Mount Auburn Cemetery

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913

Mount Auburn Cemetery remains a favorite “spot of earth” for me. It is such a sanctuary of nature, a place for quiet reflection on life and death. The headstones so often speak of good lives and inspire me to think about what really matters and what will be remembered years from now. The landscape is picturesque. Every tree is labeled with a plaque that states its species. Our family has spent many Sunday mornings walking the hills there, smelling the pine, reading the tree plaques and headstones and enjoying the quiet beauty and space. It is a hidden treasure. This month we discovered a tower in the cemetery. We each took our turn climbing to the top (including Grandma Gina and Papa who were visiting us) and we were able to see for miles in all directions; miles and miles of color. I enjoyed looking around and picking out landmarks like The Harvard Business School, The State House on Beacon Hill, The Charles River, and The Boston Temple. On Veteran's Day we took some time to look at a few of the Civil War heroes’ gravesites. The history of the cemetery is so rich. The American Flags for the Veterans' graves made the cemetery seem quieter and more reverent. I couldn’t help but think about my two grandpas that served in World War II and all of the service men and women now serving, and all those who have given their lives serving our country. I am thankful for the United States of America.

Unfortunately, my children didn’t quite connect with the moment and while they were sliding down the stairs that lead down out of the tower, one of them grabbed onto a brand new sprinkler head and snapped it in half. Breeaakkk!! Uggh!