Tuesday, December 22, 2020

better than i found, again


When I'd returned home from my second visit with Ronnie yesterday, my first niece had a message for me to call her.
She'd seen the logo for Gamble Funeral Home on Jean Marie's damaged grave marker and had telephoned them about getting a replacement.
They had been glad to make one for her cousin; I could pick it up from them any time in the next few days, free of charge.
I had gotten off the phone in tears, so very grateful for her initiative and care.
Today, after brunch, I gathered up what I needed and headed out.
First stop was the funeral home, where they very graciously provide the marker, this time on a marbleized plastic - very nice!
Then, out to Greenwich again and straight to her site.
During the night, the marker had completely broken along the lower left and was lying in pieces, the wire stand no longer fully attached.
I moved the pieces, and the moss and sticks, over to one side, out of the way.
Then I located the rocks I had moved from the road once upon a time and again piled them at her site.
After that, I was ready to dig out a trench to lay the stone I'd brought.
This dragonfly paver was something I'd bought several years ago, intending to build a garden walk and place it as a highlight.
I'd forgotten about it until a thought this morning - thanks, Mama! - had reminded me of it.
What a perfect gift for this niece.
As for the wreath of moss, I'd constructed it atop a circlet of vine from a nearby tree.
Totally serendipity, that was.
Or, perhaps, it was my mother's guiding hand, adding her creative touch at this, the Christmas season, her favorite time of year.
I miss Mama so much.

2 comments:

faustina said...

I had sent the photograph of the improved, and more permanent-looking, image of Jean Marie's grave to her mom (Susan) and maternal aunt (Jean) along with this text message, while I was still at the cemetery.

"Christina got the new place marker from Gamble.
I put in here, with the dragonfly paver and rest, just now.
Mower out here destroyed the old marker."

Both of my stepsisters sent me thanks right away.
I'd then sat in my car and cried for a while, then went to Mama's gave and cried a bit more.
When I got home, I texted Carolyn to let her know I would not be able to make it to Pooler for a movie and explained to her hwat I'd been doing that afternoon.
She was very supportive and that helped a lot.
It's good to have good friends.
i thank You, God.

faustina said...

Later on that day, I'd gone to fb and posted the pictures on Jean Marie's page and on my own.
We've both received a lot of support in the form of 'love' and 'like' and even a few comments.
I am so blessed to have been there in time to do that for her.