Wednesday, July 20, 2011

It is so peaceful

A few weeks back, a few of my friends and I went to a local cemetery to look at the tombstones.  We went around 7pm, which was a perfect time to go just as the sun was slowly going down.  Ordinarily, this may sound very strange to folks, about walking around a cemetery, just to look at headstones, but our fascination with subject has gotten the better of alot of us.
The interesting thing about being there, amongst tall old trees, hundreds of headstones is that it was so quiet.  There wasnt a sound but rustling trees above us.  There was about 4 others with us in this quiet place, you couldnt hear them though.
This cemetery was an older one, not as old as it could have been, but old enough to house war generals.  The variety of tombstones was beyond what I had expected to see-- and I think my friends were surprised as well.  I had a general idea of what to expect-- but being my first time 'not at a funeral' my eyes had been opened.
This headstone was one of the most bizarre ones I have ever seen.  I am sure there is a variety under the sun-- when making the selection for your loved ones marker for his or her final resting place.  There were headstones with actual pictures of the loved ones image.  A tiny bit creepy (no offense to anyone) but what we were looking for was more along the lines of these:
 

This headstone was the only one that I saw with a 3-d angel on it.   
This one has a tiny lamb on the top, looking over a small child.

There were more children then I had expected, mostly short lived-- a week old.  Others were children from 1 family-- perhaps from the plague.  What was more disturbing is the destruction of some of the headstones-- I cant believe that people can be so disrespectful to the deceased.  What a shame, can they rest in peace?  I am sure that this happens more often, but not opening my eyes until this night on this was quite the awakening. 


As the sun was setting, we walked over to one corner and I saw a black cat headed my way.  Interesting right?  If I want to read into it I can, but I know he was coming from the neighboring yard and he came right over.

 
My friends spotted a tombstone that I believe was the most interesting of the night.  They were excited to switch places with me looking at the cat, to looking at this



Can you believe this?  You wonder how close to this carved stone does this couple really look like?
"Here we lie by consent after 57 years, 2 months and 2 days"

I have some shots that I have not posted, but up close of their eyes.  Looking at those pics long enough, those folks are looking right back at you, and they are at peace.  I know these pics may be too much for some, but those are way too much, and this is a friendly blog :)

Not knowing what the evening was going to hold, I would say it was a success.  I am interested in going to another cemetery again soon, and look at the stones, wondering about these people.  What did they do in their lives, how many children did they have, where is the rest of their families, was anyone a stitcher, if so where is their handwork?  If you ever have the chance to visit a cemetery, outside of a funeral, it is not weird, it is very calming, very peaceful and I highly recommend it.

14 comments:

  1. Those tombstones are really unusual and so many in one cemetery. I love to walk through cemeteries, I don't go out of my way, just if there is one by a park for a picnic or reunion. Very interesting, Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. I share a love of visiting old cemeteries, too. I am intrigued by the artwork of the older headstones and find them so fascinating. I can't begin to tell you how many hundreds of photos I have taken at dozens and dozens of cemeteries. I never get bored perusing around but my son thinks I am weird! LOL

    Thanks for sharing, you got some great photos!

    Smiles....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful pictures...thank you for sharing them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've always wanted to do that but no one will go with me, thinking I'm weird. I think I may have to go by myself. We have a few cemeteries with very large stone markers, not the polished granite of today, with pretty elaborate features. The scrabble champ must be happy with his memorial!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You got some great tombstone shots. Lovely! Most of the people in a cemetery show respect, so no one is loud or shouting or anything. It's nice to hear the peace.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I thought I was the only one that liked to look in old graveyards. When Steve and I were in Paris a while ago we found a really old cool graveyard and spent several hours looking at old tombstones. It was really cool.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love going to old graveyards too! When Steve and I were in Paris several years ago we found an old graveyard with really cool tombstones and crypts. Its really fun to look at them all and wonder what the people were like that are buried there.

    ReplyDelete
  8. well am with you .. I love to potter round the churchyard with the tombs seeing who was whom how old etc .. and if I walk across one with out knowing I always apologise :) love the one with the couple on .. never seen one like that before either :) love mouse xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Like you I like visiting old graveyards. It doesn't feel creepy it feels more like paying some respect.
    Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  10. The one with the couple is kind of creepy. I find cemetaries very peaceful and as I walk among the stones I wonder about the lives these people led. Whenever I get home to Pa., I always go visit my grandmother's grave and my parents. Yes it makes me sad but also if gives me peace. One of the most fascinating cemetaries I've ever been in was at Gettysburg Battlefield. It was a terrible battle but what they've done to show the country about the men who died there is beautiful. I highly recommend going there if you get a chance.
    Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great pictures and post reallu touching.
    There is much to reflect....
    thanks for all
    Nadia

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great visit that sounds like. It really does sound calming.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing your photos - it is wonderful to wander through and look at the variety of stones and wonder about their lives.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! I enjoy reading your comments :)