There's one other thing I'm going to miss about getting rid of the Jeep.
The subtle, secret Jeep owner's wave.
Here's how it works. If you're driving your Jeep Wrangler, and you pass another Wrangler going the opposite way, you raise your fingers off the steering wheel in a subtle wave.
That's all. Just a way of acknowledging that we all have cars that we think are cool.
So from me to all of you, here's one last secret wave.
7:00 AM ET | 08- 1-2008 | permalink
right back 'atcha, Leroy! May you and Laurie have a a loving, pain free, ice cream and donut filled weekend. You richly deserve every comfort available to you. Rest.....
Hi Leroy and Laurie,
I didn't realize Jeep drivers had that secret wave. . . I use to have a Corvette and we had the same wave. It was soooo cool to do.
Have a good, hopefully pain free weekend!
~ Margo
Leroy,
That is too cute....the secret wave. Does it count that us Jeep Cherokee owners do it too. Isn't it strange how even little things like that, we do without even thinking about it.
Leroy,
I need to say this... if you want to take it easy, do every couple of days, I am sure I speak on behalf of us all, that we would understand. That being said, we all enjoy everyday, and if that is what makes you happy, obviously do it everyday. Then onward and forward. Even just a hello,a good day from you and Laurie helps us feel connected.
Have a great weekend. There must be cake somewhere to eat, with plenty of gooey icing!
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose
You will always be cool, with or without your Jeep.
Keep waving.
peace,
Gail
Oh Leroy...you are so much fun! When I lived in the Cherokee National Forest near Murphy North Carolina it was and still is the Jeep/off road capital of the U.S. (there were allot of down sides to this when you were trying to live a peaceful life off of the land in the middle of nowhere when all of a sudden during a jeep Rally or on the weekends you would here this sudden ROAR)Anyway everyone you went by would do the 'Secret Wave'!! Actually everyone did it in Murphy NC because everyone had a jeep whether they were riding it at the time or not. So the Secret Wave became a tradition. One little fore finger barely lifted off of the wheel and that's it! blink and you miss it; but no one did.....I miss it up north in Yankee land...that tends not to be the finger wave you get from motorists up here.....
Thanks for the memories with Love Graham from Sag Harbor!
Peace out my friend, and thank you
w/love
Dear Leroy, I had not recognized the benefits of jeep ownership--the special bonds, secret signs, shifting gears--and probably all sorts of other lore too protected to share on this website. As a Harry Potter and Indiana Jones fan I applaud your giving me a glimpse of this secret society. While I'm not quite ready to get a jeep (my husband's mid-life crisis car was a big Honda van--kids out, only one medium size dog, go figure)I like the idea of one! Salee
Good morning,Leroy,
From my boring 2-door dinged-up Acura to your cool Jeep, here comes a big ole hand-out-the-window wave. It ain't about the car, it's about the cool, friend, and you're still totally cool!
I hope it's a good Friday for you and Laurie and all those you love.
Love from Pat
for leroy only. please don't post.
ok I get it. I'm waving back.
I have been numb since losing a friend 2 weeks ago. a low-key soul mate thru this cancer journey. no tears. now i'm crying.
I hope to meet you somewhere, sometime. laurie too, oh my gosh, yes laurie too..
I hope you have a 'good' day today...
k
You're my hero, Leroy.
Hey, while we were visiting a tiny town in Nebraska, doing genealogy research, my son sitting next to me in the car said "Mom, you've got to wave back to people." Turns out everyone, no matter what they were driving, would smile and give a little wave when they passed us on the road. I had not noticed. It was so nice, so friendly. Lovely!
We cancer folks should develop our own secret sign. A fist bump, a raised fist, whatever.... Any ideas?
Trans Am owners used to have the same wave. Hope you can put off that last wave for a little while longer. My wife kathy and I are making that last little wave last as long as possible, hope everyone reading the blog is also.
Would a tee shirt work that says you used to have jeep.
Have a great weekend, all
Leroy,
Ha! You are right. I have a black jeep wrangler and here's a wave right back at you!
