Respect and Honor For The Dead

I was watching a movie this weekend, Taking Chance with Kevin Bacon. It's a very touching and sad. It is also based on a true story. It shows the story of an officer transporting the body of a deceased Marine back home to his family. It touched me that in every stop they made or every place they drove through people showed respect for this fallen soldier, either turning on their headlights, or hands over their hearts.
I can remember the first time I ever saw I funeral possession. It was for my great grandmother, and I was a pallbearer. We had a police escort through several different counties, and I can remember seeing the officers flying past us to block an intersection, getting out of the car and putting their hands over their hearts as we drove past. I can remember seeing cars pulling off to the side of the road and turning their headlights on. I asked my dad why they did this and he told me it was a way to show respect not only for my great grandmother but for us the family as well. He told me if I ever see a funeral possession going past me pull over, turn on the headlights and turn down the radio.
This has stuck with me and ever since if I see one go past, I do exactly that. I saw a funeral possession last week and two things made me kinda sad and mad. 1: There were only five cars in the possession 2: Only a few cars including myself pulled over, while most people kept driving past. I wanna touch on the second point first. What is the problem? Are we not teaching our children anymore ways of respect? I question this but I already know the answer. No. If it doesn't directly effect us then it doesn't matter to us anymore. This pains me, I know I'm just as guilty in some aspects as others and I am trying my best to correct these faults of my own.
Which brings me to my first point. Five people. Really? It made me question my actions in my life. I always said if I just touched one person in my life and made a difference then it was all worth it, but is that really how I want it to be? Maybe. I do know that when I die I don't want anyone crying and sad at my funeral. You have your own personal time for that. I want my funeral to be a celebration of my life and the good things I've done and how I helped you in your life. I know people say this all the time and it never happens but I hope that's how my funeral plays out.
My challenge to you: Remember you don't know when it's your time so live life to the fullest. If it's not to much trouble or an inconvenience, show a little respect for others either alive or passed on. You might just make a difference in someones life whether you ever know it or not.

Individuality

Today was such a beautiful day, so me and my buddy were sitting out on the porch talking for awhile and one of the conversations we had really struck me and I wanted to share with you.

Why is it parents are always disappointed with you when and if you do something that isn't in their plan for you, like tattoo's, piercings, jobs, spouses, etc? I realize all parents want whats best for their children, and want them to succeed, but just because you get a tattoo or whatever doesn't mean you've failed. Your children are not you, they never will be, everyone is unique and different and special in their own way. What we do to ourselves isn't to fit in, or stand out, or whatever, it's to express our individuality. I am blessed to say my dad doesn't look down on me or discredit me for any of my tats or piercings, regardless of if he likes them or not. He understands that I am my own person. But most can't say that.
Parents aren't they only ones who do this though. Most people do this whether they realize it or not. If you don't dress a certain way, or drive a certain type of vehicle, or listen to the certain type of music, then you aren't cool enough to hang out with them. Why? What's that about? They don't like it when someone gives them crap for the things they do, so why do the same to others?
We are a nation based on different ethnics, backgrounds, and individuality making us a whole. I have been lucky enough to surround myself with people who are like minded and don't care what you wear, listen to, drive, etc. As long as your open minded enough to except us for who we are, we will do the same for you.
So i challenge you: The next time you start to judge someone based on appearances, stop and ask yourself, "How would I feel if it were me?" Give them a chance, you could be turning away a potential best friend you'd ever have.