BLANKET OF COMFORT

It was like climbing to the top of the world. The road rose steadily curving slightly as it climbed heavenward. When I finally reached the top and walked through the gate I knew I would be there for a while.

The cemetery was small but full of the towns love for the ones who had went on before. To the right is the grave of a small child; there are too many of these in our area. They were born and they died in a time I do not understand from illnesses we survive today. It was the perfect place to be laid to rest. I walked forward knowing that each step would bring me closer to my destination. Slowly I walked saying the name on each stone I passed although I only knew one person resting here. Reaching the center I stopped long enough to look out over the small town. It was beautiful with the Sun shining down on the rooftops. There is the old school and although it is no longer in use I can almost hear the laughter coming from the playground. I only had a short distance left to go so I continued on. As the ground dipped downward I saw the tree where he had been laid to rest.

"Hello David, Sorry I don't get by more often but as you know we live so far away." after wiping away the tears I continued, "I just want to sit here for a while and remember all the good times we had together."

The smell was strong as I awoke there in the shadow of the tree; its branches reaching out as if guarding his grave. I had fallen asleep in this peaceful place awaking to the smell of the flowers. I had placed a blanket of flowers, thick and soft as a carpet, to shield the area where he rested. The blanket so full of love and memories was an offering from his family and friends. Each and every flower was placed with a tear or a bit of laughter, stories and memories that had been told with love. There are many flowers, like the one for the day he was born and also for the day he died. Over there is the one for his first word and beside it is the one for his first step. The single red rose in the middle is for the love he had for his family. Every daisy, and there are many, represent friendship; each one placed by a friend to surround the rose. The sticks, greenery, and baby's-breath represent all the things David did that didn't seem important at the time but still touched our lives in some way. All had been brought together to make this beautiful gift shielding him from the elements of life.

It has been a little over three years since I received the call that didn't seem real. David had been killed in an automobile accident. He was only nineteen with so much love to give it was wrong to end like this. Today, Nov 6, 2007, is David's birthday and once again he is only nineteen. He should be twenty-three and looking forward to having a great day.

Please reply to this and add your "flower" to David's Blanket.