Part Two - The Pioneer Baby's Grave
Yesterday, my husband and some members of the local Jewish synagogue came together for a workday to tend to the maintenance of the baby's grave. I wanted to be there, but I couldn't make it. Thankfully, they received assistance from a youth group belonging to the Seventh Day Adventist church in our town, and they got a lot of work done.
In the top left corner, it appears as though a tree has been deliberately planted.
After removing all the overgrown shrubs and hauling them out of the area, the impact of the scorching 100+ degree dry summer heat is evident—the area is devoid of any grass or flowers. It seems impossible for anything to grow here without access to a spigot for watering.
Despite this, it's clear that the area relies solely on the natural resources provided by our Creator, God. Even in the face of a fire, it's remarkable how God safeguarded the grave of this little pioneer baby grave for 159 years.
When my husband sent me his photos, I reflected on the above verse. Life is temporary like some flowers. Amidst our world's temporary and delicate nature, one eternal constant endures—the timeless wisdom and unwavering truth found in God's Word.
After the winter rains, the once desolate and dry land will undergo a transformation—vibrant new grasses will sprout, and wildflowers may adorn the scenery once again. We monitor the area closely. I am considering scattering a native wildflower mix in the area.
I'm sorry if you're disappointed that I cannot show you all a more dramatic transformation following the clean-up. However, the area will not be fully restored to its former beauty for many years. The initial clean-up has significantly improved the area, reflecting a strong sense of stewardship. Most importantly, it fostered camaraderie and new friendships.
Alone Again
The synagogue invited my husband to participate in the Mourners Kaddish in Hebrew before he departed.
Mourner’s Kaddish in English Translation
Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity. Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
After my son Michael passed away in 2003, our Jewish congregation in San Francisco showed us incredible support. Even though I am not Jewish, they attended his "very Christian" celebration of Life and continued to offer their love and care to me. Every Shabbat, during the liturgy, there was a special moment where those who had experienced recent loss stood up, and the Mourners Kaddish was recited in both Hebrew and English. Over time, I learned how to say it in Hebrew. The English version of the prayer held deep meaning for me, providing comfort and solace during a difficult period. To this day, hearing the Mourners Kaddish gives me chills and brings back memories of the overwhelming love and support I received from my Jewish friends during that time. It's a beautiful and poignant reminder of their compassionate embrace, that I will never forget.
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I couldn't make it on Saturday because I was volunteering at our local Day in Al-anon. I was working in the kitchen, preparing the produce for a salad bar when I accidentally cut off a small piece of my left thumb. Despite the mishap, I managed to clean and bandage the cut and then put on a glove so I could continue with the food preparation.
Ouch! I have a pretty deep cut that sliced a part of my nail and the nailbed. It's quite inconvenient having to keep a bandage on my thumb, and it's made me realize just how essential my thumb is for nearly everything I do.
Well this is it for me on this last Monday of September which I find really hard to believe. It seems like it was September 10, a week ago.
Until tomorrow -
Debby
I loved reading the Kaddish, I never have before! I bet that grave will be gorgeous in mid-spring and summer! Oh, I cut off the very top part of my finger with a mandolin several months ago. Since there is no flap of skin to cover it with, it just kept bleeding. The doctor put something on it called surgical foam, and it stopped bleeding. You can get bandages with blood-stop on them, too. I am so very sorry about your son!!!
ReplyDeleteI've cut into my thumb many times, and it's incredibly annoying.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad how graves fall into disrepair. I liked the Kaddish never seen or heard of till now
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your hurt your thumb, Debby. That sounds like a nasty cut. I hope you heal quickly and nicely. With all the changes in the world, it's so comforting to know that God's word is forever and will never change.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
There is something so very poignant about that little grave, all by itself. I'm thankful it's been restored and I love that a varied group came together to clean the area.
ReplyDeleteI've never read the Kaddish before, it's beautiful! And I appreciate your increased connection to it related to Michael.
Your poor thumb! I hope it heals well!
The Mourner's Kaddish touched my heart. Thankyou for sharing that with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI hope your thumb heals very soon.
God bless.
I loved reading these past two blogs and the story about the baby's grave. I had never heard of this in that area before. I also enjoyed reading the Kaddish.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your thumb cut. Involving the nail makes it so much harder to deal with it healing. Hopefully it is better soon.
Hi Debby, how nice everyone has pitched in to help out. Tomorrow is my Bible journaling and we will be discussing Rosh Hashanah. I like to set a table for a visual display. I will have pictures of it. That is nice how the Jewish community supported you during your son's passing. Have a great week. We are going to be near 100 this week!
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting about the pioneer baby's grave. So many infants died during that time. I'm glad they preserved the grave.
ReplyDeleteThis and the last post of yours are such Sweet Sadness to me. I think its wonderful how the various parts of the community have come together for the baby's grave site.
ReplyDeleteThe Kaddish is so beautiful. Thank you for printing the words. The rhythm of the Jewish language would be so poignant for this prayer.
Sue
Like Jo-Anne, I had never heard of or seen the Mourner's Kaddish before. Very interesting,! My heart hurts for that sole baby, his poignant grave a testament to all those lives lost.
ReplyDeleteThank you for publishing the English translation of the Kaddish. I had heard of it, but did not know what it meant. Reading about the tidying of the grave site is very moving.
ReplyDeleteOuch on your thumb. Hope it is alright now. I did that once cutting an orange, but had to go to the hospital as it would not stop bleeding. The ER doc did what they call frozen stitches which helped. Thank you for telling the rest of the story. Very interesting. Janice
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