Took my lovely Brodie out for a long happy ride, and stopped in Vanier Park for a landscape photo at the memorial bench we put in for my Brother-in-law Jeffry. To my surprise, who should arrive as I took this, but Jeffry’s sister and her husband — Sharyn and Sol. They are visible at the lower left of the photo.
What a gorgeous long cool ride through crisp calm clear air, under sunny skies.
All the best for the new year.
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That is lovely photo and a touching story of the memorial bench. I am, however, starting to question the wisdom of these benches. More and more often I see these memorial benches becoming memorial shrines – covered in flowers and wreaths and personal bric-a-brac that render them unsuited to the intended act of seating. These shrines should be removed and the benches returned to their intended use.
I have to respectfully disagree. I am a regular traveler through places where one finds such benches, and it is rare (but not unheard of) to see any decoration at all. When I do see it, it is mostly a bouquet, and very occasionally something larger. I have seen one (1) bench that was decorated to the point where I’d be reluctant to sit on it. Only one. And only once, one year.
I do think that memorial benches are a lovely thing. Death is a part of life, and these memorials are a touching and thoughtful way to remember someone who is gone from our lives.
And they’re great places to sit.