In Memoriam

 

About this time of year, a collection of photos and stories of those who have ‘passed away’ in the pass 12 months will appear in the social media and obituary pages. These are the recognizable faces and names of celebrities. Composers, writers and painters, heads of state and activist, television comedians and Shakespeare thespians, accomplished performers and media personalities are all listed. It is one of the few times age is associated with the name.

Like any good memoriam, accolades are made to the works and wealth of the deceased. Next year there will be another list.

What of all the others?

Harold, Thomas, Mary Joyce, Michael, Ann “Bobby”, Marcia Elizabeth, Ronnie, Richard, Annie Bell, Franklin, Jo Ann, Deacon, Nicholas, Marva, Delores, Lovelee, LaTonya and Merwin all died yesterday in this town. At least that is the local newspaper listing of obituaries. There are more who are not recorded and those who will pass nameless.

There was another list before this one and there will be another list tomorrow. These names and faces are familiar to someone, but I don’t recognize any of them.

Harold had hemorrhoids, Thomas was a vet, Mary Joyce had a drinking problem, Michael never came out of the closet, Ann was an orphan, Marcia was a single mom, Ronnie wrecked his car, Annie OD’d, Franklin had diabetes, Jo Ann was abused as a child, Deacon was shot, Nicholas, Delores and LaTonya had Covid-19, Marva drowned, Lovelee had kidney failure and Mervin had a heart attack. One was a plumber. One was a truck driver. One was a preacher. One was the person behind the mask checking out your groceries. One repaired cars. One cleaned rooms at the motel. One was a notary public. One had seven kids, but one died in childbirth. One was a special ed. teacher. One was a trash collector. One was an accountant. One worked at a hardware shop. One worked in a factory. One fashioned nails. One delivered newspapers. One was a fisherman. One cooked school lunches. One was a card shark. One was a park ranger.

Families and friends will see them off, say a few words and stand in silence to respect. Then they will walk away over the loved one’s new neighbors. Some will tell stories during holidays or perhaps put a photo up on the wall as a reminder. Some will return to the grave to place flowers until daily life distracts. Don’t worry. Until the archeologists come, everyone will stay put.

Some who make the in memoriam will remain in the ‘top ten’ while other famous names will fade to be replaced. Some will even get a holiday named after them so people can take off from work or give presents.

As you see these pages of names and faces of the recognized, place one of the folks from the obituary page in too. One day your name will show up.