Do you ever get caught by a thought and like Winnie the Pooh have to give a good think? Yep, that's where I am today. With my great big behind caught in the whole hole of the thinking tree.
I used to work in a cemetery, in the office which was located in the mausoleum. Great, quiet environment in which to work. Except for the occasional wack job funeral director who would sneak in behind me while I was typing or filing and scare the jeppers out of me.
On Memorial Day, we would always have folks coming to find where a grave or crypt was and I was always happy to oblige and help them out whenever I could. Interesting encounters, each and every one. Some folks looking for lost relatives, friends, neighbors. Some who hadn't had a chance for closure or didn't attend the funeral and were there for the first time. Some who just plain forgot or years since separated them from the location of the departed ones place.
Where I worked is a beautiful, perpetual care cemetery where all the markers are in ground and flat. Across the highway is a cemetery that for the most part, time and people have forgotten. I have been to the old cemetery several times just to look at the graves and head stones. Some very intriguing looks at times past in a few words and a piece of stone. But whether stately or manicured or weedy and intricately seasoned with age, both of these places now house the remains of people that were of import to greater or lesser degrees to the ones left behind.
A place of memories. A place where dreams and aspirations were separated by the reality of death. In some way, this Memorial Day we observe is akin to the Day of the Dead celebrated by the Mexican and South American peoples. The difference is that ours like the manicured cemetery is "proper, refined". Day of the Dead is "wilder and less sophisticated". Both are observances of our connectionality to the people before us.
I've been thinking today of my people who have gone before me. It is what I do every Memorial Day because I can.
Special healing wishes for those with pain from a separation from loved ones. I hope this Memorial Day will bring you comfort.
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What a wonderful post. I thank you so much. Reading it gave me goosebumps.
ReplyDeleteNary
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post and I really like how in Mexico the people celebrate death with the Day of the Dead! :)
I feel death should be celebrated. I live very close to an old cemetery and I enjoy taking Zigsa cat for his daily walk around there, because it is so peaceful.
Some people would think I'm mad but I have always enjoyed walking around graveyards, ever since I was a kid. I think they are quite magical places.
You are so lucky in Mexico. I love the Mexican vibrant colours and art. One of my very favourite artists is Frida Kahlo.
Lovely to see you again at my place and I would not call you an old bag! ;)
xx
P.S. Thank you for your very kind words about my work. Fairy blessings to you!
Well done. We easily remember those who are gone but those who remain also need our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLinda...my lovely girl...you always manage to gob-smack me...
ReplyDeleteI love your writing...you must stop breaking my old heart though...
I will be needing it...later...lovely girl...