Today Dan and I witnessed the worst display of etiquette and respect ever at a funeral because of a cell phone. Sadly, I think the nameless offender had no clue what he had done. Twenty minutes into the funeral service which was being held in the chapel of our local mortuary, a loud ring of a cell phone interrupted the elderly gentlemen at the pulpit reminiscing sweetly about his dearly departed sister. While we were a little shocked that someone had neglected to turn off their ringer, we didn't judge the guy because we all sometimes forget. However, rather than turning off his phone, the owner of the cell phone, stood up and answered the call! He gingerly walked to the back of the small chapel and proceeded to carry on a disruptive conversation all while the elderly speaker struggled to gather his thoughts. For at least two very uncomfortable minutes, the vast majority of us in the congregation shifted uncomfortably in our seats with eyes bulging at the clueless offender. Finally, the elderly speaker paused in his remarks, the cell phone offender ended his call and the funeral continued without any other delays.
We shared this story with all the cell phone users in our family to emphasize the importance of cell phone etiquette and when it is appropriate to leave the cell phone home or in the car. The incident certainly left an impression upon me--I will be much more aware of when and where I use my cell phone.
2 comments:
wow! I can't believe someone did that! I saw your post title on Curt & Alison Brown's blog, and I'm glad you shared. Hopefully lots of people can get the hint. :-)
Unbelievable! It amazes me that some people seem so clueless. Did I ever tell you how when Steve was in the dressing room at the temple, that a temple worker answered his cell phone and was trying to sell his truck? Thanks for sharing - this will definately be discussed at our house!
Post a Comment