November 16, 2008
-
Think before you rage …
I was second in line at the light when I saw the cop pull up. He was waving the opposite side of traffic to go; I figured the lights were broken.
But then, they changed.
And again.
And again.
He was only allowing one side to go. With a line of cars were growing behind me, people began stepping out of their cars to yell and scream at the lone police officer.
I have to admit, I was getting a bit frustrated myself. I sat there for over 15 minutes while only one side of traffic was being waved on. Come on, already! I’m a busy girl with places to go and things to do!
And then the cop moved. He still had the other three lanes blocked, but the fourth—the one he was waving—was completely clear. Then I see the flashing lights. “Is there a parade today?” I thought.
Yeah. Kinda.It turns out that it was a funeral procession for a fellow police officer. That man won’t get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family next week. He won’t get to be stuck in traffic. Ever. He won’t get to go to that meeting, or shop, or work ever again.
*silence*
After the procession had passed, I drove away, grateful to be alive. The world became a little brighter that day, despite the overcast skies. Rest in peace, good sir, and thank you for the reality check.
Hold your family a little tighter and love them a bit more; you never know when it’ll be your last chance.
Comments (146)
Wow.
Holy. Crap.
Wow, I don’t cry and this actually brought tears to my eyes!
@Dare2BDiferentt - @PinkPixieGurl329 -
@jediwa72 - *hugs*
Wow, I bet that was a slap in the face…not just to you but to everyone. Makes you think doesn’t it?
awwww what a way to make people feel like assholes
*hugs* I always feel really horrible when I’m cursing the slow moving traffic to find out something like that happened.
@SnippiesBlog - LOL … I think it’s a good reminder to take a deep breath this holiday season. We’re all going to be frustrated by long waits and lines, but at least we’re THERE. P.S. *muah* and good morning, dahling!
I’m from a very small town, and I was always taught that when a funeral procession comes by, you pull over. A lot of people even get out of their cars as a sign of respect. I moved to Denver and the first time I saw a procession I tried to pull over but nobody else was, so I was pretty confused. I asked a friend if we’re not supposed to do that here and he looked at me like I was crazy. I’ve been reminded this last week that the world doesn’t stop for my grief. As much as I want it to, and believe me right now I do. But I’m glad that intersection stopped for a moment in time, even admidst the frustration, and I hope your fellow drivers will indeed hold their families a little tighter tonight.
@CircularParade83 - Processions are a big deal around here, actually … I think that (for this particular area) their “normal” route was blocked due to construction, so they were re-directed onto the main highway. No one knew what was going on, but most of us waited patiently (or at least appeared outwardly patient). What really upset me was the few that got out of their car to yell at the officer. Props to him for standing silent, paying respect to the ritual that was occurring.
Kind of makes you feel guilty for getting so frustrated huh? How sad.
(
wow…..
Wow……certainly makes one think hey….thanks for sharing.
It dawns on me (not often enuf) that I take life for granted. One never knows how much time they have to live, before it’s gone.
@BarelyJen - ”or at least appeared outwardly patient” lol… yeah that’s usually how it goes for me. People tend to think I’m a patient, mild-tempered person….
wow is right, how sad, and how much things like this really make you appreciate life. thank you for this!
When I was younger, my dad was driving home from work and saw a car hit a little boy who was crossing the street. He said the first thing he wanted to do was rush home and hug my sister and I. I think a lot of people take life for granted every day, and don’t realize that everyone might not be there the next day.
i called and talked to some of my family b/c of this post. thanks for the reminder because sometimes we really do need one.
*complex
That’s so sad, yet it makes me feel grateful for all I have.
Teared up.
So sad.
And unfair.
I’ve done that exact same thing before, on the way to work – it really sobered me.
yeah, that’s why i try not to get upset when traffic is slow… hm. you never know what it is.
sad, though, in this case. good moral. well done, Jen.
that is so sad. i don’t like funerals at all.
that was unexpected…wow.
wow. that one kinda got me. i would have been pissed, then pissed at myself.
thanks for the kick in the ass.
RIP.
so sad made me teary-eyed
That’s sad, but I’m glad they honored him.
we pull over for processions in Dallas, TX. i always feel bad, the whole funeral aspect, really makes me sad. i cry pretty much anytime i go to one or have to sing at one. yeah, does make you want to hold whoever tighter, family, friends, loved ones. yeah. great blog Jen, great blog. *and no, i didnt cry, but i’m normally quite the cry-baby.*
Oh wow.
when u said 15 minutes i thought funeral..
Someone once said to me, if you see a manager rushing around the place, they’re a bad manager
The sad thing is, I probably would have gotten mad too, and then felt REALLY crappy when I found out what it was. Wow.
