By Mandy Feder
The band The Barenaked Ladies released a song in the late ”90s called “One Week.” The lyrics are shot out in a rapid-fire progression about what is possible during the course of one week.
My week”s song includes:
Monday: While I was writing an article about Geri Williamson”s cool egg art, my phone rang.
A woman was interested in what happened to a man involved in a crash earlier in the month. She said she used to volunteer with him at Konocti Senior Services, Inc.
She called the hospital and they said he wasn”t there, she told me. I told her I would check into his status.
Sadly, the Sonoma County Coroner confirmed that he died.
I pondered how to tell a stranger over the phone that her friend died. After a couple of deep breaths, I called her back.
I thought about the day that I went to that crash and remembered seeing the man and taking his photograph. I watched the REACH helicopter take him away.
This is an aspect of my work that never gets easier.
Tuesday: I had the honor of being in the room when the Record-Bee Sports Editor, Brian Sumpter, presented Ed Reynolds, a Navy veteran from Lake County, with a display case filled with medals, a photo of Reynolds, postcards and a sign, “USS Helena,” the Navy light cruiser that Reynolds was on when it sank in the Battle of Kula Gulf in the range of the Solomon Islands on July 6, 1943.
Sumpter has been working on this for Reynolds on weekends and after work for months. Sumpter is a real history buff and said it was a labor of love. He gathered original mementos from eBay, from Reynolds”s wife Margaret and from various shops. It was a beautiful gesture and a truly touching moment.
Reynolds held back tears and his voice cracked as he said he could honestly say this was the most generous and thoughtful thing that anybody has ever done for him. He said he couldn”t think of any gift in all his years that compares to it.
That was 15 minutes I will never forget.
Wednesday: I attended a craft bazaar at Lake County Tribal Health in Lakeport and met wonderful women and young girls who explained beading and basket making practices to me. Carolyn Elgin, one of the jewelry makers, also told me about Angelica root. She said it is commonly used for toothaches. She was kind enough to give me a hunk of it. She also told me about the use of sage during the “Bear Dance,” which is a healing dance. While I was there I found a beautiful baby rattle for my brand new niece Josee. The rattle is made from leather and a tiny basket. I”ll be presenting the rattle to my brother Steve and his wife Amy along with a tiny pair of pink Converse All-Stars, commonly known as “Chucks.”
Speaking of Chucks, later that afternoon my sunny disposition turned to cloudy of concern. Someone I think very highly of, Chuck March, executive director of the Lake County Farm Bureau was heavy on my mind.
He”s been struggling, fighting for his life since late February when he was suddenly struck with a streptococcal A infection resulting in toxic shock and the rapid destruction of muscle and flesh.
He remains in coma. He is certainly one tough cookie though. He keeps defying the odds.
Hang in there, Chuck. You”ve got a huge gang cheering you on from the sidelines.
There is a blood drive for Chuck taking place today at Mt. Konocti Growers located at 2550 Big Valley Road in Kelseyville from 3 to 6 p.m.
I encourage everyone to go and give blood. Chuck has given so much to Lake County quietly and humbly. Even if you don”t know him chances are he”s done something fantastic to impact every resident of, or tourist to, Lake County.
Thursday: I am writing this column and break to answer the phone or questions from reporters, check e-mails and lay out pages.
As I reflect on the week I think that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to experience such a myriad of emotions while I work and to be messenger, even when it is painful and challenging.
Friday: On the agenda: Easter eggs, blood drive and various news articles to be announced.
Mandy Feder is the Record-Bee managing editor. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 ext. 32.
