Forever Grateful

As I sit drinking my coffee at the ER nurse's desk, I am saddened by the recent loss of a very special person in my life--hell, this person gave me life! I wouldn't exist if not for her! My name is Dixie McCall. I am a character in a television series. While the writers wrote my words, a lady brought me to life and made me seem real.

Julie London is really my creator. She gave a lot to me and to my many fans. I am told that I, a fictional character, inspired many a young girl to enter nursing as a profession. It seems that I brought a lot to a great many people. To know the joy I have brought to you my fans makes me smile with pride.

Julie has done many other things before me though. She was a singer who had thirty-two albums to her credit. She was also a film star with God knows how many films under her belt. She was also a loving mother to four beautiful kids. She was also a loving wife, first to Jack Webb of Joe Friday fame, then to Bobby Troup, the one who played Dr. Early in my series.

I wonder...when you watch the show, can you tell the love that Bobby and Julie had for each other? I wonder if when you watch me, do you see a little of Julie there too? I hope so, because she is there in me. Some aspects of her life were given to my character. There is an episode in which the fireman are trying to form a barbershop quartet and Johnny asks if I know anything about music. In another, I mention that I sometimes sing in a nightclub. That is where Julie did most of her singing.

Julie, I just want you to know that I'm forever grateful to you for bringing me to life. I don't think anyone else could've made me seem as real as you did. I, your most known character, will forever live on in reruns and fan fiction, but you will live on in the hearts of our fans.

Rampart, this is Squad 51, do you read?

I'd better go see what bizarre rescue the writers have written for our heroes this time. Julie, all there is to say now is thank you. Thank you for the life you have given me.