Meet the People of Northam

I’ll be visiting with the residents of Northam as time and their schedules allow. For such a small town, there are a variety of characters here, and I can’t wait for you to meet them.  

Dwight Matheson has agreed to be the first. Well, he only agreed because we flipped a coin and he lost, but nonetheless, he’s the one you’ll meet today.  

 Dwight’s the local mortician and the owner of Matheson’s Memorials. In fact, the Matheson family has served Northam's funerary needs for 75 years. 

 Dwight, you've lived here your whole life. What's one thing you’d change about Northam if you could?

DM: One thing? Just one? It’s too quiet. Nothing ever happens. The same, day in and day out. Crying. Organ music. Flowers. Otherwise, I don’t see much of anyone. No one ever says, “Hey, Dwight, wanna go for a beer?” Or, “Dwight, did you see them Red Sox last night?” You know, I asked a girl out once, and she told me it didn’t feel right after I’d seen her grannie naked. Can you believe it? People here don't get it--it's just a job, not who I am. 

You don’t sound very happy, Dwight. I’m sorry.

DM: I’m sorry too. Sorry I went along with my family and got into this business. I should’ve picked something else. The Army, or car racing. How about bull riding? Hell, I wouldn’t even mind working in a bar. Anything where there was some excitement happening. Anywhere I didn’t have to wear a suit, speak in whispers or drain life's remnants away. Did you just hear something?

No, I didn’t. I can see you're busy, Dwight. One more question and we’ll be done. Who’s the person you admire most?

DM: That’s easy. Sam. Sam Miller. He’s a good guy. We were kind of friends growing up ‘til I started to apprentice with my Dad. He still asks me how I’m doing when we run into each other. He was a sniper in the service and did several tours. Boy, I bet he saw some action. Yessir. Wait--there’s someone out front. We're done here, right? The Donaldson wake is in less than an hour, and the family wants to come in early and have a drink over Mr. Donaldson.

Of course. Thanks for your time.

DM: You’re welcome.  Oh, and look, all that stuff about another job and excitement, could you keep that just between us? It’s not very good for the Matheson image. Excuse me….Mrs. Donaldson? What are you doing? Please stop. Please don’t try to give Mr. Donaldson a drink…