pink peonies
Cora is buried in a country cemetery near our house. I actually could walk there if I wanted to. And I drive by it all the time. I like that because I can "check on her" from a distance. But honestly, I really don't like going to the cemetery. I know it is very healing for some people. And maybe that will change for me. But right now, I just don't like it. To me the cemetery is full of reminders of death and caskets and funerals. And I hate that. I hate letting my mind go back to the pain and trauma of having to bury my little girl. It is too hard.
But one thing I love about her cemetery is that their are peonies everywhere. It is just beautiful around this time of year. And for the short two weeks or so that the peonies bloom, it is such an awesome reminder to me of LIFE...even in the cemetery. And I love that. Because we serve a God who has conquered death--a God of LIFE. And Cora's life continues beyond the grave. I need to be reminded of that so often.
So we thought that Cora needed her own peonies. Pink of course. And I have a feeling that taking a trip to Cora's peonies in the spring might become a family tradition. We could even bring some back to the house as a reminder of Cora's precious life. A reminder of that incredible day when we will see Cora again and live for eternity in the presence of God. What a sweet day that will be.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Revelation 21:3-4
posted by the mcclenahans @ 9:57 PM
27 Comments:
My peonies are blooming right now, too- and in addition to how pretty they are, they smell so good!! My aunt (master gardener) told me that they don't like being transplanted (mine didn't come up the first season after they were transplanted)- just in case you'd rather get a fresh plant so it will bloom right away! You and your family are always in my prayers :)
I LOVE peonies also. Especially the pink ones :)
Praying for you!!!
I bet they are beautiful..just has beautiful as your sweet Cora..I don't like going to the cemetary either..I want to remember them as they lived..we will be with them again oneday...
always thinking and praying for you guys.
Amen, amen, and amen!!
This is beautiful Jess.
I love the hot pink peonies the most.
I will forever look at hot pink and green differently because of you and Cora.
The words "Cora is buried" hurt just to read. I can't imagine living them. Praying for you tonight as you miss your sweet baby girl.
Such a sweet remembrance during such a difficult time. They are such sweet and beautiful flowers. Even the ants can's resist! That's what I remember most about my mom's growing up. How perfect is that? A plant and flower so sweet that even the lowliest creatures can't deny!
Precious.
Your scripture is perfect.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
My father died over 25 years and I still don't like to go to the cemetery. I would much rather think about all of the good times I had with him. My dad was buried near a beautiful cherry tree. When I see the cherry trees blossom in the Spring it reminds me of him.
What a beautiful reminder of God's everlasting love. Praying for you guys!
Love,
Marsha in VA
Amen!
Oh I can't wait for that glorious day!
Peonies have long been a family favorite for us and stand tall next to my family headstones. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful little girl. Your posts always bring me to tears. You continue to be in my daily prayers.
Sooo beautiful and what a sweet reminder of precious Cora!!
Peonies are my favorite garden flower. Such showy, unabashed loveliness! They will be a lovely addition to the cemetery.
I need some peonies. I really do.
Thinking of you often. Walking the road of grief with you.
I finally worked up the courage to go visit my uncle's grave this past weekend. He's buried in a beautiful country cemetery up on a hill in the middle of nowhere. I think he knew that it would be a peaceful, beautiful place for us to visit. It was still hard, but it is hard to not feel God's presence in a place like that and to be comforted.
Thank you for the verse. I needed to see that today.
My mom died 5 years ago this spring and I still don't like to visit the cemetary. We just recently buried my grandpa, very near to my mom, and even that was difficult. I used to feel guilty about not visiting, but it's not a comforting thing for me, so I released myself from having to do it. It works much better for me to share photos and memories with my own girls rather than visit her grave. I know exactly what you are saying.
I know just how you feel about the grave site. I've only gone to visit Mark's 2 times since he was buried there.
I'm glad you found something that is a 'happy' way to remember her.
Also you helped me identify the flowers in my backyard thanks!
Just found your blog and am veryyyyy touched by your family's story!
Love the peonies! They are soooo soooo beautiful!
I know Cora would loooove them too!
Trina
www.mommeville.com(blog)
such beautiful peonies! and pink for Cora ~ that is dear.
this summer it will be 30 years since my husband (then only 25 y/o) died of cancer. i learned to go to the cemetary when i was 'up' emotionally, not on a specific date or when the weather was dismal or i was having a rough day.
so grateful for his life and his memory. most grateful for his faith in Jesus and that one day we'll be in the glorious presence of the Father.
thanks for sharing your heart.
love & prayers,
I know exactly what you mean about living so close to the cemetary and not wanting to really go "check on her." We buried our little girl in a cemetary not far from our house (a little farther than walking distance though). It reminded us of where our grandparents are burried. It is such a lovely place during the spring and in the fall you can actually see the cornfield from my daughter's grave site. It is so hard to go there though. When we do, we just think about the day we had to put her in the ground. That was the hardest day for me. So glad you have the peonies to remind you of new life and God's promise that we WILL see our children again some day! And as the song says, "And all will be glory in that land!"
Lacie Hutchins
Wichita
that was very beautifully written
I love the Pink Peonies and that they grown around Cora's grave even tho we all rather her run and play with them and help you plant them ...
Preying for you
There could be no more beautiful flower to celebrate your sweet Cora.
With love and prayers,
XO*Tricia
I was in Walmart yesterday and saw a fake pink Peonie in a vase and immediately thought of you, and this post.
What a gift you have at seeing symbolism in the blooming of this flower and the life of your daughter...
Beautiful post, and that passage from Revelation is so wonderful. I want to use the word beautiful again!
I read this post yesterday and thought of you today when I saw on the Martha Stewart Show they explained how to preserve peonies for six months... I didn't check on-line but I am sure there is a post on her website.
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