Cemetery Wreath

We took the annual trip to the cemetery to lay a wreath at my parents' grave. I thought the trip would have been quicker now that the Pike has gone to electronic tolls, but no dice. Everyone decided to leave Grandma's house at the same time in the afternoon to return to their homes after Thanksgiving. An accident along the way didn't help matters. We weren't in any rush and even with the delay would make it to the cemetery before dusk when the cemetery closes.

We were the only ones in the cemetery. Cool and eerie at the same time. The nearby amusemnt park is closed for the season so there was no sounds at all. Just stillness.

The cemetery allows the wreath to be placed on a wreath stand. The stands aren't easy to find. The florist at the nearby grocery store didn't have any stands, but called another store which had some. Himself stopped on the way home and picked up one. The florist only had 2 left. On the to do list is to find a source for the stand for next year.

The wreath looks sad to me. I was so used to making a wreath for the folks with all sorts of colorful beads and shiny baubles. The cemetery only allows a plain wreath with a bow. I didn't like the flat bow that came with the wreath so made a bow with some wide, red velvet ribbon I found in the Christmas bauble box.

We also brought flowers for Ma. Otherwise, she would think the wreath was just for Dad.

When I've visited at other cemeteries, I've left a small stone on the headstone to mark my visit. I'm pretty sure that gesture would be verboten here as everything is clean and uniform at the veterans' cemetery. The headstones are all the same size and color. Planting is not allowed. Cut flowers may be left at any time, and potted plants and wreaths left at certain times of the year. I did think of a way I could leave a token that wouldn't be permanent. My little secret.