The headstone was put in place today. I had been waiting for it and expecting it (I knew it would be before Memorial Day), but I had a much more emotional reaction than I thought I would. Thank goodness that Cheryl was home, and despite having about 30 things going on, she let me come and cry on her shoulder. This granite marker doesn't make it seem any more real or final--I've been feeling that every day for the last year--but for some reason it just hit really hard. The bench turned out beautiful and I'm pleased with the choices I made. Here are pictures:
This is the front and it faces west (so when you stand and look at it, you are facing east towards Mt. Timpanogos). The bench top is smooth, with no writing, to make a nice place to sit while visiting the cemetery. The writing underneath the books says "Daughter, Wife, Mother, Friend" (under my name) and "Son, Husband, Father, Scholar, Scouter" (under Gary's name). The vases on the side can be turned over and placed into the hole in order to be flush with the cement. The grass and dirt are not quite as clean around the cement since they just put it in today, but the grass will grow back and the groundskeepers do a good job of trimming around the cement so it looks neat.
This is the back. The dark spot on the right side of the bench top is actually just a reflection of the tree just to the north. The scripture at the bottom is 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
This is the front and it faces west (so when you stand and look at it, you are facing east towards Mt. Timpanogos). The bench top is smooth, with no writing, to make a nice place to sit while visiting the cemetery. The writing underneath the books says "Daughter, Wife, Mother, Friend" (under my name) and "Son, Husband, Father, Scholar, Scouter" (under Gary's name). The vases on the side can be turned over and placed into the hole in order to be flush with the cement. The grass and dirt are not quite as clean around the cement since they just put it in today, but the grass will grow back and the groundskeepers do a good job of trimming around the cement so it looks neat.
This is the back. The dark spot on the right side of the bench top is actually just a reflection of the tree just to the north. The scripture at the bottom is 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
When I drove by this afternoon I looked over and saw what I thought was a new bench and wondered if it was his. It does look very nice and I like what you chose for this place of memory. I'm so sorry it was a hard day.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, AnneMarie. You're right, a headstone doesn't make it seem real or final. It was an emotional time for me too and that was 18 years ago, May 20. Thank goodness for the gospel and the knowledge of being sealed for eternity. Best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that it was so emotional for you. Just seeing the pictures made me cry. You chose well.
ReplyDeleteAnneMarie, I love the bench! What a beautiful place to rest, gather together, and celebrate Gary. I hope that as you visit, it will be another place where you can feel windows of peace. I'm sure Memorial Day has a whole different feel now, but I'm sure you're family has some great traditions that will include Gary in spirit!
ReplyDeleteI was glad I was home too! I was among the first to share your beautiful headstone. I think it's all a perfect reflection of you and him and your family. I'm glad it's been placed and that you'll all have that special place to gather.
ReplyDeleteKnow you are very loved and that I'll always be there to give you a hug!
No wonder it was a hard thing when you see it all there in immovable granite. I hope it's a comfort to you when you gather there together. I especially like that your name says, "friend."
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful head stone!! I am so sorry it was hard and I wish I could have been there to give you a hug. So thankful you had a friend to give you lots of hugs!!
ReplyDelete