Church at Hendon, Saskatchewan
The first thing I did when I turned 16 was take my driver's test. I could not wait to be behind the wheel and out of the farmyard.
Most of my friends were exactly that way. My son Everett is the opposite. He could not care less about having the freedom to drive off whenever he chooses. He's happy to stay home, apparently. Where does he get this from? I understand it at my age -- I've turned into a homebody -- but when I was 17 every place looked better than home, for some reason. And there really was no reason, as I was raised in a happy home (except for all the unhappiness I myself caused by being such a snooty kid)(thank goodness I don't have one of those; my karma really is better than I deserve).
So now I insist that Everett and I go for a drive every day, in spite of his apathetic objections. He needs to build his confidence; his stopping, starting and turning are still jerky as hell. We don't always have a destination in mind, and sometimes just head off to wherever we end up. One evening we came off a gravel road and onto the highway near the tiny village or hamlet of Hendon.
He sat in the vehicle while I toured the miniature graveyard. As a child I found cemeteries scary places and wondered how anyone could live next to one; now they are not only comforting to me, but fascinating, and I'd jump at the opportunity to have one for a close neighbour; the words written on tombstones are tragic sometimes, and sad, but also a testament to love and memory.
I know what you mean about cemeteries. It seems like they are now destined to be my neighbors. The last 3 houses we lived in my directions to everyone coming to see us included the words: "Turn at the cemetery..."
ReplyDeleteUntil very recently, I've looked for aloneness
ReplyDeleteand serenity when I parked in cemetary and wandered among the tombs.
Then a policeman came up and questioned me.
"What are you doing? Don't you know this is dangerous for a woman?" ETC. And then my husband upon finding this was a favorite past time
said, "Don't you know this is dangerous." Etc.
Now I find myself frightened by stopping.
Maybe if we lived in a more rural area. But it's
true that around metropolitan D.C. murders, drug stings, robberies, rape, and more are
commonplace occurances.
Today watched too much of 9/ll tapes and again felt such amazement at the deaths. And wonder when they will strike again. We are
near DC; Mike works in DC; and we're obviously one of the hot spots.
Wandering in a cemetary much safer undoubtedly. Claire
Lurve the new look!
ReplyDeleteI'm still hemming & hawing about changing up DBM. Mayhaps soon... if I can get some days off work soon.
Ah - I'd have jumped at the chance also to be in the car! But some kids just aren't like that - don't know why, but they're not.
ReplyDeleteLovely Church, Kate. Love the elongated shadows on the pine trees.
Kate from NY
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ReplyDeleteMe too, I love the photo. So evocative.
ReplyDeleteAs for driving -- we're just starting lessons for my younger. She has no hesitation at going OUT INTO THE WORLD. Quite scary sometimes.
As for graveyards. Love them.
B
I love cemeteries too.
ReplyDeleteSo many stories