Today's view

Fern leafed peonies blooming in profusion in our yard. A unique addition to my husband's beautiful yard. Many plants of various sizes all came originally from two plants, one from my Father's yard and one from my husband's Mother's yard. So as we walk through our flowers beds, we are reminded of our parents. The blooms only last a few days, but the plants will remain green all summer. Summer is brief in our climate, so we sit outside as much as possible and enjoy our peaceful surroundings.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

We are a distance from the graves of most of our family. We visit their final resting places, when we are in that area. On this weekend, and other times thru the year, we care for the graves of friends here in our home town. Our local cemetery, WILLOW GROVE is well cared for. It has large old cottonwood trees and all sorts of newer trees. The stones are kept in good repair and many are decorated all year long. Lilacs and peonies bloom next to silk and plastic. Flags fly at the graves of those who served our country. And on a quiet morning you may see deer or antelope or a shy cottontail. Some sites have wrought iron or cement benches, where visitors may pause and remember happier days. The view of the Big Horn Mountains is breathtaking against a bright blue Wyoming sky.

WILLOW GROVE was established over 100 years ago. Near the entrance, it has a small POTTER'S FIELD, with 11 (early) graves: 9 men, 1 woman and 1 child. For many years the graves were unmarked, The local ROTARY CLUB installed a fence years ago. Recently, the local Historical Society replaced the wire fence with a pole fence. A local woodcarver, my husband, carved a sign to hang over the entry. Metal markers were purchased and set in cement bases and placed at the graves. Each year the Society places flowers at the graves. Just one visible aspect of the generous, caring community in which we live.

Over 20 years ago, we purchased a lot at WILLOW GROVE. And 2 years ago, we purchased a headstone and had it installed. One less thing for our son to do after our deaths. Last summer, we planted a tree near by.

A special time for reflecting and remembering those, who are no longer with us. Reminding us to get in touch with family and friends. Reminding us how precious life is and how fleeting. Don't put off till tomorrow, do it today, tomorrow may not come. Acknowledging that sadness should only be for our own loss. To be free of the concerns and suffering of life, means our loved ones are truly resting in peace.

AWARENESS

It has been a difficult few weeks in our small community. Several serious accidents and several with serious illness. We pause a moment and realise we take our good health and good fortune for granted. We add our prayers to the many being said, that those afflicted may have courage and strength and ease to their sufferings.

A young couple, friends of our children, are hurting. Their youngest son, only 22, was killed last weekend, his older brother was seriously injured just a few weeks ago. Their lives are forever changed. Their pain will never cease. Our hearts ache for them and we pray unceasingly that they may find peace and be comforted.

When we are envious, we always choose to look at the rich and healthy and ask "Why can't we be like them?". We never question our lot in life, when viewing the poor, the ill, and the aged.