“Peace to all loving souls who sleep. Rest to all the faithful who burn”

— Thomas Moore

I used to go to the cemetery every day, - says the wife of the fallen defender, Maria - but after a trip to the camp for the wives of the fallen, I realized that I was burying my life there and dooming myself to loneliness. My husband is physically gone, but I am. I met girls and women like me. Now we go there for public holidays, birthdays and deaths... Sometimes I go there alone, but I understand that life goes on and that I must live it with dignity for the sake of my children and in memory of the cheerful man who he always was and will be for me.

Visiting the cemetery is an important ritual of mourning. It helps us accept our loss, and not forget the deceased person.

On holidays and memorial days, people remember their loved ones with gratitude at cemeteries.

Even if the deceased was cremated, you can visit the place where the ashes were scattered.

Even if the person was buried in a military cemetery, you can still visit the location.

Death in the headlines and news dulls the pain. Visiting a cemetery in the context of patriotic sacrifice can be an important personal tribute.

If a friend or relative is smoldering in the ground, their presence can be comforting. And if you’re like me (the author, Bonnie Carroll), you might find it more helpful to visit the cemetery alone. Do what feels right to you.

TIP OF THE DAY:

If you can, visit a cemetery with flowers today. Spread petals over the grave.