In the Spring of 2012 a funeral occurred in Shenandoah, Iowa. The passing of our family and friends is often difficult to accept but is likely seen as a blessing to those who suffer. This blog post is an observance of the respect shown on behalf of the community. A respect that is quickly fading from common view of the public and society at large.
First off I believe we have a peculiar treasure in southwest Iowa and Shenandoah especially. We have top notch, professional and compassionate funeral homes here that I'd easily recommend to anyone. This funeral was of my mother-in-law so I aim this particular compliment to Hackett Livingston Funeral Home. It has been a busy week in this business and the funeral homes have been working hard to satisfy the needs of the families involved. Hackett has my endearing respect because they also served the funeral services for my firstborn son twenty years ago. On behalf of the family I thank Hackett Livingston Funeral Home for their care and respect for the dearly departed.
It is my character and drive to observe the events of today. I see the slow and rapid decay of morality in my own beloved nation. I see deceit and hate run rampant through the halls of federal government down through the halls of grade school. I see school teachers giving up because the education reform has brought them and this generation a grave disservice. I see mothers and fathers neglecting their children and drowning their lives in alcohol, tobacco, pornography and equally as damaging - television. Often my outlook is grim but on this beautiful funeral day I noticed something bright.
There are a few commonly accepted customs associated with a funeral. Obviously, after the funeral the hearse leads the procession of vehicles to the grave site. It is always proper respect and symbolic that the procession turns their lower beam lights on. Not only does this indicate a funeral to oncoming traffic but it also acknowledges the passing of a dear friend, family or loved one.
Mainly, there are but two courtesies that oncoming traffic should always express. First, traffic should use extra care in their driving. Safety is paramount and can be accompanied with compassion. An oncoming driver should offer their sentiments and condolences by also turning their low beam lights on. This is a grateful acknowledgement that someone's mortal journey has successfully ended.
Also courteous is when the oncoming traffic pulls off to the side of the road and comes to a complete halt until the procession has passed. Again, safety first but it is an extra homage to the dignity of the funeral and how we treat our dead in general. When people stop it's as if they voluntarily stop the daily hustle and bustle of life's pace to reflect and show respect for that person whom is now at rest.
I publicly thank and commend the residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, for their expression of these oncoming traffic dignities. They were not all the older generation but a mix of old and young. The family thanks you for this small yet significant service you provided!
These kinds of acts serve as a reinforcement of hope for the future of our young. Keep these and other worthy traditions and customs alive. It is my belief that part of our judgement rests in how we treat our dead and dying. Live and act according to how you'd like to meet and be received by your loved one when your time comes.
I encourage you to ponder over these thoughts.
First off I believe we have a peculiar treasure in southwest Iowa and Shenandoah especially. We have top notch, professional and compassionate funeral homes here that I'd easily recommend to anyone. This funeral was of my mother-in-law so I aim this particular compliment to Hackett Livingston Funeral Home. It has been a busy week in this business and the funeral homes have been working hard to satisfy the needs of the families involved. Hackett has my endearing respect because they also served the funeral services for my firstborn son twenty years ago. On behalf of the family I thank Hackett Livingston Funeral Home for their care and respect for the dearly departed.
It is my character and drive to observe the events of today. I see the slow and rapid decay of morality in my own beloved nation. I see deceit and hate run rampant through the halls of federal government down through the halls of grade school. I see school teachers giving up because the education reform has brought them and this generation a grave disservice. I see mothers and fathers neglecting their children and drowning their lives in alcohol, tobacco, pornography and equally as damaging - television. Often my outlook is grim but on this beautiful funeral day I noticed something bright.
There are a few commonly accepted customs associated with a funeral. Obviously, after the funeral the hearse leads the procession of vehicles to the grave site. It is always proper respect and symbolic that the procession turns their lower beam lights on. Not only does this indicate a funeral to oncoming traffic but it also acknowledges the passing of a dear friend, family or loved one.
Mainly, there are but two courtesies that oncoming traffic should always express. First, traffic should use extra care in their driving. Safety is paramount and can be accompanied with compassion. An oncoming driver should offer their sentiments and condolences by also turning their low beam lights on. This is a grateful acknowledgement that someone's mortal journey has successfully ended.
Also courteous is when the oncoming traffic pulls off to the side of the road and comes to a complete halt until the procession has passed. Again, safety first but it is an extra homage to the dignity of the funeral and how we treat our dead in general. When people stop it's as if they voluntarily stop the daily hustle and bustle of life's pace to reflect and show respect for that person whom is now at rest.
I publicly thank and commend the residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, for their expression of these oncoming traffic dignities. They were not all the older generation but a mix of old and young. The family thanks you for this small yet significant service you provided!
These kinds of acts serve as a reinforcement of hope for the future of our young. Keep these and other worthy traditions and customs alive. It is my belief that part of our judgement rests in how we treat our dead and dying. Live and act according to how you'd like to meet and be received by your loved one when your time comes.
I encourage you to ponder over these thoughts.
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