I have been touched by "cool" with your secret wave. Thanks Leroy, wishing you a peaceful day and evening. from Sherri in Texas
Leroy, you are soooooooo cool! My next car is definitely going to be a jeep (stick shift, of course)!
I'll miss you all, as I always do, over the weekend.
Hugs and ice cream to everyone
Leroy, Lifting my fingers off the wheel back at ya, Glenn
http://www.wrangler-renegade.com/
Leroy,
I hope you still have the sunglasses you wore driving around in the Jeep.
The sun shines on cool people 24 hours a day.
That's like a permanent spotlight on you man.
Wavin' back,
Debra Altschiller
And I'm waving back at you, dear friend. But let's don't use that word "last" -- okay?
My father always did that same subtle, one -finger -slightly- raised- off- the -steering- wheel wave every time he passed another driver. He was a poor farmer in the Mississipp Delta -- never owned a Jeep in his life. Usually it was a wagon, a truck, or an old Chevy. No one would have ever called him "cool."Looking back, I think that understated wave showed he was a true gentleman, courteous and humble, never trying to impress others. In the same way, when he met someone on foot, he'd tip his hat ever so slightly. Of course, others in the community used those same greetings, which meant those were qualities they all admired and aspired to. By the way, my dad's life spanned the years 1906 to 1985, so your "secret" wave has been around awhile. And I suspect my grandfather used the same wave. It was never, ever used by women, however.Definitely a male thing...
Harley riders do the same thing too - a left arm extended out below the handlebars - a wave of freedom!
Can you feel the waves coming back at you from the wheel of the cancer jeeps?
Keep on wavin' We will.
Hi Leroy,
My son-in-law had a red Jeep Wrangler. I made him a quilt with pictures of it. It was a cool vehicle!
Wishing you a Laurie a good weekend!
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA
My dad always did the wave to trucks, he was in road construction and I find I still do it, same way, just a couple fingers lifted off the wheel. My kids think it is funny! But we all know how cool it makes us. Hope you have an easy weekend, peaceful and mellow. Here's the wave back to you, =)
I have a sea-foam green Toyota Yaris...there only 2 others I've seen in town...we do the same wave....Jeep...Yaris...It's the spirit of the driver.....I'm sharing my secret Yaris wave with you and laurie....
Doris, we call that the Farmer Wave! If you only lift that one finger, it's ok if the other person doesn't wave back. Doesn't surprise me that Jeep people do it, too, though.
Keep playin' it cool, Leroy!
My son has a yellow Jeep Wrangler, rag-top of course. He's giving you the "wave". "Here's To You Leroy!"
Page Gresham, Oregon
Leroy
Namaste.
Don
Leroy,
Truck drivers in rural Kansas do the same wave. I think it's great that it isn't confined to Jeep owners - that it is sort of universal amongst various "clubs."
I'm not sure how to interpret the "one last wave" in your post. I don't know if it is as a Jeep owner or as yourself. In case it is the latter, I want to thank you for enriching my life and sharpening my sensitivity. I want to thank you for showing me a lot about how to do this last task. I guess I just want to express my gratitude to you and tell you that you are on my mind and in my heart. There you will live as long as I do, at least.
Blessings.
Hey Leroy . . . don't know if you get this channel back where you are (I'm out west in NV), but last night on that car makeover show: "Overhaulin" or something like that they completely redid this guy's trashed 1965 Mustang. It was a "thank you" from brother to brother -- the thank you coming from the brother that had been battling "it who shall not be named for today." The only thing I didn't like was the colors. They picked this deep forest green with orange pinstriping and all of the metal was brushed which looked pretty cool. I would have picked something like white with blue stripes, white interior but I'm a girl.
Anyway, just a thought away from the usual routine - - . . .
Leroy My friend has a Jeep and she's waving back to you. I have a question for you and the group. A while back we were trying to develop some kind of signal that everyone with cancer could share with each other. What ever happened with that? Did we ever come up with something, I don't think so. Please refresh my memory. Maybe we can call it the Leroy symbol?
No "lasts" Leroy........
That secret wave is just now meant for a different group of fellow travelers on a different and often bumpy road.....
