The setting sun struck the Coronado Bay Bridge creating a soulful backdrop. Colorful overturned boats brightened the shoreline at Tidelands Park. It was Father’s Day. You might have thought it was a wedding in the midst of children playing, bike riders, and smokey barbecue wafts. White chairs and flowers adorned the small carved out area.
But it was not a wedding. This was the first annual Memorial Wreath Launch for victims of the unprotected bridge. What is not commonly known is that not all who lost their lives from going over the low rail of that bridge chose to do so. Some were victims who were taken over by force.
Father Michael Murphy of Coronado’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church spoke to a mainly local gathering. Most had lost someone dear to the sloping arch over the bay. The event was inspired by Rhonda Haiston and Debra Smith of the newly formed Coronado Bridge Collaborative. The group is devoted to preventing deaths from the bridge through installing barricades or nets. Recently, the Coronado City council put their stamp of approval on this effort.
Many friends and family reported they were reluctant to attend at first because of the painful memories brought to the surface. Ms. Haiston soothed attendees by acknowledging their difficulty and inspired them with a vision for change.
Community-based supporters were also in attendance, such as TAF Crisis Phone Monitors who ensure the phone stays in good working order. The neighborhood group advocates from bridge-to-base and has requested accessible Crisis Phones at Coronado, Barrio Logan, and mid-span points of the bridge.
Though the gathering was not large, maybe 20 people, it was inspiring. Father Mike (as he is fondly known) said quietly to a group standing in the back row, “Do not underestimate small beginnings.” This brought to mind the rest of that scripture from the book of Jeremiah, “the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
The memorial ended with flowers and wreaths being laid upon the waters in the shadow of the iconic bridge. Attendees commented they had no idea how many fellow Coronadans suffered the same loss they had. There was a sense of fellowship among them.
In the distance, the group laying flowers with Father Mike lingered by the water. One could imagine a prayer was being said.
Help is available!
If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the Crisis Hotline at (888) 724-7240. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals available 24/7; in all languages. The call is free and confidential. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
by Toni McGowan
Images courtesy of Debra Smith
