What will it say in years to come? What will it tell the folks who pass by and glance, reading the words I’ve chosen. How I wanted to tell a story on this tablet of stone. How I wanted to place so many words. Words that would have filled this oblong of granite. Something much more, about the special man who rests here.
The rules are strict for the Diocese of Lincoln: Monuments should be of natural stone (with no reflecting finish) and a list of recommended stones is given to help with choice. The stone must not be polished, nor finished in any way to give the effect of polished stone. I agree with all this, keeping the beauty of this peaceful resting place is so important and garish shiny headstones would look out of keeping, here amongst the grey.
Inscriptions should be simple, reverent and with an appropriate epitaph but how difficult in a few words, when I wanted to say so much about the wise, kind and caring man who lies here.
I could have added angels to keep you company, or lilies in ornate decorative splendour carved across the stone. I could have added copious words in gilt, flowery sentiments of love. I wanted to say so much. For in my heart I desired the biggest and the most elaborate memorial stone of them all. A pharaohs tomb. For in my world you were the very best of them all.
Instead I knew you would not have liked that. For you were most humble, for you were too elegant for showy symbols. You would have wished to mingle unnoticed amongst the others, although you never went unnoticed.
Just a simple plain stone you said, like most of the others in this quiet lovely place of rest. Just my name you said, I will be proud to rest here you told me.
Keep it simple, keep it simple echoed in my ears but my heart wanted so much more, as I stood before the selection of traditional stones. Let it be elegant for this most elegant of men.
I made my choice, only once biting the inside of my mouth to stem the tears as I realized this would be the last task I would perform for dear Hamada.
So we shall see in early September when we stand together once again to honour this beloved man. I believe I’ve chosen the simple words well. Hamada would be pleased.
It is right and fitting.
This must have been such a hard task; an inscription of many thousands of words could not begin to do justice to Hamada…
I am sure that with your wonderful gift of lyrical writing, and sense of what is both appropriate and dignified, you will have done Hamada proud.
Sending hugs,
Elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth for your comment. I hope I have chosen well.
Just two lines of simple words, almost something our Grandson mentioned which I thought would be fitting. Hope everything is good with you and yours. Blessings.
Such a difficult task, but I have no doubt that Hamada will be pleased with your choice. Blessings to you dear Susie.
He is your Hamada. No one knows him better than you. He was so proud of your writing. I have no doubt that he’d approve of your choice x
How noble, and dignified, and heartbreaking this task must have been. Reading about it nearly broke me, but as always the spirit of Hamada filled me while I read your words, and I knew all will be well.
@ Dianne – Yes it was really, a strange day and one that won’t be easily forgotton. Something you never imagine doing is it. Thinking of you as always as you pass these milestones too. xoxox
@ Boo – Hi dear Boo – How are you? Thank you for your comment here – You are right Boo “H” will approve. I hope you are managing to get through the days. We are Sisters in our loss with the complete understanding that grief brings. My love to you in your daily recovery x
@ Michael – Nice to hear from you old buddy. The spirit of Hamada is indeed strong and alive in our world. Thank you for your comment here -I think of you and your brave colleagues in Providence often and I thank you for all the support over these difficult years.How Hamada enjoyed reading the amazing accounts in your book!
Stay safe my friend.
Sometimes, less is more. I would not want this task, but I understand it is so important. With my Dad buried in a national military cemetery, they decide, no words of endearment. I’m sure whatever you have chosen it is absolutely perfect.
Susie, as usual, your way with words fills me with love and admiration. Although Gwen was cremated, and the urn with her ashes is on our fireplace mantle, we did select a grave site before she died, and I recently had a stone placed there with both our names and her date of birth and death. I chose a simple inscription: “I will find other seas.” I echo your friend Michael: all will be well.
@ Lori yes so important but never easy when you wish to say so much but how proud you must be of your Dad and those memories that are tucked safely in your heart. Luv and hugs as always good friend.
@ John. Thank you John, your comments are always so generous. Maybe when you feel it is right to do so, you will enter Gwen’s ashes to the grave – so that one day you may rest together. Yes John All will be well – hugs.
Yes, a difficult task – but not impossible for the loving wife of such an honorable man and a woman so skilled in word-smithing… when we learn of the tribute, I know we will all sigh and say, “Yes, she chose well.”
Thanks dear Sandy – just waiting for the Ankh to be past by the Cannon – they are very strict with choices now- fingers crossed. Thank you for your kind comment. Yes an honorable man for sure. x
It must truely have been a difficult task for you Susie. As Iv seen the picture of the beautiful stone,as usual you have chosen well. I love the Ankh,I have for many years love all things Egyptian. Take good care xxx