Manning Shannon
I have always said and felt that Don Polan was one of God's angels put on this earth, on Normandy Ave. Selfishly speaking, I believe his purpose in life, among other things (becoming a Christian, for one), was to engage w/ lifelong friends, both young and old, but primarily young, on his 3700 block of Normandy. The constant hours and love he spent playing in the front yard with the kids on the block (and surrounding areas) was immeasurable! I mean, if he wasn't busy dragging kids around the yard on one of his bed sheets or blankets, they would be climbing all over him like monkeys in a tree. And, if it was raining or it was too hot to play outside, never fear, Don was here! His "rug rats" would simply move their never ending party and converge inside 3721, taking over every square foot of his living space! But, actually, that was just fine with Don, who would let them over indulge in junk food, Kool-Aid, and Nickelodeon TV. Constant candy wrappers and skittles, scattered and strewn among the occasional spilled cups of drinks, were the norm in an otherwise train wreck of a home.....but, that was totally ok with Don because he loved those kids so much. There was just simply nobody like him....or as he would put it, "Nobody as crazy or stupid as me!" But, we all knew those were not his true feelings.
For some uncertain reason, that none of us mortals will ever figure out, Don put up with us kids (and parents, and eventually grandparents) day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, and, yes, decade after decade, for 50 years. His love for everybody was unconditional and never ending, even if that meant he would humorously get his favorite tie cut in half or slide down the slide at the Traildust Steakhouse!
Again, like I have always said, Don was a gift from God to us on Normandy. His life with us made for a "perfect storm" of pure laughter and perfect fun for several generations of Normandy kids and grown-ups. We were so blessed to have him. He was our unofficial party central leader, who most appropriately lived smack dab in the middle of the block and gave us everything he had to offer. Hopefully, a heavenly reunion awaits us with lots of popcorn, candy, soft drinks and a little wine (Don might even retort, "make it red - oh, heck, make it any color you like - I'll drink it!").
Thanks be to Don!
Manning Shannon
formerly of 3709 Normandy