Respecting Funeral Processions

A huge shout out to most of you, my fellow citizens.

My wife passed away on November 8, and her funeral was yesterday. We had a proper funeral, with about a 15-mile drive from the funeral home to the cemetery. As we drove, people respectfully pulled over when we passed. I would guess 95% of drivers did this. I have to admit, I wondered if this courtesy had been lost, as with so many others over the years. But I'm happy to say that in small-town USA where I live, this respectful act is alive and well.

So if you're one of those drivers, thank you. It really does say something to the mourners to have all these cars pull over for you. If you're not, or you're unaware of this practice, it's a small but meaningful gesture to pull over and stop until the entire procession has passed. Please consider incorporating it into your driver-friendliness regimen.

Thanks, everyone.

 

My deepest condolences to you.

 

Thannk you

 

Very sorry for your loss. In my area it seems they get treated with respect the way they always did. On a side note, people under 30 or so might not remember when headlights on during the daytime was the signal you were in a funeral procession.

 

[broad-brush pessimism]
Drivers under 30 around here can't find their darned headlight switches to begin with.
[/broad-brush pessimism]


Condolences to, and prayers for, you Daddykool.

 

Mate, my prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family!

Cheers,

Sean

 

My condolences. My wife passed back in may, allow yourself time to heal and would recommend some grief counseling. Also be prepared for the masses offering "let me know what i can do" comments (if you figure this out, please let me know).

 

Sorry for your loss. My personal policy is you pull over, remove your hat, say a prayer. This is to show respect to that family as I would expect the same.

 

Prayers lifted up for you and your family

 

Thank you for sharing. Your strength to post this is admirable.

I’m very sorry for your loss.

 

My condolences to you.
That was a nice post.

 

My Condolences.

 

I'm so sorry for your loss!

Thanks for pointing this out. I actually recently saw a video where some idiot forced his way into the middle of a funeral procession.

Sometimes I can't believe how rude and clueless people can be. But, I still see people being courteous and respectful to others, most of the time.

 

Thank you

 

Thank you for respectfully providing guidance to those that might not be aware. My condolences to you and your family.

 

I’m so sorry, I hope you find what is the best way for you to grief and deal with these difficult times.

and I don’t want to sound like a PSA but asking for help from family, friends, even support groups or professionals.

 

Thank you.

 

Oh man, that's terrible. I don't really know you, but I kind of feel like in this glut of dudes on 4R.com you and I are kind of kindred spirits. I think we have exchanged some PMs about policing and such, and you've turned me down for at least a couple of light off road trips in Ohio...

In re: the funeral procession, it's actually the law - ORC 4511.451. It's a traffic ticket if you don't yield. I've written people for it before who are deliberately obtuse and just decide they are tired of waiting, and it's one of those tickets I never felt bad writing. But law or no, it is still a nice show of respect when people pull over and stop for you.

 

LOL, it figures you'd remember my rejections! Yeah, I feel the same way, a bit of a connection. I have a son who has Down Syndrome, as you know, and over the years, her inclination to handle him alone for a day or two was a big driver in my not going on rides. And bringing us all was out of the question. But it may yet happen one day.

Thanks for the legal input. I wasn't aware, but I have seen race-arounds in Columbus in the past.

 

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

 

Thank you.

 

That actually happened to me years ago. A guy darted in front of me when I was mid-pack in the procession, then STOPPED FOR THE RED LIGHT. We all had to wait for the green before he would go.

 

Well I feel like an ass now, feel like we post back and forth all the time, and I just happened to come across this, so sorry for your loss friend, maybe photography, or other hobbies will help keep your mind off things

 

Thank you all for such kind and thoughtful remarks. I would like to take this opportunity for a PSA of sorts.

My wife bore our last child in 2003. Beginning some time afterward (I don't know when exactly, maybe even a couple years), she would notice the occasional red tinge or tiny bit of blood, and not often. I suppose that's not necessarily indicative of a major problem, but it continued after menopause. THAT apparently does mean trouble. Any blood after menopause should trigger a doctor visit, from what we were told. But we didn't know that.

So if you're aware of anything like that with a woman in your life, please annoy her until she caves and visits her doctor. This was a very ugly journey for my wife, who fought like a prize fighter. I believe early knowledge would have made a major difference.

God bless you all.

 

No, don't feel like that. I am exactly doing that - engaging here in the photography thread to help me not dwell on it too long. You're a big help with that. Thank you.

 

Hopefully this 'PSA' isn't too much for some of you. But if it saves one woman, I'll be thrilled.

 

Oh man, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ll take the PSA for sure.

I’m going to chat with my kids today (in their 20’s) and make sure they know proper protocol in a procession as well. I’m not sure they know, to be honest.

 

Since you seem pretty forthright about all this, what exactly was her medical diagnosis or illness?

 

It was cancer, but a lot more to it. Want me to PM you details?

 

No I guess that's okay. I just wondered what the medical diagnosis was, generally speaking. The statement about generalized bleeding was kind of vague and I was curious what the cause of that might have been so as to remain vigilant with my own wife, who is 50.

Kind of a weird question in a public forum I guess, but like I said, you seemed pretty open about the whole thing so I didn't think you'd mind. Thanks for your reply and willingness to share.