Photos courtesy of www.flickr.comDriving to Hilltop Cemetery in Millfield after Dad's funeral, on a windy October day with the clouds gathering low and dark, we had to go around the Athens bypass and then on to Route 13 through Chauncey and Millfield, along a winding country road.
One of the things I'll never forget is seeing cars and trucks pull off to the side of that old, two-lane road and wait in respect as our small procession passed by on the way to bury our father. Such a simple and decent thing to do -- such a humble and right thing to do -- and yet I had never seen anyone practice that old country custom anywhere else. Even here in West Virginia, I have occasionally seen cars cut off funeral processions, though most let them pass. But to pull off the shoulder and simply wait as the hearse and mourners pass struck me as the most lovely thing.When we are trapped in our grief but the rest of the world goes on as if nothing has happened, as if the sky hasn't fallen, it is such a comfort to know that others recognize our loss, that they will take a few seconds or minutes to honor a life ended. A small gesture but a genuine one. We really are all in this together, and in at least two small dots on the map in Southeastern Ohio, there are folks who know that. This old country custom touched my heart in a wholly unexpected way.
The next time I see a funeral procession coming toward me on the road, I intend to do the same, hoping to offer just the smallest assurance to those mourning their dead that I feel their loss.
2 comments:
From the inside, it sure opened my eyes. We were so touched, and I felt that Mother and Dad were honored. Just that moment of respect was so important to us.
And yes, from now on, I will pull over always although I don't see many funeral processions like we used to.
Since Don and I grew up seeing this custom over and over in Ohio; we have always pulled over whenever we see a funeral procession. It has always been practiced in SE Ohio; but I will admit that I very rarely see this anywhere else.
Don and I travel a lot of country roads in our travels, and you will see this custom in small country towns.
It seems only right to honor the death of another human being, and it is a very touching custom.
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