I frequent cemetaries. They're more educational than seminars, and the tuition is free. I like free.
Don't you wonder what dreams lie buried here?
Young Mr. Lemon of Aberdeen, Scotland lies beneath this headstone in a grave in Tucson, Arizona. He was 29 when his life was cut short. How that happened, we don't know. The style of the headstone would indicate that he was buried here in the early 1900s.
That was before Arizona became the 48th state of the Union. Unemployment (1900) was higher than it is now, at 5%, but things were a lot better here than back in Scotland. Beginning in 1904, more than 600,000 Scots (13% of the country's population) emigrated to North America in less than a decade.
Gordon was likely a part of this exodus, and he made his way farther west than most.
I wonder what dreams died with him.
I wonder why I'm complaining about the real estate market and the credit crunch, when I ought to be laying the foundation for tomorrow's success instead.
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
Hi Mike, my foundation might be a bit shaky, but I'm laying it! No grass growing under it, that's for sure.
Susie,
Thanks for being the first to comment. The photo is a greeting card I made for a realtor campaign in my Send Out Cards picture plus.
Mike in Tucson
That should keep you busy. And positioning yourself is time well spent. Good Luck.
Trunda,
It sure does, and it's entertaining sometimes. One of my favorite epitaphs is "I told you I was sick!"
Mike in Tucson
LOL at your favorite epitaph. I very rarely go to cemeteries, my relatives have been cremated or are buried in Ohio. You're right, I'm sure there are many finds there.
Doreen,
Here's another one: "Here at rest lies Mary Proctor. Had a cold, wouldn't doctor. Couldn't stay, had to go. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!"
Mike in Tucson
Is that in Tombstone? I haven't been there for 25 years. They had some fun ones there.
LOL! Young Mr. Lemon of Aberdeen, Scotland lies beneath this headstone in a grave in Tucson, Arizona.
It's on Oracle near Miracle Mile in the Greenwood Cemetary.
No, the Mary Protor one. I know I've seen it before. Or is it just a joke and I've seen or heard it that way?? I remember the cemetary there at the curve. Is the area even the same, is the curve even still there? Can you tell I don't drive in town any more?
Mike,
You are so right life is short and we should be living our dreams and not just let them die.
Thank you sir for the friendly reminder about life.
Mike,
What are the carvings on the top of the headstone?? Looks like an ax and a hammer on the right.
We too are tombstone curious. It's amazing what feelings these few words on stone drum up. I'll notice who quickly a husband or wife follows one spouse to the grave... or feel the sadness of a life lost so young. There's something profound in pondering the lives of the unknown residents ... it makes one want to do the best with the time we have.
What a unique headstone. And I never thought about visiting cemetaries. Ours are kind of boring here. But my husband and I had one of our anniversaries in Savannah, GA. Now those cemetaries have some fascinating stories! The whole city is built on graves, stacked on top of other graves.
Wow I haven't been to a cemetary for anything other then a funeral since I was a kid. We used to play hide and seek there when I was a teenager-the things you'll find to do in a small town right? There's one in Vernon that probably has some pretty neat headstones...maybe I'll check it out!
Life is short and we all need to enjoy the moment not worry about tomorrow so much.
Its all about perspective, isn't it? The methods and places we find it are as interesting as anything else!
I just have one question, Mike. Are you sure you're in the right business?
I know you're really good at what you do and all, but gosh, I'm thinking motivational speaker is right up your alley too.
Great picture, as always. Very insightful thought ... I've been thinking about this very same thing A LOT lately.
- Calie
Hey Mike,
You have a wonderful blog and it blesses those that visit.
You take time to smell the roses and help others to do the same.
I spend alot of time appreciating greatness. God Bless.
Your Friend - John from Benson
John,
It's good to see you! Thanks for encouraging me; I need it.
Mike in Tucson