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It Is My Sad Duty...

to report the demise of my dear friend, Courtesy. He died after a long and debilitating illness.


This was the scene at the time of Courtesy's demise.
 
Courtesy passed away at approximately 5:50 P.M. Eastern daylight time, somewhere just outside of Providence, R.I. He breathed his last when a tall young man, standing next to a much shorter, much older woman, watched her struggle getting her luggage into the overhead compartment on an Amtrak train. The young man appeared peeved that the woman wanted one of the few available seats in the car and he was forced to stand so that she could get into her seat. The young man -- old enough to know better -- sat in the aisle seat hoping that he would have two seats and had draped his computer equipment and endless extension cords on the "spare" seat. 
 
The pain of the incident struck at Courtesy's heart and he breathed his last. I was there with him and I was grateful that I could be there for him, though his condition was beyond any resuscitation. Our beloved Courtesy was gone.
 
He is survived by his father, The Social Contract and his mother, The Golden Rule. He also leaves a sister, Kindness and a brother, Thoughtfulness. His half-brother, Chivalry, passed away a number of years ago. Courtesy is mourned by millions.
 
Courtesy, you were quiet and most self-effacing, but you made the world a better place. We will miss you every day.  
 
In tribute to Courtesy, regular programming is suspended. The world is a sadder place.
 


17 comments

Nellie said...

Beautifully written, Buttercup! What a sad state of affairs for Courtesy! Bless you!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

This was so beautifully written that tears came to my eyes. However, there are places where Courtesy still lives, I see Courtesy often. I do not notice her/him because I just expect that. he/ she will always be there. Don't give up Carol, you wil see Courtesy again.

Mevely317 said...

This is seriously Brilliant, Carol.

The judge from Arizona thinks it worth submitting to the Times?
... just my 2-cents worth!

Paula said...

It is sad. And you said it well!

TARYTERRE said...

I hear you. Well put.

Sola Scriptura said...

Well said. It seems so sad but true :(

The Cranky said...

A sad, sad state of affairs; I mourn with you.

Anne Payne said...

Excellent! You really should submit it to a magazine or paper. I think there is still Courtesy in many places but I do feel its demise at times.

Elaine Sipos said...

Brilliant! Contact Bob Mankoff from The New Yorker Magazine to have it published!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Courtesy is missed by many of us. Nice way you've written proving a good point.

Theresa said...

Courtesy will be missed! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Susie said...

Buttercup, I remember about 30 years ago...people calling youngsters the "me" generation...well I would like to say this generation truly is the "me and only me " generation...not all mind you, some are wonderful young people with a kind heart...but many are so into their own worlds and think it's all about them. I hope Manners come back into style...and soon. xoxo,Susie

Kerin said...

So sad!!
What has happened to human decency, kindness, and compassion??

We need to resurrect courtesy!!

Here's to all those that still believe in good old fashioned good will, kindness, empathy, compassion, and yes.... courtesy.

Wishing you a wonderful afternoon.

K.

Linda said...

Big Smiles--BRILLIANTLY written.

Cranberry Morning said...

Ain't it the truth! I see it every day. Hard to even find remnants any longer. :-( Good post!

Melinda said...

Nice job!

M :)

Catherine said...

Dear Carol, I am afraid that Courtesy has been ailing for a long time and just could not hold on any longer. It really is very, very sad.
I wish there were some way to give a rebirth to the joys of Courtesy and the rest of the family.
Blessings dear. Catherine