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I have never been one to make frequent visits to the cemetery until recently. Losing my mother at the beginning of January and visiting often with my father made me keenly aware of the challenges of grave decorations in winter. I had heard folks talk about it before but now it is real for me.
The stone was already there before her burial, so that was not a concern for us. But it is hard to visit a grave and wait for spring to cover the cold reality of the bare soil with feathery new green grass blades.
Dad purchased an evergreen grave “blanket” or cover, which did help until the wind picked up and blew it away. Over the winter dad found better and more improved ways to anchor the greenery. I wish we had a dollar for every time we had to retrieve the cover or the flowers that blew out of the vases attached to the headstone. Luckily, the fence was not far away and we found them there with many of those baskets that are attached to headstones.
I remember reading a hint at one of the cemeteries that suggested that the lot number, section, and name on the stone be attached to the grave covering, or headstone bouquet. Seems like a good idea.
I’ve had friends complain about having items stolen from graves, but I now know some of that mischief was mother nature and her pesky windstorms.
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At Medway Cemetery, some of the blown-away items were stored in a shed midwinter. But now these items have been placed near the cemetery information kiosk to be claimed.
This is the time of year that cemetery officials ask that we take the grave coverings off to prepare for seeding, mowing, and trimming. It varies by cemetery, but generally the date to have this done is posted near the entrance.
The date varies from cemetery to cemetery and from March 15 to April 15. In other words, this is the time to do it. Clearing the way assists the sextons and helps the cemetery look great for everyone.
Grass is starting to grow on mom’s grave now. It was given a head start when someone who shall remain nameless sprinkled some grass seed and top soil on it awhile back.
Fortunately the birds did not eat all of the seed, although I think mom would have thought that was just fine. She loved the birds in winter.
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