Last week, I randomly rode by the cemetery to check and see if Andrew’s marker had been installed. His resting place is right near the Gaskins entrance of Westhampton Cemetery, so I can usually spot it as soon as I turn in, especially since I had the little scarecrow there in the fall. It made for a good eye catcher! Anyway, I thought it was possible that it might have been in since we had a few days of nice weather and the ground had some time to dry a little, but I wasn’t sure since I knew they were way behind on their work orders. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had been installed!!
Here’s a closeup of the marker. I’m so pleased with how it turned out. Thank you so much to our family for helping us pay for this beautiful marker to honor our precious Andrew. We look forward to visiting the cemetery often as a family and remembering our son.
I wasn’t quite sure how to decorate Andrew’s resting place for Christmas, but I’m actually really pleased with how it turned out. I had originally thought about getting poinsettias for the vase and then putting a small tree next to the marker, but decided against those. My mother and aunt helped me – I have always loved the simplicity of holly with the red berries, and the little Santa ornament was just something fun and child-like. It’s nothing ornate, but I think it’s perfect for our little baby.
It’s sort of odd how I take things like Andrew’s marker and flowers so seriously. I’ve thought about it some and why it’s so important to me. Basically, it’s the only mothering I can really do for my son. Remembering him is my way of mothering him. If he were here, I’d be dressing him, feeding him, and rocking him to sleep. Since he’s not here, things like markers, stockings, and ornaments are all I have, so I guess I take them more seriously than most. I always prayed I would be a good mother to my son, so I guess this is my way of doing what little I can. I am so blessed that Andrew made me a mommy. He made Kevin and I parents, and although it may look different than it does for others, we’re still so grateful for that.
Sarah,
It is beautiful. You guys did such a beautiful job of designing it. I know that planning your child's marker is not something any parent would want to do… and it is really a gut-wrenching process, isn't it? I am glad it is in, though, and that you're pleased with how it turned it.
Still thinking of you guys so often and am praying… particularly as Christmas approaches.
~ Stacy