Archive for the 'A Graver’s Thoughts' Category

Not Dead Yet

May 1st, 2008

I haven't abandoned anyone, so please don't think I've disappeared into the vastness of cyberspace. I'm still here and, yes, still graving. Sadly, I haven't had the impetus to write here - or any of the other places I normally write to - due to some personal problems that are beyond the scope of this blog (you may read about them on my regular blog here, if you're so inclined). I would just like to say that everything is now much better, and I believe this upward swing is going to continue.

I have, as I said, still been graving occasionally. Weekends have been busy - spring being a time full of baby showers, births, wedding showers, and weddings - so at least once a week I travel to either Greenoaks Memorial Park or Magnolia Cemetery during my lunch break and spend about 45 minutes snapping photos or, if needed and possible, doing photo requests. It's the most peaceful way to spend your lunch hour; especially with the weather being as perfectly lovely as it has been as of late. I actually have more photo than time these days! I'm actually behind on adding them all to the Find A Grave website.

I never thought I'd get behind, but it has happened; I've actually taken more photos than I have time to upload! It's nice, though, because it gives me something to do - related to graving - that I can do from home and the comfort of my computer.

Once summer comes and, hopefully, my social life slows down (so far no babies being born or loved ones getting married that I know of yet) I'll be able to get all caught up and get back to working on straightening out Iberville Parish again. I just wanted to let you know that I was still here, and hope to be graveblogging again very soon!

The Thousand Mark

March 22nd, 2008

Not that the numbers matter, but I have to admit a certain thrill when - with the entry of Marie Genre Poche in historic Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge - I had entered my 1,000th memorial at the Find A Grave website in my 1 year, 2 months as a member.

Here's to many thousands more...

Beloved Pets

March 17th, 2008


Family members aren't the only ones to be interred and remembered in cemeteries. Though rare, it's always a pleasure to come upon a memorial marker - or even an actual grave - of a beloved pet.

Though pet cemeteries do exist, you can sometimes come upon markers or graves for the furriest members of a family in regular, "human" graveyards.

I've never seen an actual pet cemetery - though would love to find one (anyone know of any in or around Louisiana?) - but have come across graves and memorial markers like this one here.

Being a huge animal-lover myself, I can certainly understand the desire to leave behind a more permanent marker or memorial for a dearly departed pet.

I suppose if I had the money and means, I would have markers made for the pets we have lost over the years and that are buried in our own, small "pet cemetery" behind the home where I grew up in Maringouin, Louisiana. Years and generations of beloved animals - dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, and even two worms named Bill & Ted - lie interred beneath the grass just behind our backyard fence; the most recent addition our beloved family beagle, Bailey, who passed away just this last November after nearly twelve wonderful years with us.

We used to mark the graves with large stones that I - as a child and young teen - would carefully inscribe names and dates into with permanent marker; but - today - I doubt any such markers remain. Still, the ground is special to us, marked or no, and we tend it with love and care.

For those with a larger bank account, options such as the photo here shows are available. What a lovely, sweet, and lasting tribute for the pets of Mr. and Mrs. Cornell. It must be nice, also, to bring flowers in memory of these animals that so obviously touched their lives very deeply.

As anyone with family pets can tell you, they are often as precious as your own children and as much a member of the family as any of their less-furry counterparts! To honor and remember them in such a way is the least that can be done to thank them for sharing such love and joy with us during their short lives.

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