, Buckingham Palace aides reportedly said there was “zero per cent chance” that Prince Harry could be allowed to be working for the royal family during his father’s illness.
Although not much regarding Charles’ condition has been revealed by the palace, a recent report from the Daily Beast – parroted by TMZ – claimed that the King is in poor health.
The magazine reports that despite the few outings that showed his Royal Highness looking fine, the exact state of his condition is different.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 5: This handout photo provided by Buckingham Palace shows King Charles III during the state tour of France in September 2023 on February 5, 2024 in London, England. Buckingham Palace announced the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer after treatment in hospital for an enlarged prostate last week. (Photo by Samir Hussein – Handout/Getty Images)
As per the magazine, the King’s aides are updating his funeral plans on a regular basis. There’s also supposedly a code name for said plans, ‘Operation Menai Bridge.’
“Of course he is determined to beat it and they are throwing everything at it. Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on,” a source was reported to have said as per TMZ.
Given his age and his health condition, it’s only natural that funeral arrangements are in consideration.
‘Operation Menai Bridge’ is expected to play out similarly to ‘Operation London Bridge’ following the Queen’s death. As soon as this operation is underway, next in line for the throne, William, Prince of Wales, would become king alongside his wife Kate Middleton, who is expected to become Queen Consort.
The new king would address the nation, mirroring Charles’s speech on September 9, and the public would observe a period of national mourning leading up to the funeral.
Just like with the Queen, the prime minister would receive notification from the King’s private secretary, as would the King’s Privy Council Office.
Permanent secretaries of government departments would be provided with a script to inform government ministers about the news. At the same time, the cabinet secretary would send an email to senior civil servants, following which flags throughout Whitehall would be lowered to half-mast.
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 31: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) King Charles III attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024 in Windsor, England. Following the service The King greeted members of the public, during a walkabout, for the first time since the announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The late king will lie in state at the Palace of Westminster for public mourning, and his final resting place is expected to be in the royal vault within the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
“The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he’s still very sick,” an insider shared with In Touch in a recent interview. “Officials will make sure a funeral for the king meets his wishes and expectations while following proper protocol.”
We truly hope the King would be able to recover fully.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are proud parents of two beautiful children who were recently given the right to carry royal titles, that of a prince and a princess.
They welcomed their first child, Archie, while they were still working royals. The little one was born at The Portland Hospital in London on May 6, 2019. However, even before he was welcomed into the world, Archie found himself in a middle of a controversy when his parents gave Oprah an interview during which they revealed that a senior royal questioned his color.
When Archie was born, Harry wasn’t much interested in revealing details surrounding the birth of the baby. However, he was forced into sharing with the people that Archie arrived into the world due to the breach of the “unwritten contract between the royals and the public.”
Harry and Meghan posed with him in front of the Portland Hospital in London, where he was born, as is the tradition.
“Today The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family,” the Sussexes wrote.
Although both Prince Harry and Prince William, as well as many other members of the royal family, including William’s children, were born at St Mary’s Hospital, the Sussexes chose not to give birth to Archie there.
“He and Meghan were thrilled to be safely delivered of their son in London’s private Portland hospital even before the palace press office had confirmed the duchess was in labor.”
Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images
In her book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, author Katie Nicholl described Harry as “almost morbidly obsessed” with keeping Archie’s birth as secretive as possible.
“Behind the scenes, matters were so fraught that more than one official — as I know from personal experience — was reduced to tears of frustration and despair,” Rebecca English, royal editor of the Daily Mail, added.
Two days after Archie’s birth, Meghan agreed on a photo session with a single reporter who could ask her some questions.
Historian and royal expert Robert Lacey accused the royal family of ‘deception’ and perpetuating a “lie” about the birth of the young boy.
“There was the deception over the announcement of Archie’s birth, which unlike every other royal birth of modern times took place in total secrecy. Buckingham Palace announced at 2 pm on May 6, 2019, that Meghan had gone into labour that morning – when in fact, she had safely given birth to baby Archie eight hours earlier, at 5.26 am,” Lacey said, as per OK!.
Mat Hayward/FilmMagic
Another tradition the Duke and the Duchess broke was that they hadn’t revealed Archie’s godparents when he was born but kept it a secret for some time.
“It is still expected by monarch, palace, and just about anyone with a stake in the game that the world should be told who the new royal baby’s ‘sponsors’ are,” Lacey said. “How can you judge the suitability of a sponsor who remains unknown? Yet the names of Archie’s godparents are still a secret today.”
Eventually, it was made known that Harry’s childhood nanny, Tiggy Pettifer, was named Archie’s godmother, while his close friend, Mark Dyer, became godfather.
