Located on a hill, our local cemetery has good vantage points and some lovely trees.
Cemeteries have never seemed gloomy to me but rather peaceful, a place where you can reflect.
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Snow adds to the experience.
At least it does for me.
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As we made our way home on Friday Grant saw that the gate was open and decided to drive through it.
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Strangely, although I hadn’t said it, I had been thinking it would be nice to visit with snow on the ground.
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As we climbed the hill Grant said it was affecting him more than on other occasions.
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My own thoughts went to an old friend who died recently. I had not seen her for many years so my memory is of her pretty young face that lit up when she smiled which was often.
It’s hard to reconcile that she is gone.
How could 54 years be over so soon?
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What makes it sad is that Joan was beset with many physical challenges and had become legally blind.
Few people I can think of deserved such suffering less and I am glad that she has been released from it.
She deserved so much better.
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In the trees life is returning.
A reminder of the eternal circle.
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The news of Joan’s passing sent me looking for old photographs. We got our travel benefits at the same time and Joan came with me when I took my first trip back to England after 6 years in the States.
My cousins were enchanted by my pretty and very sweet friend.
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In my search I came to other memorials.
Some people you meet along your way touch you deeply, without their lives necessarily being entwined with your own.
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“Uncle” Jack was a joy to be around.
He was funny and he was kind and working with him was fun, no matter what sort of day it was.
He and his wife were one of those perfect couples.
I thought the world of them both.
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One morning when I went to work I was hit with the awful news that Dean had been killed in a car crash. Like everyone else, I was stunned.
He was a young man from Barbados and he seemed to carry the Caribbean sunshine everywhere he went.
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When such awful moments happened, which they did all too often, it was Trevor who always held us together.
If we were having a bad time he could talk sense to us and set us straight.
Trevor was from Jamaica. Those island guys had sunshine in their hearts.
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“Frenchie” was one of the Operations experts who had to put up with a bunch of know-nothings when our departments were merged. He was such a help.
Frenchie had cats and dogs.
I was very fond of Frenchie.
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There were other special people who made life better and who will always have a place in my heart. I doubt they realise how much they helped me.
There were plenty of times when I hated my job but I couldn’t have worked with a better group.
From time to time it’s good to acknowledge the memories which always make me smile.
The cemetery inspired some fond memories in you, proving that they are not gloomy places at all. I also find them peaceful, and they make me reflect on how short a time we are here, and what little impact we make. But in a good way.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Carolyn, for such a moving and heart-warming memories of people you knew and regarded as friends! In the photo of Joan and another person, I presume she is the one with black
long hair, am I right?
The beautiful quote from my beloved Tagore, melted my heart! Thank you!
Every word in your today’s post, Carolyn, is memorable, and touched my heart! Thank you!
I love your photos, even with the snow!
Joanna
There are so many lovely thoughts and memories encapsulated in these words and images. I have noted some of them down to enhance my self written funeral service which is in a constant state of editing!
That’s true Carolyn. I have met so many people who have left special impressions on me. It’s especially sad when we look at our wedding photos (and that’s only 28 years ago) and realise just how many of our family and friends are no longer with us. We talk a lot about those who have passed away and thus try to keep the memories of them alive. Lovely memory of Joan by the way.