This Way To My Blog

This Way To My Blog

Sunday, May 24, 2009

When The Second Tree Becomes The First Tree.

Do they reposess tombstones? No they wouldn't, they couldn't, they didn't, our's is paid for. For the last few days I've been wanting to make a red, white, and blue bouquet and inserting a small flag on either side kind of sticking out on an angle for Mel's grave for Memorial Day. Today after church we drove to San Antonio to picked up the flowers and flags. We already have a permanent vase on the grave site so off we go. I've been there many times and could find it in my sleep even though it is a very large cemetary along the San Antonio river. I drove in the gate and wound our way along the little streets. Parked even with the grave site and we walked upon the mound named Garden Of The Gospels. We pass several graves and stop at the first tree. I look down to see the vase and to start arranging the flowers. I couldn't believe my eyes. I tell John our tombstone isn't here. I'm shocked, I'm dumbfounded, I'm turning pale. John says oh maybe it is here on this lower part. No it is on the Garden Of The Gospels. It should be right here under this tree. It has always been under this tree. I look toward the truck and retrace our steps. I think I'm losing it. I parked where I always park, we walked straight to the mound and stepped upon it. We passed several graves and then stopped at the first tree. Dejected I started walking toward the truck and then I noticed a tree stump low to the ground. I walked over to it and looked down at the tombstone in front of it. It had my name on it. What a creature of habit I am. Since it was no longer a tree I didn't even notice it. I was heading for the first tree not realizing what used to be the second tree is now the first tree. That tree has held on for years looking a little pale and I guess it finally died. The girls will be sad. They wanted Mel's grave to have shade. Maybe the cemetary will plant a new one or the next tree will provide enough shade. Anyway the flowers and flags are in place in time for Memorial Day.
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13 comments:

Carlene Noggle said...

Oh thank goodness, I first thought that someone had stolen your tomb stone! You never know these days, do you? !!!
Hope you had a nice day afterwards...I am glad John went with you!
love ya,
carlene

Missie said...

You had me worried! I thought you were going to tell us someone stole the headstone! LOL

Have a good Memmorial Day!

Anonymous said...

thank goodness for a happy ending...my my but I was well shocked to think something like that might have happened...hugs...Ora

Sage Ravenwood said...

I could see myself making the same mistake. I go by landmarks all the time for remembering a place. Glad everything turned out alright. (Hugs)Indigo

jack69 said...

Amazing. Sherry Sister kept her direction for turning by an ad for Septic tanks, painted on the side of a barn in eastern NC. When they tore the barn down, she missed her turn. HA!
Yes we are creatures of habit. Glad you got straightened out before reporting the stone stolen. LOL
Happy Memorial Day.
Jack & Sherry

Sheila Y said...

stolen tombstone? Nothing would surprise me now. At the cemetary here where my Aunt and Uncle are buried, someone stole the huge Christmas tree that people put rememberences on. A local business was kind enough to replace the tree. It's crazy sometimes...Sheila

Sheila Y said...

Glad yours wasn't stolen, just misplaced...ha. Sheila

Kelly said...

I know that feeling, how could it be, but there it was, until you found out the tree was gone. Hate that the tree is gone. I wonder if they would let y'all plant a tree to grow there next to his grave. That would be nice. The girls could plant it there.

Kelly said...

I had to come back and say, because I know you wouldnt be checking comments three pages back, that I enjoyed reading all the entries I missed lately. It was sad to read about Mary losing her husband. I hope John will let her stay there, at least for awhile. You are such a good blogger. :) I love the way you write Paula.

Unknown said...

Hi Paula,

Boy that must of been a freaky feeling. I am glad you found it, maybe they will plant a new tree. Not for nothing I do not think I would like seeing a headstone with my name already on it before its time.

garnett109 said...

Yikes,that would have pissed me off terribly if I cold not find the grave.

Janie said...

I have had the same problem the last 4 years. The first year my mom wanted Gary & I to place flowers on the graves. My uncle is in the military part. She told us it was straight across from the first tree. Well I made sure this year which tree it is and it is the 2nd tree. The first one must have grown as tall as the 2nd one. I have trouble every year finding his. :) Glad the flowers were on in time for Memorial Day. Blessings, Janie

Gerry said...

I started thinking, oh my word, what could have happened to her tombstone. I was very relieved when you finally saw the stump and there the tombstone was. Quite a mystery for a while but one with a happy ending.