The Tree By Every Grave  

            Almost every person who stops me during my frequent trips to a memorial garden, is wanting for directions. Some inquire about water taps, some about services they missed on their way into the cemetery. But, for the most part, it’s people who thought they recalled where the site was, near a tree or a road or another landmark which disappointed them this time around.

            Things do move around in your garden at home, they do so here also. A tree may not move, but eventually will be cut down as it ages or becomes unsightly. Water sources and buildings, fountains and roadways usually remain in place, though one never can be certain.  The only items in this garden which remain exactly where they began are the grave markers. But, if markers have been added since your last visit, then compound that with changes in the scenery and you’re lost.

            Like a well planned city, a cemetery is designed to be a grid. Your right of burial certificate (commonly called a deed) reads just like a plot plan found in any architect’s inventory.  Sections, blocks, plots, ranges, rows and the site itself guides you to it. Know your “Section Numbers.” Either memorize these numbers or carry them with you when visiting. For two reasons specifically: 1) To locate the site, 2) To identify it to a cemetery employee if you need to do so. Too often I have stood completely puzzled when trying to help someone either lost or reporting a situation at the site. Telling a cemetery worker that “yer know, it’s by that maple tree that’s near the bunch of pine trees close to the fence near that back road.”

What No Vase?!?!?!  Within cemeteries that supply vases to grave markers it is not uncommon to find your flower vase missing. Report the missing vase to the administration office. Meanwhile, it is not improper to borrow a vase from another marker to use in the missing ones place. Most vases are interchangeable. Also make mention to the office that you made the switch so they can replace it.   Drawing by permission from Art Stone Memorials