Indiana Memorial
I love this picture taken back in July 2021. Pop and I along with Alex and Lia went to Indiana for Zac’s 23rd birthday. It reminds me of a scene from a sit-com where everyone is being silly and joking around. But last week when we all went back to Indiana for Zac’s 26th birthday we were missing pop but we had an Indiana memorial for him where Zac and his dog Max walk daily.
Back in I think 2011 while Rich and I were hiking in the mountains, we found a piece of birch bark on the ground and we’ve had it every since. Since Rich loves the outdoors and nature I thought it was fitting to make a small canoe type boat from a piece of it. I filled it will dried rose petals from his funeral arrangements, some sea shells from the beach near us and sprinkled some ashes in the boat. We took it to Indiana with us last week.
Since Zac and Max hike the trails every day we decided to set the boat sailing in the lake where he walks. Now Zac will have a part of Pop always with him and I know he is guiding Zac and so proud of him.
Lia watched the little boat slowly sail around the water while we could see tiny fish swimming under it. This is where Pop belongs, with the fish and nature that he loves and a place where Zac can have quiet time with him when hiking with Max.
The lake and trails are beautiful, quiet and while it’s not a scene from a sit-com this year we will always know pop is watching over his family and guiding us all every day. July is a very difficult month for me, it would have been our 57th wedding anniversary on July 29th and Rich’s 78th birthday on July 31st. I have a few plans coming up to make our special days always be remembered.
I’m sorry this month is challenging for you. I’m so glad you’re spending it with us!! Sounds like your time in Indiana was good. I love the way you honored Rich. I’m sure whatever you come up with for those two days this month will be special, too!
I’m trying to stay on track with blogging Jeanine because that’s the one thing that helps keep my sanity. I have such a great family here and can’t let them down. Hoping I can hold together with my plans for nest week.
What a wonderful idea and ceremony ♥
Thank you Tamara, since Zac is so far away from us, I wanted him to have a spot so he would be able to “talk” with Pop. This was the perfect place since he and Max go there daily.
Beautiful post Martha.I hope all your plans for July come true.Loads of hugs and best wishes .
Thank you Amrita. I’m excited and also worried about my Cherokee trip. That’s always been Rich’s and my dream to get a cabin there for our little sneak aways. I hope I can get through without a major breakdown. But I know I’ll be on the highest mountain close to heaven so Rich will be near.
I am so sorry for your loss, Martha. I hope you find comfort in going on this hike.
Thank you Amanda, it was so comforting to have this memorial because now Zac will have a bit of Pop with him always.