“They were both constants in Harry’s childhood and beyond,” a source told E! News after the report was made public. “They are fascinating choices of figures in Harry’s life that he will hope may keep Archie rooted somehow in the UK, as they relocate to North America.”
Now, with the family residing in the States, they don’t need to worry about cameras or paparazzi photographers that much, nor they are forced to post photos of their children on their birthdays, as it is with the royal family’s tradition.
Toby Melville – Pool/Getty Images
Later, as Archie grew a bit, Harry and Meghan took a trip to South Africa where they met Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “Thank you Archbishop Tutu for your incredibly warm hospitality, Archie loved meeting you!” they wrote on Instagram along with a series of photos of their son.
Except for that, they have tried keeping both their children out of the spotlight as much as possible.
However, that changed when the Netflix documentary about Harry and Meghan, consisting of six episodes, aired.
In the documentary series, Meghan explained how she was anxious about what might happen the day her baby boy was born.
“There was already the pressure of the picture on the steps. … But I had been really worried going into that labor because I’m older, I didn’t know if I’d have to have a c-section, and I had a very longstanding relationship with my doctor, and that’s who I trusted with my pregnancy,” she said.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, the Sussexes welcomed their baby daughter, Lilibet Diana. The couple were eager to pay tribute to Lili’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II whose nickname as a child was Lilibet, and her grandmother, Princess Diana.
However, experts claimed at the time that the Queen wasn’t happy with the choice of the name.
Further, they claimed choosing that name was “disrespectful.”
“Even naming this child sparked a diplomatic scuffle. Hating even to think about the admittedly labyrinthine rules of protocol that surrounded the British royal family, Meghan, and Harry called her Lilibet, apparently in the belief that it would be a wonderful surprise for her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth,” royal expert Tom Quinn wrote in his book Gilded Youth An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family.
“That Harry did not have the sense to predict that this would cause trouble is beyond belief. He surely would have known that appropriating the monarch’s beloved childhood nickname would be perceived by many as disrespectful and intrusive in a way that naming their daughter Elizabeth would have not been.”
Netflix
“The Queen may well have been upset that her grandson and his family laid claim to the intimate nickname that had always been very much part of the Queen’s private life, but it is perhaps more likely that the flunkeys who surround the monarch and some of the starchier older royals were irritated by what they saw as a presumption.”
Before Lili was born, Meghan fell pregnant in 2020, but she suffered miscarriage.
At one point, Meghan opened up about the heartbreak she and Prince Harry experienced after losing the baby.
She shared a powerful essay on grief after miscarriage written for The New York Times, The Losses We Share, which touched many.
“Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few,” the 39-year-old Duchess explained.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
“I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right.
The Duchess continued, “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.
“Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”
Even today, when the anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, Meghan feels the same pain.
“She feels so blessed to have Archie and Lili and the family she and Harry have created. But naturally, as the anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, she does have sadness. The date is very poignant for her,” a person close to her told OK!.
“But Meghan is always looking towards the future and is just so grateful for the happiness she has in her life with Harry and the kids.”
Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
She wants her children to understand that “mummies work as well.” At the same time, “Her family life will always come first, she will fit work in around the children’s schedules so she is there for them when they need her and she just wants to make the most of and cherish every moment with them as they grow up,” the source explained.
Meghan doesn’t want to be away from her children for a longer period of time and that is one of the reasons why she and Harry made a decision to take their children with them when traveling abroad in the future.
“Meghan doesn’t like being away from her children as she doesn’t want to miss a thing with them growing up so fast,” a source told OK!.
“With Lili turning three, it’s really got Meghan and Harry thinking about their future and how quickly the children are growing up. Meghan especially feels that her babies are no longer babies, and like most mums, it makes her slightly sad and wistful that the baby years have come to an end.”
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
The search for a missing Florida woman came to a tragic end when a body was found along the Caloosahatchee River on Monday, authorities reported.
The 21-year-old woman, Arielle Valdes from North Fort Myers, had been missing since Wednesday when she vanished during a jog in her neighborhood, leading to a community-wide effort that involved searches by land, air, and water. Marine vessels, aviation units, multiple drones, K9s, the Forensics Division with an ANDE rapid DNA device, and the Major Crimes Unit were all involved in the search.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said there was no initial suggestion of foul play. “Our hearts remain with Arielle’s family and loved ones as they navigate the coming days during this time of grief,” the Sheriff’s office stated, adding that the Major Crimes Unit will remain in coordination with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office throughout the ongoing investigation.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we share the loss of our dear Arielle, whose vibrant personality and gentle soul brought so much light into the lives of those who knew her,” the grieving family of Valdes posted on Finding Arielle Valdes Facebook page.