We are connected by something much deeper and much much much LONGER lasting than a mere Jeep (although yes I am also a Jeep owner lol)... we are connected over time and space and distance by a common bond which no one can understand until they are on the inside.... such as EVERYONE here
OUR secret wave goes straight to the heart..........
You have touched so many hearts Leroy
Keep on WAVING my Friend no matter what the future holds............
Leroy, I know Porsche Owners have a secret signal, but never knew about Wranglers. Learn something everyday. I hope you are doing alright, last wave sounds a bit ominous, or maybe you will just miss your Jeep. At any rate, have the best day possible. Thoughts, Stan
I have the same nod of approval with truck owners who special ordered to get a clutch.No simple minded automatic transmission for us-nod,nod....
Dear Leroy,
As I drive across Washington state today, from the Eastern side over to the Seattle side (and back again on Sunday), I'll be noting all the cool Jeep Wranglers I encounter (from the perspective of my Rav4), waving at 'em as if I'm waving to you. I think I'm now gonna love all those Jeep Wranglers.
With warmest wishes for your weekend ahead,
Kim Forester
The subtle finger wave is shared by most everyone passing in the hills of Kentucky as per my dear friend Jane who suggested I get with the program last weekend. I kinda like that everyone thinks it's a secret but it's more a universal gesture. Don't you?
Here's waving at YOU, big guy!
Anita
You are the ultimate in class and heart, always. Go in peace, knowing you are loved and appreciated more than we can say. Andrea
I see all kinds of limos on the road from stretch to hummer. I've not ever seen a jeep limo but if they make them you should have a spin in it. Now that'd be way cool! Hope you and Laurie have a peaceful week-end.
Who knew about a secret wave. Waving to you from a subaru. With care and prayers for a peaceful and ice cream filled weekend.
Leroy, waving back at ya big guy~!
To all: Thank you for the kind words of encouragement....
It's been a heck of a week! I am waving to all of you from MS!
Have a Blessed weekend!
Good Afternoon Leroy and Laurie,
I also have a Jeep Grand Cherokee (White). I love it and you are right, there is that "Jeep Wave" among us. That is just another "bond" that ties us all together. Hope you and Laurie have a painfree and enjoyable weekend. God Bless to all.
Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,
Leroy, A big wave coming back to you and Laurie and a hope for a peaceful weekend! Leroy, I hope that final wave is just from the jeep, that I can accept. We have a Jeep Cherokee in our past too, it was fire engine red and we drove it when we lived on a mountain top in Pennsylvania. The roads wee rough but it got us through most of the time, even when the snow was up to the bumper. But I guess we will drive the jeeps in our memories now.
Laurie, I'm sending a wave of comfort to you and hope you can find some relaxation and fun this weekend.
To All, A special wave to all of you who are on this journey. May we all find a safe haven just over the next hill. God Bless!
Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.
As Wendy above mentioned, in Nebraska drivers of any vehicle give little waves. I know this because my husband grew up there. It's a way of connecting while driving past miles of farmland. A little wave to Leroy, Laurie and all the bloggers for a happy weekend.
Leroy ~ I surely hope that your "one last secret wave" to all of us today is not your way of saying goodbye. But if it is, you surely must know that your words and your spirit will remain in our minds and hearts -- always.
Hey, Leroy that brings back memories...I was young and had a motorcyle rider boyfriend, and he did the wave thing whenever he road towards another biker. He had to explain "the wave" to me. Then when my husband and I moved out to the country, the people who used the same back roads would do the slight handraising. And when we had the convertible... So, what does the wave mean? "I could talk to you" "I see you and know what you've been through" "I'm your neighbor" "You're not alone; there are more like you" I don't know---it's a combination of all that and much more. And only takes one move of the hand. Words are not the only medium, or the most efficient. Thanks for the gift of your little story. Some words about the meaning conveyed with no words! And here we are all waving back at you. Have a peaceful weekend, as we all journey with you in our hearts.
Years back, my dad had a Crosley two-seater with a flip-down windshield, and we'd take that little yellow putt-putt out on summer weekends and I'd sit in the well behind the two seats and wave like crazy to every car I saw - getting a wave in return was the high point of the day for me. So from me to you, Leroy, a not-so-secret wave. You are one who has made many days for me. Peace.
