On the other side of the bridge...the garden of innocence

[pjflan7]

These shots were taken in the garden of innocence. After completing a side job earlier than expected, I swung through Lexington Cemetery which has alot of history and is quite old. I never noticed the garden of innocence before as all the "headstones" lay flat on the ground. What caught my attention was the balloon and toys here and there. I got out and walked around reading and reflecting as we had lost one child in miscarriage and we have 4 healthy children. It gives pause to give thanks for the children we have and to be more sensitive to those who suffer the ongoing pain......I'll post another pic here later which was an infant daughter which died in 1949!! that had an Elmo doll laying at its base....I saw the balloons here and the birthday was Sept 28......what if that person had come to work in my store and they were in a "bad" mood?? Sometimes we are too quick to jump on people and don't take the time to ask, to empathize, to walk with them in their moments of pain. That was the lesson for me that day taught in the garden of innocence.

Sept 28, 1988......21 years ago and the memories are still strong...a major milestone....alot of "what ifs" contemplated I am sure about who Sean might have been as he would have entered adulthood.



3 year old passed away 3 years ago and the memories of playtime linger on



Mom and Dad's card to their child



A sibling provided a drawing as well to commemorate a life which ended far too soon.



I know that this a really diffferent set than I normally present and I hesitated to post as I was leery of reopening fresh wounds among those on DPS who may have lost a child regardless of age or circumstance, but it is real life and real life is what it is with the good, the bad and the ugly. It is my sincere hope that you might reflect on this in a such a way as to be more sensitized to others who are around us who may have just spent some time at a place like this before crossing our paths. We are often quick to judge someone who may be acting irritably etc.....may be dealing with parent's declining health, a bad diagnosis, a lost pet, very sick children, wayward children, divorce....so many issues that can affect people and the garden of innocence is just one of those places.......What's going on with the people around you???

[Jamfke]

I have to say that this indeed has touched me. I had a nephew who died when he was only four years old. He was simply the sweetest, and most innocent, child anyone could have asked for. My whole family was stunned and saddened by his death, but time heals.

Thank you for this memorial Patrick. I'm sure others who have lost loved ones will thank you too.

[equilution]

I don't know what to say. As a father of three, 6, 9, and 12, I can only imagine the pain at the loss of a child. However, we also suffered a miscarriage prior to the last. The wound still hasn't completely healed. This is a very humbling and grounding post. I have 2 redheads...one boy, and a wife. Thanks for the post and know that you are not alone....

[sHIMUZUKi]

uhmm nice.ugh i don't now what to say...

[beachcomber]

Originally Posted by pjflan7

I know that this a really diffferent set than I normally present and I hesitated to post as I was leery of reopening fresh wounds among those on DPS who may have lost a child regardless of age or circumstance, but it is real life and real life is what it is with the good, the bad and the ugly. It is my sincere hope that you might reflect on this in a such a way as to be more sensitized to others who are around us who may have just spent some time at a place like this before crossing our paths. We are often quick to judge someone who may be acting irritably etc.....may be dealing with parent's declining health, a bad diagnosis, a lost pet, very sick children, wayward children, divorce....so many issues that can affect people and the garden of innocence is just one of those places.......What's going on with the people around you???

Its good, to dare to be different Patrick.
There are lessons to be learned here and there are consequences and risk involved in judging people without knowing or understanding all the circumstances

[pjflan7]

Here is the other shot I was referring to.....taken at the Winchester Cemetery...not a staged shot

[MSidPhoto]

Like the first two a lot, nice sharp colors and good contrast and composition, Keep it up

[SoxAddict]

Thanks for sharing these, and especially for sharing your personal story. Sorry to hear of your own loss, but I'm very happy to know you have a lovely, healthy and happy family in spite of this. Your pictures are very touching, they left me with watery eyes I must say. Photographs are a very powerful way of conveying all emotions.

[fstopMike]

A gentle reminder to all of us about who we are and the journeys we all travel. May we always be aware of those who may have just hit a pothole and need a kind word and a helping hand. Thanks for stepping out of the box and sharing a part of your heart.

[leonaashlee]

Patrick this is a very thought provoking post. It's true we need to be more aware of other people's pain and journeys, however this post could also be a reminder to count our blessings, especially amid the messy economy we've been going through...to remember what we have to be thankful for...there is always so much if we only look around us to see it.
When I worked retail once...I was told by my boss not to take offense when people acted short with me...that we didn't know what had happened to them before they came to us. I have carried that piece of advice through life and it has served me well.
I want to personally thank you for putting up this thread Patrick.