tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post5968781123613517877..comments2024-03-27T13:12:39.343-04:00Comments on A Concord Pastor Comments: Look both ways when crossing the streetConcord Pastorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-45967864017667011232007-10-25T21:44:00.000-04:002007-10-25T21:44:00.000-04:00The other day- (early in the morning)- I was cross...The other day- (early in the morning)- I was crossing the street to get to the train and a couple of cars stopped to let me cross... I guess I get kind of embarrassed or something and I don't look at anyone; I just hurry across as quickly as I can. Well, very soon after I crossed I thought of what I read here on this blog- I felt ashamed. It's not that I don't appreciate people stopping for me, it's just that I am shy and self-conscious and not very trusting. This is not an excuse; I hope and pray I will continue to work on this...<BR/><BR/>I work with very young children in Boston and when we go out for walks we teach the children to say thank you to "the cars" that let us cross the street. They not only say thank you when in the street, but also when we are simply on the sidewalk and cars pass us by!! We get a lot of smiles from people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-90871719267786985342007-10-24T08:52:00.000-04:002007-10-24T08:52:00.000-04:00When I've stopped to allow someone to cross the st...When I've stopped to allow someone to cross the street and, if they don't acknowledge me, I just roll down the window and say, "You're welcome!" This way, you get one of two looks: (1) 'Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to say "thank you!"' and then you get a little wave or smile; (2) It's the look of disgust, as if to say, 'I've got the right of way so you have to stop for me just the same.'<BR/><BR/>Then you have others who might not actually be IN the crosswalk, but NEAR the crosswalk and they step off the curb and EXPECT you to STOP for them. When I don't stop, I get a little hand gesture and it's NOT exactly what I would call a wave!<BR/><BR/>When driving and waiting to make a turn, another kindly driver will allow me to do so and I give them a wave back and say "thank you!" It doesn't hurt and they usually will nod and wave back as if to say, "You're welcome!"<BR/><BR/>Courtesy is such a small thing, really, but it makes a world of difference in commuication and peace with others.Holy Crumpethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14103340361880053132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-11780196773851116762007-10-23T17:17:00.000-04:002007-10-23T17:17:00.000-04:00Occasionally I have someone beep me from behind wh...Occasionally I have someone beep me from behind when I have stopped to let someone cross. I know immediately it is not a Concordian! On Swans Island, ME they have a lovely custom. When two cars approach each other from opposite directions, each driver gives a wave to the other. Makes me smile! At least in Concord we don't have some of the hand signals and language that one can experience in Boston. So for that I guess we should be grateful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-36408408276186081562007-10-23T11:33:00.000-04:002007-10-23T11:33:00.000-04:00Some common courtesy should also include the count...Some common courtesy should also include the countless bicyclists who swarm the streets of Concord particularly on week-ends. So many of them seem to feel they are entitled to an entire lane riding 2 abreast, cutting off cars, etc. While some politely follow the rules of the road, others seem to be taking advantage of their "privileges" as cyclists!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-45034711180004943222007-10-23T11:31:00.000-04:002007-10-23T11:31:00.000-04:00Good point on having the kids wave! I've seen thi...Good point on having the kids wave! I've seen this happen and it warms my heart to know that parents are teaching their children this courtesy.<BR/><BR/>I remember how faithfully my dad would signal his gratitude to other drivers on the road who might let him move into traffic or change lanes. His good example has stayed with me on that count.Concord Pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322127779647130869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-69141475832537156722007-10-23T09:50:00.000-04:002007-10-23T09:50:00.000-04:00Yes, the crosswalk can be a "rude meter" for us he...Yes, the crosswalk can be a "rude meter" for us here in town, but that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the people who can't negotiate a four-way stop sign corner (so many are so eager to skip turns or go two cars from one lane at once!) or the dart into the rotary without respecting the other vehicles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-77574291121981764812007-10-23T09:47:00.000-04:002007-10-23T09:47:00.000-04:00I, too, appreciate a wave when I've stopped to let...I, too, appreciate a wave when I've stopped to let pedestrians have the right of way. On the other hand, I know I am guilty of NOT having waved on occasion, when there is so much traffic and noise and over-stimulation from whatever, (never mind the weather conditions) that it is all I can do to focus on getting myself and the kids across the street safely. During those times, I ask my young child to politely give the drivers behind the wheel a smile and a wave. So, like all things, there are two sides to the story...or in this case...to the crosswalk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808375493800890797.post-12219680259925544342007-10-23T07:40:00.000-04:002007-10-23T07:40:00.000-04:00I have noticed a difference at Concord crosswalks ...I have noticed a difference at Concord crosswalks than in other towns. There are pedestrians that don't even bother to look before crossing, never mind wave at you! I find myself going at a slow crawl on Main St. in fear of hitting someone.gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02683800733174420258noreply@blogger.com