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Cemetery Witnessing

In the late 1970s I was a bricklayer, and for about half a year we worked in a new housing allotment along a state highway in Ohio. There were towns in the area, and a small city about 10 miles away, but at the time this was still countryside. 15 or 20 of the houses had their lots right on the highway, and across the road was a cemetery. As we worked, we could see all the traffic going along the road. One guy we saw every day. He was a small man, an older man, though it was hard to say if he was in his 50s, or 60s or even 70s. In the early afternoon he'd come down the road, and turn into the cemetery. After a time - usually about an hour - he'd leave, and this was 7 days a week, regardless of weather. The easy guess was that he was visiting his dead wife's grave. He sat absolutely still in the car, and the car made almost no sound. It was a small, light Plymouth or Chrysler, colored gray. Must have had a small, smooth engine - you could hardly hear anything. He always wore a hat, a light tan color, and his shirts were light gray or off-white. He drove slowly, staring straight ahead. That's what I really remember about him, the sense of slowness, quiet, an almost infinitely light touch upon the world.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 4/18/2017 6:30:00 AM
Good Morning Doug. Its been awhile since I've been to the cemetery to visit loved ones however I know people who visit the cemetery daily as you state in your entry and tale. I'm one of those who have a conversation with them no matter where I am and not necessarily at their grave. It is always comforting to know however where they rest and reside. Your entry is very moving. Honestly. Bless the man in your story and bless all who remember those who have passed on. Well done entirely.
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Doug Vinson
Date: 4/18/2017 7:29:00 AM
Hey Lisa, thank you. : ) Communing with the past...
Date: 12/4/2016 3:00:00 AM
I think the old guy was "on the way" to his wife, waiting, waiting....
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Doug Vinson
Date: 12/4/2016 9:00:00 AM
I agree, Christina. He was just barely there.
Date: 11/22/2016 1:10:00 PM
Doug: Its interesting, the little things we remember and the "huge" things we seem to as easily forget. A beautiful memorial to a man and his love for his wife and the simple, quiet way he continued with his life. oldbuck
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things