I know that a lot of people consider cemeteries to be scary places. Haunted with ghosts, ghouls or zombies. I find them to be very peaceful places that touch me in many different ways. Recalling the hardships of life gone by, the love of family, the loneliness of neglect, the triumph of the human spirit…I could go on and on.
On our last trip to Strawberry, Annie and I visited the Pine cemetery. It was established in 1881 and the land was donated to the town by a local family.
I am drawn to the older parts of a cemetery and appreciate the ornateness (my word) of the headstones there. It may be hard to see, but this one says of David - “A gem so fair we could not keep”. And of Louisa - “None knew her but to love her.” What wonderful sentiments.
This marker was for a child who died at birth. It was not small by any means and stood testament to the love and hope this child represented for his parents through the nine months his mother carried him.
There were balloons, cars, stuffed animals and flowers left to comfort or honor the dead. But I found this toy gun especially poignant.
And for John - “He rendered home his happiest place.” Doesn’t that bring peace to your heart? Does mine.
And what more needs to be said but, “We loved him.” ?
I know I’m not the only one who feels this way about cemeteries. There were benches and tables and chairs left close to loved one’s grave sights so that family or friends might stop awhile and spin the yarn of memories across their minds and hearts. I don’t believe the spirits of any of these people linger here. I believe visiting is for the comfort of those left behind.
But at one point, I felt a small tug on my shirt tail and imagined it was a small boy asking if I had seen his toy gun…
10 comments:
Deep thoughts on life. Here's is what I thought when I read this post...."In the past, people were remembered. And today we see their markers. Will we be remembered the same someday?"
I don't know. That's part of the reason I began this blog. I don't have my own kids to pass on my thoughts(beyond my students) and experiences. And that's okay. But I hadn't documented my travels or experiences from all the years past. I feel like I've caught up now and can just enjoy the beautiful moments around us.
Nothing scary about cemetaries. I think you and the Tracy should come down for All Souls in November for some night shoots. It's a parade like no other. You ladies can visit with family and then we can go on photo shoots around the city. The All Soul Procession is something very special in Tucson and it's an experience you won't forget. It's usually around November 10th or 11th. It would be a blast!!! Also, I like your alias "Magpie" so much that I think I may call you Magpie for good:) I tried your real name outload but I like the sound of Magpie. It's fun:) Stay cool!
actually i love to go to the cemetary here and walk around...it is a peaceful place and i love finding these...that gun is interesting...that is a great question too roherbot
A very spiritual place for me--even though the souls are gone(?), is a cemetery.
In the Smokies are some really old places of revered ground. We make it a point to visit one each time we go through there.
It is like reading a spiritual history book, the tombstone engravings.
Thank you for this! Whether remembered or not, I will 'be' some place...I think!
PEACE! (How appropriate!)
I too love a long slow walk through a cemetery. Especially the older ones where the gravestones are much more interesting than the rather plain slabs we see today.
I'm with Chris. You're always Magpie in my heart!
Wow, it probably was him. We used to leave things like that at my nephews graveside.
A lovely thoughtful entry today Magpie. I enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet cemetery and looking for unique tombstones...even the fake ones at Boot Hill in Tombstone fascinate me.
I am not a big cemetery person but I know lots of people who are. I figure I'll be spending more time than I want to there someday. :-)
Nothing wrong with it. Cemeteries are indeed peaceful places full of Love, you are a taphophile.
Emouvant...
Pierre
This is a thoughtful post. I like looking around the older cemeteries. The headstones are so much more interesting and touching than the new ones are. Some are works of art in honor of a long lost loved one.
Post a Comment