Remember Me
Since my return to the motherland of Iowa, I've been confused and perplexed by an all-to-common trend I've seen. Perhaps it's just an Iowan thing and the rest of you won't have any clue what I type of, but I've seen at least 10 cars/trucks/minivans/etc. with some sort of memorial sticker in their windows. E.g. "In Loving Memory of Scott Miller (or any name) 1935-2004."
Now, what exactly are they doing to remember this person? Scott we'll say for now. Is it something along the lines of "Scott, I loved you so much I'm dedicating my new Oldsmobile to you." Or perhaps Scott left them money in a will which then allowed them to buy a new Cutlass Sierra. I'm not sure. So that's a possibility, but then I've seen dedications to infants as well. Is this helpful in the grieving process to the parents? Everyday they walk into the garage and see their custom made sticker on the side of their Astrovan. That helps them cope? I was recently spreading mulch at an apartment complex and saw three such vehicles (remembering people of various ages) withing a six-parking spot row. I was blown away.
I remember seeing one or two of these during my 3-month stay over the holidays, thought it a bit queer, but didn't realize it was a full-blown trend. I don't remember seeing any of these before I left for Zambia, I surely would have taken note had I crossed paths with them. So all of this must have popped up in the last 3 years, which then brings me to the point that people at some point have driven along, seen the first trend-setters, and then had a conversation along the lines of...
John: "Sally, look at that car up there. Isn't that a great way to remember someone?"
Sally: "That is unique and quite touching, John."
John: "I know how much your uncle Roger meant to you, and I know it's been 2 months already, but I think we should get a sticker in the back of our Durango to make sure that we don't forget him. Everytime I check my blindspot he'll be looking over my shoulder. In a way."
Sally: "Oh John, that's a swell idea. Roger would be so happy. I love you."
Perhaps this is a touchy subject to jest at, especially when I bring dead infants into the equation. I mean, to each his own when it comes to dealing with the death of a loved one, but I really would like some input from the one or two of you still reading this as to what may be going through people's heads when they go to the sticker store and ask for a custom made sticker to put on their Lumina's window to remember their fallen comrade. All I know, is if I die and anyone dedicates a vehicle to me, it better have T-tops, or be an Iroc-Z.
Now, what exactly are they doing to remember this person? Scott we'll say for now. Is it something along the lines of "Scott, I loved you so much I'm dedicating my new Oldsmobile to you." Or perhaps Scott left them money in a will which then allowed them to buy a new Cutlass Sierra. I'm not sure. So that's a possibility, but then I've seen dedications to infants as well. Is this helpful in the grieving process to the parents? Everyday they walk into the garage and see their custom made sticker on the side of their Astrovan. That helps them cope? I was recently spreading mulch at an apartment complex and saw three such vehicles (remembering people of various ages) withing a six-parking spot row. I was blown away.
I remember seeing one or two of these during my 3-month stay over the holidays, thought it a bit queer, but didn't realize it was a full-blown trend. I don't remember seeing any of these before I left for Zambia, I surely would have taken note had I crossed paths with them. So all of this must have popped up in the last 3 years, which then brings me to the point that people at some point have driven along, seen the first trend-setters, and then had a conversation along the lines of...
John: "Sally, look at that car up there. Isn't that a great way to remember someone?"
Sally: "That is unique and quite touching, John."
John: "I know how much your uncle Roger meant to you, and I know it's been 2 months already, but I think we should get a sticker in the back of our Durango to make sure that we don't forget him. Everytime I check my blindspot he'll be looking over my shoulder. In a way."
Sally: "Oh John, that's a swell idea. Roger would be so happy. I love you."
Perhaps this is a touchy subject to jest at, especially when I bring dead infants into the equation. I mean, to each his own when it comes to dealing with the death of a loved one, but I really would like some input from the one or two of you still reading this as to what may be going through people's heads when they go to the sticker store and ask for a custom made sticker to put on their Lumina's window to remember their fallen comrade. All I know, is if I die and anyone dedicates a vehicle to me, it better have T-tops, or be an Iroc-Z.
posted by Brett @ 1:32 AM
32 Comments
