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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Beth...that was beautiful...and so is the headstone and Christmas offering! My own parents have been gone since 1978 and 1986 respectively. As the decades have unfolded, my memories of them become more precious, and especially at Christmas I think of them, talk to them, and miss them still. My father died when he was younger than my eldest son is now and my mother died when she was just a year older than him (my son). It's so strange, since I was young enough at the time to think of them as older people...certainly not people like my "kid." I often imagine that I will be met by them at my death, and that is really something to look forward to (just not quite yet, right?).

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Linda, that is so much loss, so very soon, so much too soon. I am so sorry for your losses, and no, no, no — or yes (not yet).

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Yes...not yet. LOL

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Toby Goode's avatar

Your first paragraph brought tears. The lump in my throat is a gift. You took me from Arizona to the cemetery in Belmont, Massachusetts, where my father first, then my mother are buried. I know their souls aren't there, but if I could stand on the cold, hard ground at their marker, I would feel connected. Thank you, Beth.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

You are eternally special to me, Toby. And, I think, you are connected to those you love. No matter where you stand. xoxoxo

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Martha Chabinsky's avatar

I feel the same sort of way. My parents, grandparents, two sets of great grandparents and my baby uncle all get wreaths put on their tombstones at Christmas. I stand and commune with them all….those who went before me….those whom I will join soon enough. I keep their memory alive for myself and those who come after us.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

That is a beautiful tradition, Martha. A generous one in which the generosity goes round, then round, then round.

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Cathy Cultice Lentes's avatar

Beautiful, Beth. Thank you for this tribute to love and memory.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

You have the biggest heart, dear Cathy. Thank you.

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Not The Enemy's avatar

Gorgeous. The planning, the finding, the walking, the visceral sorrow. The memories tied with a red bow.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

xo

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Karen Rile's avatar

So lovely and heartbreaking.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Increasingly heartbreaking, it feels to me.

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Alice Elliott Dark's avatar

It’s so nice to be able to do this. That little bird…

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Thank you, AE. I am blessed in this.

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Deb Lund's avatar

Thank you for this moment of transporting myself to the graves of my parents as I watched you there with yours. How are we at this point as I see them younger than I am now?

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Where I am, too, Deb. Seeing them younger than myself. xo

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C.'s avatar

How beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Thank you, C.

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