@ISLYMORE - LOL, that’s just about where I was … usually there’s an advanced notice of some kind, but it was re-directed at the last minute. It was very sad …
@Papillon_Mom - I think that most everyone would have been frustrated at first … It was such a sad moment.
@BarelyJen - yeah… it’s common here. seems like the police are always having a procession of some kind. if it’s not for their own, its for some kinda church or something… it can be really sad sometimes. but the last minute redirections are the wrose. nothing like being stopped and not knowing why.
Things like that definitely bring ya back to reality…
They shut down the entire south bound traffic on the interstate for my cousin Loni he died 2 years ago. He was a drug inforcement agent, he helped make laws on drugs in this country and he helped take down the largest meth labs in the 4 state regions. He is much missed. When I saw the procession, it made me think of him.
It’s so easy to get impatient with other people….Blessings and peace for your day!
that’s sad to think about…
yeah it’s good not to jump to conclusions so soon.
I… would’ve felt like a complete douche.
O_O
Wow…
thank you for sharing…that does make one grateful for life and for what those they love.
Props.
That does make you think. I know if I had been in that situation and been one of the people to get frustrated with the police officer; once I realized it was a funeral procession, I would have felt so guilty.
I was all set to join you in anger at the “stupid cop” — then you revealed the rest. It felt like a bucket of cold water awakening me from self-centeredness. I don’t like it but I needed it.
What road rage isn’t ridiculous? If people need a funeral procession to prompt them to feel bad about getting impatient in traffic or to appreciate their family, perhaps they should take stock of their priorities or they’ve just got crappy family.
It’s easy for me to imagine the people who got out of their cars to yell at the officers will likely be responsible for future funeral processions if they continue to drive with the same level of rage.
Hopefully we can become a less angry society so fewer officers will be honored in this way.
This is very true. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way not to take people for granted.
thought provoking. wow.
Great post.
@BarelyJen - I bet those people felt really stupid once they realized what was happening. At least I hope so!!
………
omg the exact same thing happened to me a few months ago!!
and the freaky part was the Tourist by Radiohead played on random on my ipod lol.. it was so somber and the song was way too erie at that exact moment
Yeah…that’s sad..Thanks for reminding us the virtue of patience. We need it from time to time.
It just gets me think about all those little things that I miss in my daily life sometimes.
Touching.
WOW – there are few things more solemn than that.
Good point. Great reminder.
It especially reminds us that there are people out there who put their lives on the line, to protect us from the “rabid animals” among society.
A moment of silence for those brave men and women from me …
A good lesson to learn. Thanks for sharing this.
Isn’t it amazing how you get so caught up in life and then something like that presents itself and all of a sudden everything you were worried about just doesn’t matter anymore?
Great post Jen!
hmmm. I would have felt the same I think.
its amazing how angry people get without knowing the cause first… definitely a good reminder!
Wow. At the beginning I thought this was going to be a story about some lone police officer jerk. Ah, the twists of life. I want to hug my baby sister now.
@CircularParade83 - Yeah, same thing happened to me when I moved from a small town in texas to Houston. It was a pretty big shock because well, I lived near the cemetary in my small town and there were always funeral processions going on around the area. I was used to stopping and paying my respects. I still think its a bit disrespectful to the family, but hey what can you do, people die everyday, we can’t stop for everyone =
Well said. I bet those people who got out of their cars to yell at the cop felt foolish.
You have to wonder what the cop doing the traffic control must have been thinking as people were yelling at him. I think I would have apologized as I drove past him.
Oh wow, was not expecting the ending to this story. The man that passed away must have been pretty important; seems like a whole lot of escorts.
It’s nice to see people reflect and be thankful for the gift of life.
RIP to the cop.
So, why exactly did they feel the need to block the road for fifteen minutes before the procession got there?
This was a sad post, but I’m glad you posted it. There are too many times people are just wrapped up in themselves and kindof ignore the world around. (and I’m not say that YOU were wrapped up in yourself, just making and general statement, so please dont take it the wrong way)
This post makes me thankful and grateful for my family and friends. And it also reminded me to not take for granted of what I have.
I hope that they police officers family are as okay as they can be right now.
thank you for this reminder. i’m really going to try and keep what you wrote in mind the next time i start to get angry.
I’m really glad you posted this.. Even though the man has passed, he has effected all 71 of us. All thanks to you.
Kudos.
Thank you for sharing
this was awesome….i bet those people felt really stupid…..i hope they did…..maybe they’ll be a lil more patient from now on
wow.
good story, very poignant
thanks for sharing
How is this so “Oh, wow. This brought tears to my eyes. How touching.”
Um, no.
These happen every day, you just don’t see them.
Get over it.
No one wants to sit in traffic.
That guys no more important than anyone else just because he was a cop.
@amitheonly - Thank you for stopping by!
