By Neena Strichart
Not that I’m usually at a loss for words, but this week I have just too many things I’d like to write about. I’ll do my best to get in as much as possible. Here goes:
Since Sunday is Mother’s Day, I want to wish my mother Marjorie Grommé a very happy Mother’s Day. We plan to take her to lunch in Laguna to meet up with my stepbrother Michael and his lovely wife Betty on Saturday. Sunday we’ll probably do a brunch here in town. Rather than flowers or perfume, our typical gift for Mom is a car wash (Bixby Knolls Car Wash, of course) and a full tank of gas. She claims that at her age, 91, the last thing she needs is more stuff. Her wish is our command. And speaking of mothers, don’t forget to enter “Celebrating Mothers.” You’ll find the four entry blanks and the details on page 11. This is the last chance to enter. We’ll be picking up the entry boxes next Wednesday.
Last Saturday, Rachael Rifkin and I attended the Celebration of Life memorial for the former CSULB President and Congressmember Steve Horn (see her article on page 1). It was probably the most meaningful and poignant memorial I have ever attended. So many of us knew Dr. Horn as an intelligent, giving and kind man, but I doubt that more than a handful of folks knew of all his accomplishments. The many speakers were so generous with their words and personal stories regarding their relationships with Dr. Horn that we all learned something new about the man we so revered.
It would be nice if we had the room in our paper to print the eight-page keepsake program that was handed out to all the attendees, but alas we just don’t have the space. Instead, we will scan it and post it on our website this week for all of you to peruse and enjoy. It is more than just a program of the memorial service— it is truly a history lesson. Dr. Horn, you will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace.
The news of the death of Osama bin Laden is everywhere. Yes, I’m even mentioning it here. I understand that it is an amazing event that has been celebrated and criticized. When I first learned of the happening, I was stunned but quickly turned to thoughts of elation and then of guilt for being happy that another human was killed. We are taught to love our fellow man, but at what point can we give ourselves permission to rejoice at the killing of another? I think we CAN in this case. This case entails more than just the typical controversy over the “death penalty” and so much more than an eye for an eye. I believe the act created as much justice as we will ever have over the 9/11 events nearly ten years ago. God bless our military.