Joe gave me your blog before he died. Leroy, I have leaned on you a lot but can stand on my feet now. If you see Joe before I do, let him show you all the magnificent and fun places in the universe he's visited so far and don't get dragged into too much mischief. Even though the rest of us will be along shortly, he for certain isn't sitting around waiting. I love you and Laurie and am forever grateful for all you've done. It seems the time is coming that you should tell us what we can give in return.
Thank you.
Dude, I've learned a lot reading todays comments. Holy moly - everybody has a secret wave. Corvettes, Harleys, Porsches, Mini Vans. And I never noticed? I have on occasion seen the single finger wave but that's not so subtle. They normally like to get that baby where they're sure you can see it. Peaceful weekend to you and Laurie.
Leroy,
I think the sign of a really great writer is to have the ability in one or two short sentences to elicit all sorts of memories. Wow, look what came out of your message today.
When Susan Crawford talked about her Crosley and waving crazily to every one, it reminded me of passing every big semi, pumping our arms wildly, and being thrilled when one of the drivers would honk their horn. Simple crazy stuff from our childhood.
Have a great weekend with Laurie.
Hugs and prayers.
Leroy -- Tom N. at ABC here. I wave at you often. Though I've never been behind the wheel of a Wrangler. Tons of your old pals here waving, too. Lots of love.
Dear Leroy,
The last wave is just for the jeep, right? But, maybe you're saying goodbye to us. I hope not, but if that's the case, we must accept it.
With all my heart, I'm wishing you and Laurie a peaceful, pain-free, ice-cream and donut filled weekend.
As always, with much love and admiration.
p.s. did you think I'd forget -- STILL LIFTING!
Hey, Leroy. I have a Jeep Commander because it looks as much like my 90' Jeep Cherokee as any of them, back when jeeps looked like jeeps. My hot-shot son, Ian, has a new Jeep Wrangler. The first time I rode with him, I noticed that any other Jeep Wrangler coming our way gave the little two-fingered wave. There seems to be a subtle little head nod that goes with it. You didn't mention that. Maybe that's a bigger secret and you'll get in trouble for breaking the code. :-) I asked my son, "Hey, what's with the wave?" and he said... "It's the secret wave." Go figure. Sending you and Laurie LOTS of love. And the two finger salute. And a head nod. You are cool. Cooler than cool.
It sounds as though you have made a decision on how to "sign off, my friend. With a lot of class and a bit of wit, as has always been your style.
May you travel the rest of your journey in peace and comfort, knowing that you will always be in our hearts and in our thoughts.
I have a 66 mustang - the same type of wave goes on when I pass another!!! I am waving back at you from Michigan Leroy.
eek. I though that was a michigan thing. My uncle did it all the time and it freaked me out.
Me: "Uncle, why are those people waving at you?"
Him:" It's a secret Jeep society wave."
Leroy and Laurie - have a good summer weekend. Hope you have some frozen treats in your fridge!
I gave a hoot when I read today's posting.In 2002 to celebrate being NED I bought a PT Cruiser because it's the only car that made me smile whenever I saw one. There were few of them around on Cape Cod. I noticed whenever I passed another Cruiser the driver would lift 2 or 3 fingers off the wheel, so of course I started to do it. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous and people don't do "the wave" anymore. So I'm waving to you.
All the comments of Leroy's army are so eloquent, so I'll just say you are my hero, too. Hope you'll keep blogging for a long time.
Ann Stern
Leroy: A big wave from all us "farm" people. Like Diana said, in Kansas waving at all vehicles is a requirement ...if you don't wave, they think you are mad or something. Good way to start a rumor in small towns...1 must be mad at 2, she didn't wave...ha!
Irene: Joe must be with Burge surfing the universe. Neither one of them is waiting, I'm sure. If a thousand years is like one day in heaven, they probably think we women are taking too long to get dress for the event. Burge was so inquisitive Leroy might never get any rest for being asked questions about everywhere he's been...so Leroy, stay with us awhile longer, those boys don't need you there yet.
