I wasn't prepared for these emotions...... [Archive]

View Full Version : I wasn't prepared for these emotions......

Dana Grant

26th May 2008, 05:55 PM (17:55)

Today is Memorial Day. It's a day off from work, except that Lindsey is still working on her school year, so she didn't take the day off. Bert has the day off, but he had some work to do on the roof. So, I decided to take my camera over to a cemetery and take some pictures of all the American flags on display today.

There were a lot of people paying their respects to loved ones today. I got my camera and walked over to sit on the ground in the shade of a tree and just observe. All of a sudden, emotions took over me in a way that I was not expecting. I realized that 5 short months ago I was in a hospital with a life-threatening situation. I really wasn't ready to visit a cemetery today. I prayed a prayer of great thanksgiving to God for His protection over me during the past 5 months. The tears freely flowed as I sat under that tree.

Somehow I managed to take 69 pictures. I really don't remember much about taking them -- I really couldn't see much through the viewfinder because of the tears that were flowing. Except the large floral arrangement with the flag on top. That was beautiful, and I had to have some pictures of that one.

So, here are some of the pictures that came out of that hour or so in the cemetery. I didn't realize how NOT ready I was to go there. However, it ended up being a very cleansing experience overall.

Here are some of the pictures...

18051

18052

18053

18054

18055

18056

Dana Grant

26th May 2008, 05:58 PM (17:58)

just a few more...

18057

18058

18059

Bob Woolley

26th May 2008, 06:16 PM (18:16)

I can relate to your feelings, Dana. When you are at a 45 degree angle looking up at a large light and seeing doctors and nurses waiting to see if a clot-busting drug will work, twice in secession and a hair's breath away from eternity, nothing else matters but you and the Lord.

Maybe not to many others can relate but I am thankful for a new lease on life. Everything seems trivial in life but the peace of God isn't!

God is good all the time and I see Him in those flowers! It's a God moment and we need more of those! Hugs, Bob W.

Rosalie Ross

26th May 2008, 08:17 PM (20:17)

Beautiful pictures Dana. Thanks for putting them on.

Marsha Gupton

27th May 2008, 02:05 PM (14:05)

Dana, thank you for sharing your photos. As it was pouring down rain here yesterday, I did not go to our Veteran's Cemetary. Last year when I went and saw all the families and the different units gathered with their jeeps and various equipment, it was very emotional. I thought of my precious little grandmother when she got the word that her baby son had been killed. Many thoughts tend to go through your mind at these times.

Jean Johnson

27th May 2008, 02:59 PM (14:59)

Very poignant words and emotions, Dana. Thanks for sharing in this way.

Jean

Judy Hamilton

27th May 2008, 05:49 PM (17:49)

Dana..I love you!!! I love your transparency..
and I well know as a bedside nurse that death is but the absence of a breath

Judy

Barbara Philipp

27th May 2008, 08:47 PM (20:47)

Wow, Dana was this at East Lawn? I was coming out when I thought I saw you go in? The prayer group I belonged to always set out flags for some of the members family who served and then of course I always go and set out a flag and flowers at Grandma Mahoney's son Neil's grave for her.

GOD bless and thank you for sharing.

Barb

Dana Grant

27th May 2008, 11:27 PM (23:27)

Jim Franklin

3rd June 2008, 11:52 PM (23:52)

Thank you, Dana, for your personal openess and the photographs. I do appreciate your account of your Memorial Day esperience.