This was about way more than the traffic or the cop. I think this simply pointed out that we shouldn’t dwell on the small things, but appreciate the things we have: our family, our friends and our lives.
It makes you stop and think
Mm, not me.
I guess that’s just me, though.
@amitheonly - That’s totally cool
:C I bet a lot of the people who yelled at the police officer felt guilty.
*snaps a salute* It’s a difficult, heartbreaking profession and nobody can do it perfectly… but I’m glad that people are still willing to go into police work. We’d be screwed without them. Rest in peace, my friend.
@radicalramblings - For any sort of procession or convoy, you have to clear traffic for an interval both ahead and after the procession, to account for different speeds and paths of travel. It’d be a wreck if the convoy and regular traffic mixed, people try to cut in and out to get to thier destination and the 15 minute wait prevents the accidents and close calls.
It’s unfortunate that 15 minutes of peoples’ precious time were wasted by having to wait for the procession, and perhaps 15 minutes is on the long side for separation distance… but I’d give 15 minutes for anyone’s funeral procession, regardless of whether they’re a cop or not. We’re all contributors to this society and there is something to be said for human dignity in the face of strife.
I love it. And the profile pic too. Yay for being featured.
@elgaberino - thank you!
wow.. that’s kind of funny cause when I started reading this I was thinking that the cop who directs traffic outside my school does the same thing and that he’s an idiot. and then I got further down and I was like, “oh…”
I definitely wasn’t expecting that.
Oh my… In the beginning I was wondering why the heck was the cop blocking the roads… And after reading the entire blog.. I found myself crying in front of the computer……. This is just.. Totally unexpected
How sad….it really makes you appreciate life. No matter how rough life gets, it’s always worth living. We are so lucky to take part in the unique experience that is living.
simple, yet very powerful post
thank you for sharing
I hope those people felt like assholes for screaming at the officer.
Really makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?
A good lesson, indeed…
Not what I was expecting.
oh my gosh. gave me chills.
something like that really does put things into perspective.
Imagine how the people who were yelling and screaming at the officers felt. Ouch.
eeek, i bet those people felt like asses
wow… props to the lone police officer!
what a twist in the story
very sad
That really make you think twice.
Wow. How thought provoking.
What a pure moment.
Thank you for sharing.
:[ wow. hit in the face realization.
i figured it was something like that before i finished reading your post.lovely words of wisdom at the end.
Humbling. Definitely humbling.
For me, that’s when I know God’s reminding me to keep it in perspective.
I used to have no patience for funeral processions, until I was in one (my father’s). I then realized that there is always someone having a worse day than me.
for real, thanks for the reality check.
I caught a few minutes on PBS once – I don’t remember the speaker’s name but I think he had a PhD – he was speaking about philosophy and inspiration so I wasn’t really absorbing most of it. But one thing he did say was something like “Did you know that a majority of us are going around trying to find something to offend us?” And every day I see something that makes it true.
wow. Thanks for sharing that. It brought tears to my eyes. It was a good reality check I needed. Thanks again.
Thanks for posting this. It’s a good reminder for us to wake up and think about the needs of others.
Well said.
I had that happen once.. I was on my way back from my lunch break, but then I got to my workplace 20 minutes later than I had expected. I passed through 7 traffic lights but still couldn’t go and then when I started to go, the traffic was going at 5mph and for me, there was no other way I could’ve gone to slip around back to work. That was an experience. At least work understood me as to why I was late.
Now that makes me think more and be more thankful.
Be glad you don’t live or drive in south Florida! This stuff happens every day out here. Our traffic is Darwninan. Nice post. It made me think. Peace, Newamba
http://www.everypoet.net/poetry/blogs/neocon_shakes_fear
spirit of freedom
Wow, so sad.
Wow, I would definitely feel so guilty for becoming frustrated – but that’s only natural since you didn’t know what was going on. No one did. That must have been one heck of a site when that procession had arrived. Reading your post makes me think about things differently – even if I just woke up.
Wow…I got chills.
Wow. I hope the people who were coming down on the office got the point LOUD AND CLEAR.
fabulous writing…well done in all respects…you have a new fan
@AmadeusUofM - Thank you very much; I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This brings tears to my eyes. I have a story that goes along with that, somewhat. I live in a small town. We had an officer hit by a vehicle when he was directing school traffic last month. Unfortunetly, he didn’t make it. He was the first officer in my county to be killed on duty.. ever. We had officers from FAR away counties take place of our officers so they could attend the memorial service. They found the largest church around, and there still weren’t enough seats. There were HUNDREDS of cops, firefighters, family, & friends there to honor him. My fiance (who is a volunteer firefighter here) was driving the firetruck in the precession. I took a different route (knowing I wouldn’t be able to find a parking place if i followed the precession, so I didn’t get to see this, but my fiance told me people had pulled their cars over on the sides of the road, and were standing outside, waving flags.