A nice weekend for all.
Nikki
Thanks for the wave. The wave meant you were in sort of a community. We cancer patients are in a community as well, not as fun of one, but one nevertheless.
May our 'secret' wave disappear forever as one cancer after another falls to science, faith, and community.
The secret's out!
I just passed another jeep liberty and got the wave! It's the first one I've ever noticed .... Leroy, you and this other cool gent have made my day.
Love & peace to all
Leroy and Laurie,
I don't know quite how to take the "last wave" comment. If that means it is time to day "good-bye", then just know how much you have helped each and every one of us to face our cancer demons.
My thoughts will be with you, just as they were with Randy Pausch, Michael Landon, and now Patrick Swayze is fighting the BEAST.
Love from AR,
Jane
And here I thought Larry David invented the whole "wave" thing for us modern-day Prius owners. What a nerd I am!
Your waving goodbye.
I can just feel it.
Thank you so much for everything.
I am just not good at goodbyes - but admire yours here in the blog.
Thanks for your courage and for our community. I have learned so much from you and the entire community. You have provided so much validation and peace - and eliminated so much isolation.
I wish I could hug you.
As a friend in the local jeep club said: "there are jeepers, and then there are jeep owners. Guess who returns your wave."
so from one jeeper to another, here's your wave ;)
Leroy, With each secret wave from my Jeep Rubicon I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers :) AMS
Oh Leroy, I do know the Jeep wave. Bill tried to teach me the right way and always said I waved like a girl. By the way, I just traded my Jeep last week for a grandma car. I miss my Jeep wave to. Leroy, I understand.
In Central Texas, people wave all sorts of friendly waves, pull over to the shoulder to let you pass, and then run the red light and refuse to yield, when you are trying to get on the main road.
Go figure.
I learned to drive in the North Dakota countryside where every driver acknowledged one another with "the wave." I still revert back to it when I visit that countryside where everyone is a friend. Thinking of you in your jeep and waving back at you...
Okay, people are scaring me a little bit. First of all my very benign blog didn't go through. Now I'm thinking others may have been right--was that the last wave from Leroy? It sure scares me--we're such a family--what's going on with Leroy???
I sent my blog in late--I hope not too late.
Much love and prayers...
All right, I'm a little frightened. My last message didn't come through and I'm worried that you're not all right. So I need to tell you...
Leroy, thanks for everything--you have made such a difference in SO many lives. Not very many people can say that. You've started this incredible connection for everyone in this Cancer world. Your mother would be very proud.
God bless and pass peacefully from this world to the next 'assignment'. And please say hi to Pat--he already knows how much I miss him.
Much love and prayers...
We in old Volkswagens have that too, I'll wave at the VW's for you and you wave at the Jeeps for me, for as long as it lasts.
Brett Bass
Diagnosed w/Stage 4 Colon Cancer almost one year ago.
From my Jeep to yours, I'm wavin' back!
~wave~
MGB owners did it too! That was a great post. I am with you on this one. It must be awful hard todo. One last wave......Hugs to you and Laurie.
Dear Leroy and Laurie,
Wishing you both and everyone else, a calm and peaceful weekend.
Leroy and Laurie,
Since you are our "club" leaders I give you both the "We're Cool" finger salute.
In Phoenix, the only times I see people taking their fingers off the steering wheel is when it's 114 F. and the steering wheel is too hot to handle. Hope you are having a good weekend.
Leroy,
Six days ago I told you about a friend of mine losing her fight against the BEAST. How she had begun her journey to heaven, well she departed yesterday morning. The BEAST won against a 53 year old.
We motorcyclists have the same "secret wave" but there are degrees of those waves. All on bikes get the wave. But then there is the Harley to Goldwing wave, the Harley to Harley wave, the Goldwing to Goldwing wave, the tour bike to tour bike wave, and the very fast crouch rocket wave (that's the "I'm not going to move my hands off these handlebars because I'll be road meat" wave...it's more like a head bob).
There is already the 18 wheeler wave, the bus driver wave (Public Transportation), Policeman wave, and the muscle car wave.
