The headstone was finally set at the cemetery and we had our first look on Friday, Nov. 19. Marvin, Jonathan, Julie and I went together to meet Kevin from the funeral home and see it. Daddy wanted to wait and go that afternoon. As we were pulling up and parking my breath caught in my throat - I could see a 'neighboring' headstone and I just could not believe what I was seeing...
But first - the headstone is beautiful - just perfect. Exactly as we envisioned.
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| It has a phrase that is just right for Mama and Daddy - "Together again, still believing in forever". You may recognize that last part comes from 'their song' Look At Us. |
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| It also has the names of their children on the back - just as they both wanted. |
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| Do you see that headstone in the background? |
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| Here it is... it is the Nobles. Unbelievable. Neighbors again. |
If you don't know already, Daddy and Don were best friends growing up. They also joined the Naval Reserves together. Daddy & Mama along with Don & Eleanor were very close through many years. And notably, they were neighbors - a couple of times. First they were neighbors on East Normal Street - living side by side. And then it was Don who located the property east of town that they eventually bought together and split in two where they both built houses. That is the house where Daddy still lives to this day, here at Willis Creek Ranch. Don and Eleanor stayed in their house until 1973 when they had the opportunity to purchase a larger acreage up the road that turned into Noble's Berry Farm. (Which is when our current wonderful neighbors, Keith and Marilyn, moved in.) Our own house is built on the land that used to be Don Noble's apple orchard. To see their headstone located in that position to Mama and Daddy's was truly amazing. And completely a 'God thing'. It touches us so deeply.
And you will notice that the two headstones are remarkably similar (and surrounded by others that are all quite different.) They are the same shape and basic design, they both have a phrase on the front and the names of their children on the back. You can see how Don & Eleanor and Jack & Sue were so compatible and such good friends for so many years. There is a great comfort in this. I literally looked up at the sky and said out loud, "I see what you did here." :)
The location of the headstone is lovely. Near a few trees, but not too close for roots. Right by the road for easy access, but not so close to be crowded or in danger of being hit. Far enough from the main road for quiet, but easy to walk to.
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| A beautiful day. Hard to see, but beautiful. So thankful for the life we have all had together. So thankful for my Mama and Daddy. What a gift. That is always with me. I miss Mama so much. She has been 'coming to me' a lot lately. I still can't dwell on her loss - afraid I will be completely overwhelmed again. but I can rest in her 'visits' and be comforted. |
Later when I got home I told Daddy about the headstones and asked if he was aware or if there had been any coordination between them. He had no idea! He even called Eleanor and she was also surprised and amazed. Daddy and I drove back together. He was also amazed at the proximity of the two headstones. And he was happy with his and Mama's.
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| I can only imagine what this feels like. |
