Tractors, A Cemetery, and A Final Send-Off
Posted by lindamartinandersen on October 14, 2015
“A Writer’s Playground” –A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”
What is a send-off? What is a final send-off?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/send-off
Hayride on the Go. Copyright 2012. Linda Andersen
In the past, I associated October with tractor pulled hayrides, Halloween, and autumn leaves.
Recently, I learned of a unique final send-off for a beloved gentleman. His procession to the cemetery was led by a line of tractors. I loved it. It took place right down the road from where I live. The local newspaper featured articles and photos. See here:
A salute to Byron Suggs, the man who received this special send-off:
And then another article about Byron Suggs, a founding member of South River Antique Tractor Club. This club made sure Byron Suggs’ send-off was memorable. See a video of the tractors at the cemetery.
Photographs of a special final send-off–a tractor led procession:
http://photo.fayobserver.com/?ssid=4364&sid=1&category=103
I realize I’m a southern country girl, but anybody who saw this procession would have to admit that it was a unique send-off and a powerful salute.
From now on, I’ll associate tractors with cemeteries and final send-offs, as well as hayrides.
What’s the most unusual final send-off you’ve ever seen? I hope you’ll leave a comment here. Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. For more fun, sign up to follow my blog. Thank you!
A Writer's Playground 
Kara Stewart said
Very interesting!
lindamartinandersen said
Kara,
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed this. I sent out my picture book manuscript for a professional critique today. A great send-off for me. I know you’ve been busy reaching goals too! Congratulations!
Carol Baldwin said
No ideas on send offs, but this post was lovely.
lindamartinandersen said
Hi Carol,
You do novel send-offs to your mentor. Not like the tractor procession, but noteworthy too! I’ve been imagining a writer’s send-off in a creative way! Maybe another post on this topic will come about.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this post. Most appreciated.
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
What a fun post! I loved the article telling about Byron Suggs. His persistence and care for his family, friends, and tractors was appreciated by them as noted by the procession of tractors leading to his burial place. What a memorable send-off.
Thank you for sharing your delightful outlook on our world through your blog.
lindamartinandersen said
Joan,
I’m glad you enjoyed this post and tribute to Byron Suggs and other unique final send-offs. He was a very special man. You have shared creative send-offs of your own making with me in the past. One I will never forget. I’m appreciative of your compliment stating that I have a delightful outlook on our world through my blog. Thank you!
Tracy Campbell said
Linda, this is how every funeral should be. As my hubby and I ride a Harley (well, I sit on the back), the plan is to hire a company we know that carts ones remains in a hearse that is pulled by a Harley and parade it around for the day. It’s a wonderful idea to celebrate a life. Loved this post. 🙂
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law ride Harleys too. Now you have me wondering if your creative farewell would appeal to them. It does sound fun. Thanks for sharing your special plans. I’m glad you enjoyed this post to honor a life well spent and to think on send-offs–final and otherwise.
sarahsbookreflections said
What a nice tribute to Mr. Suggs. For a long time, my husband wanted me to gallop through our favorite field on his favorite horse and release his ashes to wind. But that part of our life is over, so, many years from now, we’ll come up with another plan.
lindamartinandersen said
Sarah, your husband and mine should meet. He wanted us to get married in a corn field. Not that we met at a corn maze or anything. Funny. I imagine you’ll find a great way to say farewell when the time is right. Thanks for sharing your husband’s creative side. I enjoyed hearing about it.
Becky Shillington said
This is so touching, Linda! My mom told me about a beautiful send off for a retired fireman at her church–the fire trucks came to the church and raised a flag for the funeral, and then they did something called a “final roll call.” Just hearing about it brought tears to my eyes!
lindamartinandersen said
Becky,
Thanks for sharing this. What a wonderful tribute. I went to a funeral once that honored a firefighter. It was so touching! A final roll call just sounds awesome!
Kathleen said
Thank you Linda for sharing that story about the tractor send off–I had never heard of that before. I had only associated tractors with pumpkin picking and hayrides myself 🙂
lindamartinandersen said
Kathy,
I love that the tractor club pulled this off. It was a great tribute to a farmer and tractor mechanic. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Jean said
FCute. My son was a long-distance trucker. His funeral procression was led by–you got it– a big rig. Something that now (after many years) brings a smile.jea
lindamartinandersen said
A Big Rig procession. Now that’s special! Sorry for the loss of your son!