This post, as well as this group, is dedicated to my friend, Pam, who began a business called Grave Matters in my hometown of Franklin, La.
A few years ago, some folks stopped at my mama's house. These folks were friends of the people whose relatives built our house back in the early 1900's. They left a picture of the house when it was first built as well as their address. I managed to track them down and they provided me with the address of Mrs. Dorothy, whose grandfather built the house and the house next door. In the round about way that Mariana T. operates, I contacted my neighbor, Paul, and he invited Dorothy and her daughter to stay at his house. Actually, it was the house where she was born 86 years ago! Pam, who is a great friend of mine and Paul's took a liking to Dorothy and they have become good friends. I was away at the time so didn't meet Dorothy but we have been communicating for a while now.
Two summers ago, I noticed that the fence around the old family plot was broken. Since this is right across the street from the house, I felt that something should be done. I contacted Pam and she in turn contacted Dorothy and they began a plan of action to get things fixed. This is when inspiration hit Pam and she began her business Grave Matters. Pam has help, Fred, a retired orthodontist, has done a wonderful job of restoring many of the old tombs. Also, many of her fellow church members volunteer to help.
Pam is a ginteel southern woman and enjoys her work. In the summers, when I am down there for my six months sabatical from my other crazy life, I see Pam and Fred diligently working. There are herbs planted everywhere and flowers in the old urns. It's really a beautiful garden now.
I watch the orange sun rise over these marble tombs each morning. In the evening hours, with my feet propped up on the porch railings, I watch the new moon dance over old tombs graced with new flowers. It is a delight. I am truly grateful to Pam and Fred.
There are many cemeteries everywhere that need care. These lovely places are outdoor museums and should be loved and respected. If you enjoy wandering about these gardens of rest, please join my group Grave Matters at www.gravematters.gather.com . Thank you for reading this. Salud
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Comments: 47
"Hold your breath," yelled my daughter's friend, "It's impolite to breathe while others can't."
Loved your post and joined your group.
:)
Really Richard - wow - well if you need any help with Louisiana folks, please let me know! Salud
Many graveyards across this state are needing someone like Pam to do repairs and spruce things up, but this generation of people just don't care as the former generations about the family tombs/plots, such a sad situation in the very least.
I am definitely going join that group of yours, I am feeling the need to get out and a walk through a wonderful cemetary might just put my life into perspective, as far as the current situation goes, and I might just get some great photos to share with others here at Gather.
Thanks for the comments, as always. I look forward to more sharing done by you.
What an interesting story and turn of events, Mariana. I just joined your group.
I love old graveyards