Memorial Service For DJ Harder

Attended the memorial service on Friday, October 2, 2020 for DJ Harder in Woodland, CA. Only 17 years old. Sad beyond words. The family requested everyone wear Hawaiian style clothing - DJ's favorite style - and everyone complied.

My various worlds were colliding here. I knew Missy and her family from Woodland Dance Academy days (1993-2004), but never knew her son DJ. Nevertheless, I knew DJ's friend Mia from DMTC days (2000-2020), specifically Evita in 2015. Mia sang a nice song. She said it's the first time she' sung publicly in three years. She's the head of FFA at her school, despite the lack of livestock at her house. And I know Jenny from both worlds, plus the Woodland Opera House, and note that her parents remain active in Woodland politics - her father is running for reelection. 

 

DJ was a football player, so there were a lot of football players at the service. Coaches spoke effectively too, particularly about the issue of mental health.

 

Covid made the service awkward. The turnout was about 300 people, so the service was held in a big outdoors tent. I was outside the tent at the back. Mingling after the service was discouraged. Pick up your ham sandwich and please leave....