The Dates Beside The Dash

Yesterday I went to Inglewood Park Cemetery with a friend.

While I waited for my friend to conduct some business there I decided to take a look around. Not so sure if that was a good idea.

I know that I will probably get this wrong but here goes anyway.

I headed over to the wall (I think it might be called a burial vault, but not sure), and began looking at the dates on the outside of each, seeing how long each person lived and noticing the relationships between individuals. Husbands buried with wives. Children buried with parents, etc.

Then I got to a section where the dates next to the dash were much closer...too close. These were babies and young children.

Some only had a month's difference between the first and second date.
Some had a few years.
Others only had one date...with no dash.

My goodness! It was heartbreaking.

As I continued to walk by I wondered how the families are today. Are they still hurting from the loss? Did they have more children after the loss of the ones who were gone? What caused the little ones to go so soon? Illness? Accident?

Finally I just had to stop and say a prayer for them all...that they were able to find comfort and peace somewhere along the way.

My friend came back out and could tell that I was a bit "shaken up." I didn't realize how strongly I had been affected by the loss of those tiny individuals I'd never known. Funny how that happens. I think what got me the most was the fact that every single person buried in that cemetery had a story. EVERY ONE. Young and old. I hope that in their absence, someone thought enough to tell it.

One thing's for sure...aside from the ocean, cemeteries are the most peaceful places on earth. Other than yesterday, I'd never been to a cemetery beside those times when saying a final goodbye to someone.

I've never been one to "visit" anyone's grave because for me, the memory is in my mind and heart...so I have no desire to go to an actual site. Everyone's different though. We all grieve, mourn, and remember differently. That 's absolutely fine.

Anywho...I'm not really sure about what more there is to say with regard to cemetery visits. So, I'll just say this: Let the DIALOGUE begin: Today is Friday. What are your weekend plans?

Talk to me!

Til next time...