Thursday, July 2, 2009

Early morning visits

A good friend recently asked me if I was still going to visit Cara's grave in the morning.

Lately, I've been going about every other week on Thursday or Friday mornings before work. I find that it's a helpful way for me to stay connected to Cara and recenter myself. When I'm standing there, I'm reminded of the simple gift that Cara is to us, and of what's really important in life.

Cynthia and I also make it a practice to visit Cara's grave after church each Sunday. It's another way for us to connect with Cara and tell her how much she's missed. I was imagining today that this routine will never go away. I picture our children getting to know Cara's grave site very well through Sunday afternoon picnics and other visits. And I really want our children to be familiar and comfortable with Cara's grave. I want them to know their big sister and the gift she is to our family. I want them to understand the grave site and death, because only in doing so will they be able to embrace life full on. I want them to realize what a gift they have.

One of my favorites things to do this summer has been to bring fresh cut flowers from Cara's garden to her grave. This morning I cut flowers from our verbena plants, the perfect flower for my little girl.



3 comments:

SirRabbit said...

Beautiful flowers, we like to visit Harry regularly and pick sun dials, flowers everything to decorate the "garden of angels" cemetry here in Melbourne..it's a way of me saying hello and feeling closer to him..

bir said...

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I'm here. I haven't caught up on all of your blog yet, but sending you guys hugs...

http://allthelittleponies.blogspot.com

Leslie Parkins said...

What a beautiful way to honor Cara and to keep a tradition of knowing she is an important part of your family.