1972 I had the incredible opportunity to spend the Christmas holidays with Doris Day in her home. Her hit CBS TV show had just ended filming and she was looking forward to relaxing during the holidays; I was her secretary at that time. Her Mother, Alma, was going to spend Christmas in Houston with Doris’s brother’s family. Doris was going to be home with her new housekeeper, Nada, who was working out quite well. With eleven dogs, Doris had gone through several housekeepers and finally found one, Nada, who loved the dogs and took great care of everything.
In early December, Nada received a call from her family in Yugoslavia saying her mother was deathly ill. She decided to fly home immediately. What to do? I could see Doris’s dilemma. I knew Doris didn’t want to ask her mom to postpone her trip to Houston, nor did she want to be home alone with all the responsibilities of that household for a couple of weeks. Sensing the urgency of this new situation, I made a quick call to my own mother in Indianapolis, explained the situation and asked if she would mind if I postponed my trip home for a couple weeks. Mom was very understanding and told me to do what I felt best. After that call I told Doris I would be happy to stay with her until either her mom or the housekeeper returned. Needless to say, Doris seemed quite relieved that I would delay my Christmas visit home. I felt bad for my mother, but duty called and I was going to be spending Christmas with Doris in her home.
On Christmas eve Doris invited her son, Terry, and his good buddy, Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, to come for dinner. Our menu was simple: Doris loved her mom’s special lemon chicken. Fortunately, I had seen Alma prepare it many times and did my best to make it just perfect for our Christmas eve dinner. We ate in her lovely dining room and shared some great stories. When we were halfway through our meal, all of a sudden the lights went out. In no time, we were dining by candle light not knowing when the electricity would come back on. Finally we moved to the living room around the piano where Bruce and Terry took turns at the keyboard. We all began to sing Christmas carols, and yes, I joined in too. We were still using candles. Finally Bruce and Terry had to leave. Fortunately, Terry parked in the back alley and was able to drive Bruce home since his car was locked in the gated driveway and with no electricity, the car was going to stay put. Talk about a night to remember: Christmas Eve with Doris Day!
On Christmas Day Doris and I were invited to Carmen Sawtelle’s home for a meal and religious service. Carmen was a long time friend of Doris’s and was a metaphysical practitioner whom Doris put a lot of faith in. She was a lovely elderly lady who had great charisma. Several other people were invited and we had a nice time. I think many of the other guests were really surprised to see Doris Day among the cherished guests.
All I can say in closing is that never in my wildest dreams as a star-struck teen, did I think I would be spending the Christmas holidays with my idol, Doris Day, in her home. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so grateful for the memories of all that time I was her secretary. Every time I hear the Christmas classic “I’ll be Home For Christmas” I am reminded of the one year, because of unusual circumstances, I did not go home that Christmas, but moved in with Doris Day for the holidays.
Mark your calendar for the next DORIS DAY HOUR airing on the second Thursday of every month – Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm (New York time) with encores through the week. Just tune in to:
www,mybnr.com
And read my book Day at a Time: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond from Hawthorne Publishing