Phase 2, the Rolling Hills club for residents who are widows or widowers met again for a special luncheon on Friday, January 31 at the beautiful home of Debby Macdonald. Catered by Mendocino Farms with added treats from Phase 2 leaders, we had a truly informative and fantastic time.

 

Phase 2 has been a source of friendships that have been powerful bonds among us. We truly care about one another. None of us chose the honorific of being a widow or widower – and learning to navigate life from being a couple for so many years to being single isn’t easy. Each of us has discovered that we can experience a multitude of diverse feelings simultaneously. We can experience longing and still have the capacity to laugh, we can be suffering in silence for the partner that was a soulmate and capable of celebration, we are weeping and resilient, yearning and hopeful.

 

At our luncheon, not only were there 18 RSVPed attendees, but we were also joined by LACFD Fire Chief Brian Kane and LACFD Community Services Liaison, Rosemary Vivero who were incredibly kind and informative about the recent LA fires, safety measures we can all adopt and numerous wonderful emergency safety measures. For anyone who heard Chief Kane’s presentation at our annual Association meeting, you know he is a compelling, down-to-earth speaker who tells it straight and pulls no punches. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief is responsible for 10 cities in the south bay and the entire peninsula.  Although he is based in Gardena, he is spending a lot of time on the peninsula.

 

Did you know that Cal Water is reconsidering its use of the empty reservoir on Palos Verdes Drive in light of what happened in Pacific Palisades. But the Chief reconfirmed that Cal Water has invested significantly in our water system with 7 new miles of pipe and water that comes from multiple sources that previously determined the reservoir was not a utility – but I guess we all learned that you can never have too much water.

When Ms. Vivero took court she had us entirely enraptured with practical, non-nonsense advice about having what is necessary – not what we think we would like  – but what can provide 8 hours or more of electrical need to power a phone or PC – what should be in our go kit and a reminder to take pictures and video of the interior and exterior of our home.   In fact, LACFD’s Vivero has promised to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher and much more at our next meeting. AND because this is so important, we want to open the next meeting to a few of our Rolling Hills friends who are not widowed to learn these tools that any old fogy can master, no matter your age or gender.

 

If you haven’t heard from Bob Gold or one of the other members – its because we have the wrong email or phone for you. If you have held back for any reason, know we are a warm welcoming group no matter your stage of grief who come together with understanding, compassion and commitment to fun.

 

Please don’t hesitate to email me bob@bobgoldpr.com or call just to say hello.