A woman in our community died. She lived on a much-traveled road; indeed, for us it was the one we always took to the Jewish Community Center, Shop Rite, Boscov’s…just about everywhere in north Wilmington. Her obituary was half-a-page long; she contributed so much to the lives of her family, her church, her community, children, adults, the young and old. She was a person who would make you proud if she was in your family.

But Suzy and I had tears in our eyes over her death because she also created something that brought a smile or lifted the spirits of so very many more people than even she would imagine. When you drove past her home, on the mailbox would be a sign celebrating a holiday or giving a message of hope or announcing something special. And the sign wouldn’t be haphazard, a sloppy crayon message on corrugated cardboard. Surely not! You could tell it was well-thought out and fashioned with love, with the passersby in mind who might need such a “blink” to make a difference.

The last sign read, “Heaven called, and she answered.” We’ll miss those signs…so will hundreds more.

(Speaking of signs, the “Reliable Shoe Company” was sold, and the new owner named it “Acme Shoes.” There was a sign proclaiming the change in name: “Acme Shoes-Formerly Reliable.” Another sign in a house of worship, “Come Early and Get a Back Seat!”)