Remembering a Short Life

On the evening of Friday, Jan. 22, a young man, Eric Pola, was killed by a westbound Metrolink commuter train at the Winnetka Avenue crossing.

This was a very special young man who lived with my daughter, in the home of my wife and myself, for the past 2 1/2 years. Fighting to control my emotions, I delivered this eulogy, “A Tribute to Eric Pola,” at his funeral attended by more than 250 family members and friends.

Eric and his companions were not playing chicken or Russian Roulette, as erroneously and insensitively reported by some of the media.

And there were no drugs or alcohol. Those unfortunate days were a memory. In fact, Eric Pola was selflessly devoted to helping others climb out of the abyss of this affliction and would in no way contaminate himself with these poisons. His recovery from virtually hopeless addiction is a tribute to his determination, courage and great strength.

Five good friends were in an automobile. They had planned to spend a few pleasant hours at a drive-in movie.

The gates came down at a railroad crossing. Three of the friends left the car to meet the other two inside the movie.

Sure, it was childish, kid-stuff, something most of us would not do, but in no way was there any intent to do harm.

It was dark. Distance and velocity were difficult to judge, but the headlight seemed far enough away. It was not planned, a sudden impulsive lark: “Let’s do it!”

No chicken, no Russian roulette, merely a profoundly bad judgment call. And what a terrible price to pay.

But this is not how we will remember Eric. We will remember enthusiasm and an intense desire to live life to the fullest.

DON MALVIN

Canoga Park