I've driven in a few funeral processions. I'm determined I'll avoid that in the future.
It's not that I don't like funeral processions, it's I don't like the inconvenience to everyone else that's not part of the procession, the danger of traffic and the fact there are people with crummy attitudes, bad vision and distracted that are driving without paying attention to traffic lights. Even with a cop, it's still dangerous; especially for the cop.
So, lets have them at 3:00 am. Traffic is light, most of the drunks have gone home and there's not a great need for a special escort. Even if there is, the bright, flashing lights are more noticeable and the possibility of an accident is reduced.
But, what about the ceremony at the cemetery? They make light towers, that can illuminate a few acres with no problem. Just tell the preacher to speak a little louder so the mourners can hear him over the diesel engine of the light tower.
After that, everybody can go have breakfast at Denny's. Be sure to tip the wait staff and order something besides coffee. If you have to have a little snort of alcohol, I doubt anyone would object if you pour a shot in your coffee from your flask.....just be discrete.
There I was, coming up to the "T" intersection at US 19 in rural north Georgia. I arrived at the stop sign just in time to see the hearse go by. I sat there and watched 30 or 40 cars pass by me as the procession slowly proceeded north on 19 - the direction I needed to go.
ReplyDeleteAs the last car went by, I turned right and fell in line and became tail-end-Charlie of the procession. It went on and on and on at a stately pace of about 20 mph. ...for more than 20 miles!
When we finally arrived at the little country cemetery, I thought I should turn in and join the graveside ceremony. By that time, I felt like I was part of the family.
(...and by the way. As we proceeded north on US 19, every vehicle coming the other way, pulled over and stopped until the procession had passed by.)
I guess I should be more understanding of the grieving family and friends....or not.
DeleteLife goes on and causing the death of someone in a traffic accident doesn't seem like the best way to respect the dead...or living.
I guess I should be more understanding of the grieving family and friends....or not.
DeleteLife goes on and causing the death of someone in a traffic accident doesn't seem like the best way to respect the dead...or living.