Thoughts On The Wiggles

You may have heard at this point that Greg Page of the Australian group The Wiggles is leaving the group due to health reasons. You may have NO CLUE who Greg Page, also known as Greg Wiggle or the Yellow Wiggle, is. Normally, I'd be right along with you.

However... my two-year old boy Duncan LOVES the Wiggles. He's learned lots of words from their fine television shows and lots of neat dances and songs, too. Sure, it gets a bit repetitive, but that's how kids learn. And the Wiggles, three of whom have degrees in Childhood Development, understand that.

Greg started feeling the effects of his condition during one of the many tours the group does. The condition, Orthostatic Intolerance, which is a lowering of blood pressure when he is standing, resulting in fainting spells, fatigue, and other similar symptoms, made it impossible for him to continue in the high energy shows that he and his fellow performers put on. We took Duncan to see one of the shows when they came to Columbus in August, and he loved every minute of it. It's not easy to keep the attention of a less-than-two-year-old, but they did it. Duncan was dancing, staring at the stage, singing along, and enjoying the whole experience. Little did we know we were catching one of Greg's last performances ever.

It's weird for me to be feeling loss at such an event. Usually I push aside stories about celebrities as just gossip and stuff that doesn't really affect anyone. With this story, I'm not sure if it's going to affect Duncan or not. He's young enough that he probably won't notice until later in life. But I'll notice. And I will always give a tip of the hat to the man who helped my child experience so much fun and happiness through his gift of entertainment.

Thanks, Greg. My hat is off to you.