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Grave Maintenance And Grave Tending -
A Satisfying Days Work In Peaceful And Beautiful
Surroundings
By Francis G. Murphy
Grave tending services are quite different to many other
sorts of work that one could carry out. For a start they
are done in places where many people don't feel
particularly comfortable possibly because death is one
subject many people don't like to talk about. Another
reason could be that so many negative things have been
written and filmed about cemeteries that the very word
cemetery conjurers up a scene of horror. When in fact
nothing could be further from the truth.
When I am carrying out any sort of grave care services
in my normal line of duties I am working in places that
are quite magical. They are by the very nature of their
use, quiet and contemplative places. Children are rarely
seen playing there, bikes and cars are certainly not the
norm and the people that are there generally are quiet
and respectful. Most cemeteries that are at least 100
years old were built within the heart of the communities
and are often attached to churches. This means that
unlike may of the cemeteries that have been built in the
past 50 years they are not to be found way out on the
outskirts of town. They are places where the history of
the town can be seen mapped out by the stories on the
headstones.
Often when I am carrying out grave maintenance services
such as headstone cleaning I discover stones with a
whole family history in one single place. Father, Mother
and children all in one final resting place. Very often
these can be seen as tragic historical stories with the
family wiped out by disease or genetic disorders.
However some are just beautiful short tales of a husband
and wife who now lie together in eternal peace. As well
as being peaceful places cemeteries that have been cared
for are also wonderful habitats for wild flora and
fauna. The very fact that so few people visit these
places compared to say parks means that wildlife can
flourish undisturbed. Often as I carry out some grave
tending I will stop and listen to the wide variety of
birds who live happily amongst the headstones and
memorials. Blackbirds, Sparrows, Thrushes and if you are
lucky even the occasional Nightingales. In addition it
is very common to see a host of other animals such as
rabbits, squirrels and foxes.
More rural cemeteries, especially those whose walls and
fences have become broken, will often be visited by
larger animals such as deer or even wild bore. People go
walking in parks and by the river and often drive miles
from their homes to look for some peaceful piece of land
in which to unwind and relax. Well the next time you
think of doing that take a look at a map and find your
local cemetery, the older and the larger the better. No
parking charges, no hassle with people playing sports
and cooking barbeques just peace, quite and wildlife.
And if you are interested an entire history lesson all
laid out in front of you and it's entirely free of
charge. If in the course of your walks you see any grave
maintenance work that needs carrying out then look up
your local grave care services company and let them
know. It helps to keep your local cemetery safe and
tidy. |
