SOS. Any grammar smarties out there?

ETA: "I just googled it and got rid of my other answer "The other common pattern is with if-then sentences. (Note: then may be implied if it is not always verbalized, and the then clause may precede the if clause in that case.) If the main and subordinate clauses are both true or not known to be true or false, then the indicative verb forms are used:

If I wasn't asked to help, at least I was willing to help. (And I wasn't asked to help.)

If they are prepared, then they will come out on top. (And they may or may not be prepared--we'll see.)

The most common pattern that people get tripped up on are if-then sentences where the if clause is counterfactual. In these cases, the if clauses use the past subjunctive forms were and weren't, even if the subject is singular or the verb is present tense. The then clause--and this is usually a giveaway--will take the conditional form. This is usually indicated by the word would or one of the other past form modal verbs (could, might):

If I were a rich man, I wouldn't have to work hard. (But I am not a rich man.)

He could be much more successful if he weren't so negative. (But he is so negative.)"

In conclusion...that's a lot of info, I think it's weren't, and I agree with @onawho that the comma is the bigger deal, haha.

The missing comma is grinding my gears more than wasn't or weren't LOL

Weren't, subjunctive is correct.

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Comma added! None of the signs have them... I guess because of formatting?? They don't have periods either and of course have nonsensical, artistic capitalization. But the wasn't/weren't thing was grinding my gears.

I'm thinking it's weren't

Weren't

From my mom who is an editor: "Weren't. Anytime you have an 'if' clause, you use the subjunctive verb. The easiest way to remember it is the song from Fiddler on the Roof 'If I were a rich man'. So anytime you wonder what the verb should be after an 'if', think of that song and the verb 'were' that's in it."

@meanttobeakennedy I love the way you explained that and I will keep that in my memory. Love it.

@meanttobeakennedy OMG that is SO helpful - now I will never forget. Thank you.

I wish I could take credit for the clever analogy, but that's all my mom! She's so cute.

Care to share the sign?? I'm searching for something similar to that!

B

I can't help you because

a. I don't know

b. I don't like that sign.

Love your mom Kennedy!

I say it's weren't and there's no need for a comma.

The answer is weren't.

However those signs make me sad.

Weren't, is right. I'm making a variation of this sign and saying " if you hadn't been called so far away". Not all involved in our remembrance table have passed away.

MeantToBeAKennedy -- that's exactly what I was taught; If the word "if" is involved, it's "were"(or weren't), not "was" (or wasn't). I like that short cut your mom came up with. I tend to keep it simple when rules of grammar come into play -- use the phrase, "subjective verb" and their eyes are glazing over.

@celia and @melody The sign will be a little sad, I agree. But it's a pretty mild way to acknowledge our two sons that passed this spring. I couldn't move forward with the day without it. It's okay if people are a little sad or even side eye it as unnecessary. It's necessary for us.

Thanks everyone for the input!