Back when my generation, and probably the one after, began driving, we had distractions during our sojourns, but certainly not any as prevalent as we are experiencing now. In my opinion, cell phones have become the bane of the road. Talking on the phone and texting while driving has come to be the norm. Regardless of the laws in place, I see dozens of drivers every day who obviously are texting while behind the wheel. These folks do not have their eyes on the road, and their hands are certainly not at “10 and two.” Instead of focusing on the task at hand— driving— their views are focused on their laps or on the seats next to them. Texting while driving has become an epidemic.
In my car, as I enter the driver’s side, I see dozens of funeral programs that are stored in the area that I previously used for map storage. Since 1998, I have collected more than 40 of the printed remembrances of those who have passed away.
Included in my collection are programs from funerals of friends, family members, colleagues and local dignitaries. I also have some for folks I did not know. I attended those services to help give emotional support to those I believed needed to see friendly and sympathetic faces among the mourners.
The most recent funeral I attended was for Denise Damrow, a Signal Hill resident and volunteer extraordinaire. The service was a lovely gathering at the Salvation Army church and featured singing, testimonials and a general expression of love by those who cared about dear Denise. The folks in attendance were her friends and those with whom she shared a love of giving time to local nonprofit organizations such as Friends of the Signal Hill Library, Signal Hill Historical Society and the Girl Scouts.
When I returned from the service, my husband Steve saw the program I had in my hand. He smiled and immediately remarked that he knew it would join those placed in my car in what I refer to as my “Guardian Angel” compartment.
I will miss my pal Denise, and I am honored to have been part of her life.