Facebook/isabella.hergert/
“To her family and friends, words can’t express the depth of our sorrow, and we send our heartfelt sympathies during this unimaginable time. Arielle’s presence was a gift, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
They also thanked everyone involved in the search for their “love and dedication.”
“Whether you searched on foot for hours, drove across the county, brought out your boats, flew drones, reached out to businesses for footage, or donated to help her family, you have been our strength,” the family said on Facebook.
Valdes’ sister, Isabella Hergert, paid tribute to her sister saying she was “too good for this world.” Herget’s message further read, “I love you and I will see you again in every lifetime. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for.”
As per NBC2, Valdes was training for a marathon and ran long distances, but she also battled depression.
We are so very sorry for this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
A marriage should be built on mutual understanding, appreciation, and love for one another. However, there are cases where one of the partners acts as though they don’t care enough for that union to last. This can easily lead to constant fights and even separation.
A woman took to MamaMia to share how her marriage of five years came to an end after she accidentally read one of her husband’s texts to his friends in which he referred to her with a nickname that “felt like she’d been slapped in the face.”
At the time, their son was 2 years old, and her husband was out most of the time without ever telling her who he was seeing or where he was going simply because he believed “he didn’t have to.”
She tried hard to justify his decisions because he was the breadwinner for the family and she was happy to give him downtime, asking money from her parents to support his business.
Her husband was like that since the beginning, and although she believed things would change after their son was born, that wasn’t the case.
“He continued his long Friday lunches, that always turned into Friday night drinks, because they were networking opportunities. He had always played Thursday night sport – he didn’t ever even miss one week,” she wrote in her letter to the outlet.
Moreover, he wasn’t willing to say if he had any intention of getting involved in her and her son’s life.
One Friday morning, the woman’s husband was in the shower and his phone ‘kept pinging’ so she decided to check it in case it was urgent.
What she stumbled upon was a text message to his friends that read, “Don’t think I can make it tonight. SWMBO will say no.”
She was confused as she had no idea what that meant, although she was certain it alluded to her.
When she asked her husband about it, he answered in the most casual manner. “It means ‘She Who Must Be Obeyed,” he said.
The woman felt awful. She felt like he treated her as his mother while he was the teenager who tried to sneak out of the house in order to have fun with his friends.
“After five years of marriage, this is what I’d become to him. The only thing I ever asked of him – some accountability regarding his whereabouts, was apparently too demanding. And he’d spoken about me like that to his friends,” she wrote.
Feeling “mortified” by the nickname he gave her, and realizing that no one in the chat questioned the abbreviation—implying he’d used it before—the woman knew there was “no coming back from that.” This union didn’t feel like a marriage nor what a family should look like.
“I was never, ever, going to kiss, let alone sleep with, a man who called me that after 10 years together – even after becoming the mother of his son,” she wrote, adding that she knew at that point that both her and her son deserved better than that. Not being valued where she was supposed to be loved wasn’t the life she ever imagined so she made the decision to take her baby and leave her husband.
Her story gathered plenty of attention and people’s opinions regarding her decision were divided.
What are your thoughts on this?
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
Children can be so innocent and pure-hearted at times, that we adults feel like we should look up to them and follow their examples.
Sunshine Oelfk is only five years old, but she seems to know more about love, friendship, and compassion than most grownups. Her sweet story melted the hearts of many, and she became a hero in the place where she resides.
Namely, Sunshine has a piggy bank where she keeps all her money. Recently, she decided to break it and take all she had. When her grandma Jackie Oelfke asked why she needed the money, Sunshine’s answer trigger tears rolling down her eyes.
Facebook/22 Words
Speaking with TODAY, Jackie got emotional and spoke of her granddaughter’s response: “She said she was taking it to school for milk. I explained that I had already paid for her milk for the month, then she looked at me and said, ‘My friend’s mom doesn’t have milk money, and I do.'”
Jackie stepped in as well and helped Sunshine in her mission to help her classmate. She and the little girl took the money to the teacher and later shared on Facebook just how generous Sunshine’s nature was. People were blown away by the girl’s action and in no time, many started sending donations.
Facebook/22 Words
Rita Hausher, one of Sunshine’s kindergarten teachers told TODAY Parents how her heart would always break when she had to turn down kids when they asked for milk.
“I have always felt sad when I have had to tell a student, ‘no,’ when they ask if they can have milk. Thanks to Sunshine’s act of kindness for one student, it has grown so much that it now includes everyone, which makes my heart happy.”
Believe it or not, Sunshine’s good cause triggered people from all over the country to donate $19,000. That means she and her friends can now have all the milk they want.
Facebook/22 Words
Take a look at this sweet girl’s story in the video below. She certainly knows that if we want to change what bothers us, we have to take one step at a time and make it our mission to make this world a better place.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