R.I.P. Deputy David Gilstrap
Wtf is wrong with you? Fuck the police! Did you ever care to think whether the cop was a good cop or a corrupted cop? Believe me, there are alot of them out there, and I have been exposed to one that has caused me $4000 in debt because I refused to suck up to his authority, meaning, I gave him attitude.
And hold my family tight? Not everyone has loving parents like yours do who tuck you in and kiss you goodnight and provide you with chocolate chip cookies when your fat belly gets cravings. Some of us have horrible, neglectful, abusive, hurtful parents. So don’t tell us what to do, please.
@CircularParade83 - sounds like what I was taught in Catholic school regarding when there are lights and sirens. I went to Catholic school for two years–kindergarten and first grade–and every time there were sirens, we all stopped what we were doing, stood up, said a prayer, gave ourselves the Sign of The Cross, then sat back down and went back to what we were doing. When my family moved out to the country during the summer between my first and second grade year, and I transferred to public school, I found out within about a week that they didn’t do that there. Oops. Even now, when I see an emergency vehicle go by, I still do as I was taught by the nuns.
Excellent post. I will definitely hug my sweetie a little tighter today and make sure all those I care about know just how much I love them and how much they mean to me.
I’ll think of this the next time I get pissed off at something for no reason…
@catastroph1c - wow, can we say hateful?
@catastroph1c - what the fuck is stuck up ur ass bitch?
@catastroph1c - Not cool.
I’ll admit I’ve had my shares of problems with cops regarding my skin color.
But you can’t assume this guy was a total douchebag.
You picked the wrong fight here and people will pick you apart.
Learn to choose your battles. You look completely immature and unreasonable bashing a dead cop.
@catastroph1c - Are you kidding me? I understand that you are entitled to your opinion and all that bullshit…..but seriously….why even bother leaving a comment at all? I just pray that the next time you need help….that you won’t bother calling the cops that you detest so much. Try calling a crackhead instead!
Wow. I bet those people who got out and yelled at the cop felt pretty stupid.
xx
As everyone else has said already, wow., and holy crap. Everyday, I face lessons on learning not to jump the gun and yell and scream before I know exactly what is going on. Patience truly IS a virtue, and sometimes quite important, like in your situation.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It has served as my Patience Lesson for the day.
-k
whoa.
That was crazy! It really does make you feel like a horrible person after something like that.
Man. From now on I’ll definitely think before I get pissed at someone for “wasting my time” when I have no idea what could really be going on. Good story.
Wow.. What you said about how some places respect processions, and others don’t. Yet, I’ve had the bad experience of watching a procession being directed by very disrespectful Harley riders. My guess is the person who had passed was a fellow rider, and they had taken it upon themselves to direct a procession right smack in the middle of Washington DC (of all places). I was appalled by their behavior- swearing and hitting other cars just to get them to move and let those in the procession get to where they were going.
But when it comes to a police officer, they deserve the highest honor. Even if it means I am late to get somewhere. Life always goes on for me. It was a good post. Thank you for sharing.
Really good post.Love deeper laugh longer.Tomarrow we may be the one in that black wagon
tootblosom
Thank you, that was brilliant.
God bless.
Wow. I did not see that coming. =/
<3
I was not expecting that!
It reminds me to always be patient with others because I don’t always know the reasons behind why they’re doing something.
Thanks for sharing!
i knew it. i wonder how he died.
=[
I’d feel like shit. what’s sad is that…some of the other people probably didn’t even care once they knew why.
you never know what someone is going through.
<3
@SnippiesBlog -
yeah i kinda teared up and felt like i wouldvebeen angry as well…
and i bet the police guy holding up the traffic was like.. yeah say all you want, i’m doing this for my buddy…
I went to my friend’s funeral last weekend, and while driving to the cemetry people didn’t stop for us to keep up with the line ahead, and we were even cut off a few times.
People are just rude these days.
excellent post. sad as hell.
wow.
Certainly the best post I’ve read in a long time. Simple, but you definitely get your point across.
@sweettwistedsyndromesystem - @kamiikazze - @Alyxandri - @EveryRoadisanOption -
I’m so glad you all got something positive out of this bittersweet story.
@boy_bass - @CelticLadywolf - @tootblosom - @rach404 -
@kris94 - @walden_thoreau - Thank you very much
wow…that’s why I try to have a little patience in traffic, because most of the time there’s a car accident or something, and you just have to give them time to do what they have to do, you know?
Oh man…I have a lump in my throat now! It’s so good to be reminded how lucky we are to be alive and to love our friends and family. I’m glad you were able to get that wake-up call.