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| I discovered a Southern custom is still alive. I thought it had died long ago. I had almost forgotten about it because I've lived in a large city for many years. In large cities we're too crowded and too busy to practice it. The county I drove to is the poorest in our state, by economic measurement. I discovered it is rich in a time-honored custom that demonstrates a respect for human life that is both humbling and inspiring. As I topped a high hill, I could see perhaps two miles across a river valley to the next rise in the road. In the distance a long string of cars preceded me. A traffic snarl caused by an accident, I presumed. But, the line of perhaps a dozen automobiles was not stopped. It was moving slowly but steadily along the two-lane road, gathering more cars behind it as it traveled a mere 30 miles per hour. It was a funeral procession. I had no sooner discovered why the cars were lining up for perhaps a mile behind the hearse when I saw approaching vehicles pulling off the road and stopping. Drivers and passengers waited patiently, quietly for the hearse and its followers to pass. Most drivers pulled their cars completely off the road before stopping. Many, not having a place wide enough to leave the road, simply stopped in their traffic lane. One man removed his hat. Not a single driver following the hearse, or meeting it, showed any sign of impatience. Not one resumed driving until the entire parade had past, including those like me who were just followers, not mourners. I followed the funeral procession for 12 miles. These were strangers stopping to honor another stranger, because that is what people do in the rural South. They don't stop because the deceased is a friend or a family member. They stop because a sacred life has stopped breathing the air they are privileged to breathe a while longer. It is a custom I remember from living in rural Tennessee as a youngster. My father, and many other men as well, not only stopped his car, but he turned off the engine, got out of his car, and stood solemnly at attention, holding his hat reverently over his heart until the last car passed. Seeing this humble act of respect today brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. This simple but eloquent statement of love for one's fellow man may be disappearing from America's landscape, but I pray that it isn't. This expression of respect for human life, if practiced more often, would surely make us a kinder and gentler people. It also would make us better people and a greater nation. HLG |
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| Harvey
L. Gardner is an author, syndicated columnist, and speaker. Tantalizing Trivialities is a mixture
of fun, frivolity, nostalgia, inspiration, humor, love, marriage, tall tales, work, and other
absurdities. He lives in White House, Tennessee. Your comments, suggestions, and inquiries are
welcome. Email: Harvey@HarveyGardner.com © 2004, Harvey L. Gardner |
