By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 2013) — This most difficult week is over, with my father-in-law’s illness, death, wake, and funeral occurring in dizzying fashion. About the wake, the turnout for Michael C. Baccoli was nothing short of amazing.

The doors opened at 4 and went an hour beyond the scheduled 7 p.m. closing. There were approximately 500 people in a non-stop stream, each of whom had nothing but good things to say about this decent, kind, and gentle man. It was a tremendous testimony to him and to the entire Baccoli family. I felt heartened for my wife and her family, who derived great comfort and strength from the outpouring of love from the tight-knit Lee, Mass., community.

We were talking later. Mike Baccoli wasn’t the kind of guy to get his name in the papers. He wasn’t a big shot or a GOB. He worked in supermarkets his entire career. He and his wife Mary were that kind of couple who make the vitality of a community possible — obey the law, pay their taxes, act decently, treat everyone with kindness and fairness, keep the yard clean, teach their children well, and it was remarkable to THE PLANET that so many of the people who turned out in tribute to this humble, God-fearing man struck us as the same. They weren’t there to be seen. They weren’t there because of some political reason. They were there because they loved the guy.

Many of them were his age (82 or older), and we were struck by the thought that as the line of people kept coming and coming, we were witnessing the passing not just of a generation and its elders but of a way of life for America. We will not see the like again.

What a profound week, for which we give thanks and blessings.

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BACK TO OUR USUAL SCHEDULE ON MONDAY

On Monday, THE PLANET shall resume our “normal” production (like “reality,” “normal” is a word that has no meaning unless it is put into quotes). This will include the latest news and commentary of local personalities and issues, with a splash of regional, national, and international happenings and characters thrown in for good measure.

One feature to look for on Monday will be “Snowdrift: Rate the Mayor.” In this feature, we will solicit your comments, input, and feedback on how well Mayor Dan Bianchi handled Storm Nemo. Be prepared to tell the truth, because at this address, we can and will handle it.

We take this time to thank this time, finally, to thank all — all — of our readers and correspondents. You have made this site into a vibrant, can’t-miss destination for people who like their information straight and their commentary on the rocks. We continue to exhibit steady growth, and it has been done with no (zero, zilch, nada) paid advertising. THE PLANET is and shall for the foreseeable future continue as a free site offered by this address as a public service, fulfilling out long-standing role as a member of The Fourth Estate. We are a free society’s final safeguard.

THE PLANET thanks all of you also for your support during a difficult time. We send our gratitude, appreciate, and love.

See ya Monday.

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“THE KITCHEN TABLE EXISTS BECAUSE I SCRUB IT.” — W.H. AUDEN

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.