I was going to be buried in the shade

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

When I die I plan to be buried in a small cemetery in the country. It’s a public cemetery, but a lot of family, going back for one hundred twenty five years, is buried there. The relatives are mostly on my mother’s side.

It has been a peaceful, beautiful place. Peonies and iris grow in clumps, and almost half the grounds were shaded by old trees.

I say “were”. About three months ago there was a violent storm that ravaged the trees, and they were all so badly damaged that they’ve been removed. It’s all open now, and looks so bare.

My heart is hurting. I know nothing ever stays the same, but I’m glad my beloved grandmother didn’t live to see this. I’ll still go in the spot next to her parents, the stones are still there.

But there will be no shade over my grave.

2

I suggest donating and planting a couple trees. They aren’t expensive.

get permission first. I’d expect that the cemetery would be very happy to replace what they lost.

3

And then by the time you take your place, there could be shade there again! Seconded!

4

Time heals all wounds, even those of the Earth.
The trees will grow again.

5

I will look into that, but I’m already sixty years old and I may be gone before there’s enough shade.

But we don’t plant trees for ourselves, we do it for all the generations to come.

6

Trees grow surprisingly quickly. Plant now, for yourself. Those that follow can also enjoy.

This sounds like a wonderful project. I’ve thought it sad how many cemeteries have become so barren and plain. Make your mark. Perhaps other families might like to donate trees or landscaping in memory of their families. :slight_smile:

7

It’s true, I was pruning a tree today that was only 5 years old, and it was already 15’ high, 20’ across and 6" thick at chest height. And this was in sandy soil (near the ocean in San Francisco). If you’re 60 (youngster!) you could easily live another 25 years, and if you plant now those trees could be huge by then.

You’re right about trees being a gift to the future, but you can enjoy them too.

8

There are many fast growing trees. Some grow too fast. My neighbors planted Tulip Poplars. They shoot up 12 ft tall in six or seven years. But are brittle too. The Neighbors often have limbs to pick up after any storms with winds. I rarely get broken limbs on my silver maple.

Many choices out there.

9

Mention of trees made me think of “Stonewall” Jackson’s final words: “Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade under the trees.”

I have always thought that was a terrific exit line.

10

I have never heard that, it’s lovely.

11

Most definitely. It makes me think of some of those old melancholy tunes, kind of like “The Empty Chair”.