But now that raises a good point. Are there other "secret waves"...like the mini van to mini van wave (it's more like a sad face realizing that the soccer mom (or dad) life is your destiny and your cool car dreams have given way to your practical needs), the Hummer to Hummer wave (taking the "empty" wallet out of your back pocket or purse and waving it at other Hummer driver. Gas stations are the meeting places for Hummer clubs) or the Hybrid wave (taking your fat wallet out and waving it at the Hummers).
I think that those of us that have been in cancer world, one way or another, should have a secret wave too. One that symbolizes strength, support and true camaraderie. One that says "Yea, I know what it's about. I'm with ya!"
Whatever that wave may be...I'm doing it!
The last line of your post sounds so final, Leroy. It saddens me ... but I understand if it is.
I liked Ron Bye's words: "OUR secret wave goes straight to the heart." You have definitely touched so very many hearts with this blog - with your strength, your humor, your wit - and the community of sharing that has resulted from it.
With a heart full of gratitude to you for coming into my life through this blog, I wish you and Laurie a blessed, peaceful weekend of special closeness.
May God bless you both.
The Wave: A moment when nothing is said and everything is understood. It's nice when you catch one.
Greetings from me and my 13 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I'll still wave no matter what vehicle you're in.
Completely off topic but hopefully amusing, I've been getting several automated calls to my cell phone, promising to extend the warranty on my vehicle. A couple of days ago I finally bit and pressed # to speak to someone. When he came on, I told him how excited I was to extend the warranty on my Jeep.
"What year is your Jeep, ma'am?" he asked.
"1995! Your recording said it's eligible and I'm thrilled! I just rebuilt the transmission but the brakes are due and the belt and hoses are way overdue and I'll probably need a water pump soon and..."
"Ma'am? Ma'am? I'll remove you from our list." [*click*]
I guess there's no love for my sweet old Jeep...
My husband rides a Honda Spirit motorcycle and I guess they have a "wave" bikers give to one another as passing each other they put their left arm out and down with open hand. It's a cool biker thing I guess. ha ha...And Id also say, eat all the ice cream you want!!! From a fellow ice cream lover. Lori
Cyclists have the wave too! But you gotta be careful when you take your hands off the handlebars! Mostly we do head bobs to be on the safe side.
ha! funny to hear you mention about the Jeep owner's 'wave.' My boyfriend does that all the time in his Jeep. I may not initiate a 'wave' myself when I'm driving it (it's the introvert in me, I guess), but if someone waves at me, you bet I'll wave back. We always get a chuckle when he waves, but they don't wave back. Guess they just don't get the tradition, huh? And I don't know about you, but did random people always want to come up and talk about your Jeep? People stop and converse with him about it, men/women, young/old, and I confirmed it one afternoon. I was pulling out of a parking space when a woman in the next car yelled out the window and said, "Nice Jeep!" I went home and told him, "You're right. It IS a chick magnet!" hahaha
One more to you from one Jeepster to another!
God love you Leroy, its like watching my Mom fight all over agin. I feel like my battle was nothing hearing of yours. I am waving at you and Laurie and wishing you peace and pain free days.
Someone on JeepForum.com found your blog and I Just wanted to give you one big last Jeep wave to you and hope the best for you.
I'm a fellow traveler, but a bnit luckier than you today. I am sorry it;s come to this. I hope you know how many of us out there got so much from your columns, and felt a little more understood and a little less lonely and separate and ``other``. Thanks for being you.
From one Jeeper to another, here's my Jeep wave to you Leroy.
A Ted Koppel documentary focuses on his friend Leroy Sievers' "My Cancer" blog and the response it evokes.
A journalist for more than 25 years, Leroy Sievers worked at CBS News, the Discovery Channel, and ABC News, where he was the executive producer of Nightline. He wrote this blog daily until his death in August.
Download Leroy Sievers' radio commentaries and exclusive audio segments in the My Cancer podcast.
If you'd like to write to the My Cancer staff privately, please use our e-mail form.
Add a Comment
Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login | Register
More information needed to participate in the NPR online community.. Add this information