We bump up against death in various ways: close calls, pulling through dire illnesses and witnessing loved ones’ pass. But a graveyard allows us to sidle up to death in a completely different way. Cemeteries have their own ecosystem of bones, stones and grass. Imposed order and natural disorder reign together.
And then, there are the artifacts. Artificial flowers raise faded, dusty heads to the sun. Spent, real blooms add to the feeling of decay. Trophies and tiaras speak of potential cut short.
Some displays are overflowing, crowded; others create a stark appeal with a single flower, strewn or encased.
Homespun offerings can be hand carved or painted, simple or complex.
They can tell us something about the person who has moved on, for example: He must have loved elephants, or, Easter was definitely high on her list.
We have a need to communicate with those who have gone before us. Bringing artifacts to deceased friends and family gives us something tangible to offer. Anyone who visits the graveyard can see how special this or that person was—and that they are still being cared for.
Isn’t that what we all want? To know we are loved? Let’s begin today by telling one living person how much they mean to us.
All photos © Sondra Sula.
Sondra Sula's Blog: The Nature of Spirituality 