The Patient Lady of Bellefontaine
While there are many, many touching and rememberable memorials, this one always drew my interest and I tried on many occasions to capture its poignant sentiment. I'm still not sure I did a fair job with this photo. What I do know is that it speaks to me.
She doesn't appear sad. Her expression is one of waiting and contemplation. She looks to the Heavens and she cradles a lily.
The lily symbolizes purity and innocence although I'm not sure which lily is represented here. According to McGee Monuments of Rochester, New York (https://nearsay.com/c/470923/67943/understanding-the-meanings-of-flower-symbols-on-headstones) Easter lily means soul's resurrection, calla lily can mean fidelity, and Lily of the Valley the innocence, humility and renewal.
I've included another photo I took of a lily. Not sure which one this is, but if you know, please drop me a comment.
I think I was drawn repeatedly to this place because of its tranquility and peace. There were many days where the wind rustled the trees no matter if the air was hot and humid or crispy and cool. There were never any other sounds. Well, the cemetery is in a depressed neighborhood and there were plenty of sirens going on throughout the day, but if you could set those sounds aside, the main voice of the cemetery is the rustling of the trees.
Sometimes, I'd take the top down on the Volvo and let an old rock-n-roll song gently float alongside the sound of the tree tops dancing with the wind. I truly wanted to blast the speakers and surround myself with the beauty and history that graces this cemetery, but I was never quite sure that its residents would approve.
I don't know much about her, but her grace and calm contemplation have me peace. The Patient Lady of Bellafontaine.
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