Oakwood Cemetery

Well it finally came in. I drove by on Thursday and saw it for the first time and it hit me hard. I cried...well wailed more like it. I'm glad I was alone, although if anyone was in the graveyard at the time I'm sure they would understand... I mean if they are there I'm sure they have had their crying days there as well. It's hard going there. Even when I don't cry I still am left in a funk all day. funk's are difficult because they are normally not emotions and feelings and moods you can explain verbally and they aren't ones that are even expressible through crying and such... I guess that's what makes them funky. So I just endure the pain and the confusion and try not to take it out on others around me and go to bed early. Then in my experience, I find that His mercies are new every morning and I am greeted by a new day that although doesn't bring an absence of sadness it does bring opportunities for joy. 

Oakwood Cemetery is a beautiful cemetery and we are so glad we chose to have Asher buried there. His grave is only about 200 feet away from where we live and he is in the children's section and so it's a reminder when we go that this section is special because it's unusual/unnatural for little ones to die. It's also helpful in remembering that we aren't the only ones who are going through this loss. It helps me to pray for others when I go.  I'm so thankful that God made our souls eternal, We have so much more than this short vapor of life to look forward to. 

          You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:11

So walk with  me and come see where Ashers earthly resting place is.  This is Oakwood Cemetery in Downtown Raleigh. NC Senator Jesse Helms was buried here earlier this summer. It is open from 6am to 6pm. Asher is in the childrens section on Hickory st. There is a weeping willow as you exit the cemetery that seems so comforting to me for some reason... almost like nature is morning with me and longing for their completion one day as well. And I do love the stately Oak trees here as well... they no doubt have been here for many years and have seen many come to rest in this beautiful cemetery. 

Comments

[Jen Rucker]

I love you and your strength! Please know I pray for you and Dan and little Asher.

[Molly]

Thanks for sharing these pictures, Casey. Asher's marker is beautiful. I can't tell you how hard/healing my visits with Felicity and the Lord are there.

My heart still breaks for you.

[Mary]

The pictures say it all. Beautiful spot here on this fading earth, and small glimpses of the beauty that he is now experiencing with God. Til we meet again.

[Niki Bell]

Casey & Dan,
What a beautiful setting for a beautiful little soul.
You are in our thoughts daily,
Niki and John Bell

[Amanda Marble-Walker]

Casey & Dan...
It's bitterly beautiful. I cannot imagine the feelings of finality that crashed upon you when you first laid your eyes on it... I am again, so sorry.
Much love to you both...
Amanda

[Katie Williams]

Oh sweet Casey...i mourn with you. his headstone is beautiful. i can't imagine...God be with you as you sleep tonight....peaceful dreams. katie

[Tiffany Morris]

Casey... only knowing you and your blog for a short time I'm so moved by what you have gone through! Maybe it's having an O Baby myself. Once again I'm so sorry for your loss. What beautiful pictures and an amazing/beautiful place for Asher to peacefully rest. I cried when I read through your entire blog... as I am crying now! I'm lost for words! You are an amazing and strong person!

Big Hugs to you!
Tiffany

[Kathleen]

How beautiful Casey. I love the simple yellow roses.

[Bonnie Horton]

Thank you for the photos and the chance to continue to grieve with you. I would love to come visit and see Asher's resting place. I can't express to you how much God has impressed on me the urgency of fighting for life and being an advocate for the unborn, whether they be wanted or unwanted. Asher's resting place is a beautiful reminder. I love you!

[Lorelei]

Hello Casey,

Isn't it ironic that an angel is above Asher's gravestone...in one of your pictures? I share in your grief, seeing their name in stone...makes it so final, even though we know, it's not...we will see our loved ones again. I do remember seeing my Mom's stone for the first time...it's hard. I pray that God will give you continued comfort during your time of grief.

Lorelei

[Angey Price]

Though I love fall and it is my favorite time of year, I often wonder why the very things that are so beautiful can be pictures of death. The leaves of the trees are dying, and are about to fall off, yet they are so colorful and beautiful. These pictures reflect so much of the beauty of fall, yet they remind us of death- Asher's death, the others buried there, and nature itself. The cemetery is beautiful, Asher's gravestone is even beautiful, yet it fills us with sadness. I'm not really sure what my point is, just some thoughts.
I love you, Case. Wish I could have been there to cry with you.

[sarah brown]

dear, sweet friend... I am without words... aching with tears falling on my keyboard... I wish I could comfort you... I am begging God to be tender and intimate towards you.

[Toni Reitter]

very beautiful... *hugs* I love you, Case!

[Dee Dee]

It's beautiful, Casey.

[Sharon Wilson]

Casey & Dan,
I know what you are talking about, as I'm sure there are others that know as well. When I go to Charlie's grave, it's like I relive the day that he passed, but yet I know it's only a symbol here on earth. For as Christians, we know that life is only a journey, not a destination. Heaven is our goal, and my Charlie and your Asher just went ahead of us. I know that you heart still hurts cause mine does too - in a different kind of way I'm sure. You continue to be in my thoughts!
Love u, Sharon

[Zsera]

It did turn out so beautiful. I cannot imagine the feelings you had going through you when you saw it. I am praying for you and Dan daily and think about you guys constantly. I understand about not being able to explain all of the thoughts and emotions you are having. I wish I could give you a hug. Take care of yourself!