All is Well: Lessons from the Cemetery

"And should we die before our journey's through...

Happy Day, All is Well!"

Come, Come, Ye Saints

I feel it is a parent's responsibility to help their children's hearts turn to their fathers. One amazing way to do this it to visit the cemetery, the resting place of your loved ones passed. Tender feelings are shown and expressed when they hear stories of their ancestors and feel their spirit, as well.

In the past two months, we were able to visit the two cemeteries in Utah where family members from both sides are buried. First, in April, we met my brother and his family, as well as my mom, to see our father's grave as well as the grave of my maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

My daughter had a special connection while there. She decorated her grandfather's head stone with the only thing she had - dandelions. It was her way to serve, to pay respect, to feel, to remember. It was very touching!

As we were walking towards the cars, these two cousins just sat there together, as if gaining instruction from the grandfather they never had a chance to know in this life. If we hadn't made the effort to go to the cemetery, to give the opportunity to remember, these experiences would not be had. 

And to provide some comic relief, the children had to all get in on the photos:

Yes, it's a little awkward, but I'm sure Dad is laughing!

Just a few weeks ago for Memorial Day, we visited the grave of Sam's father, grandparents, and many Aunts and Uncles. While there, my little daughter found joy watering her Grandpa's flowers as well as those of all the neighboring graves, her way of serving. This was the only thing she had - water bottles from the back of the car. With her her colorful umbrella in hand, she went back and forth from the grass to the car, fetching another water bottle once the previous one was emptied. 

This is my favorite watering pic!

 And our former decorator is at it again, this time with fallen rose petals...

 Sam, with his mother and brother...

Cemeteries: They are a peaceful place for me. I grew up with a cemetery behind our backyard fence. My friends used to think it was creepy. I never did. 

Help your children remember those whom have gone before them. Teach them of their stories and experiences. When we see that our ancestors overcame trials and adversity, it gives us the strength to endure and to have hope that we can, too. And oh, do we need that hope today! They teach us that truly, All is Well!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!