A Wreath and Tears

[Pooker]

I hope this isn't too long and that you gals will bear with me. I visited my husband's grave in the National Cemetery Saturday. It was his birthday and I was feeling quite sad - missing him, of course, but also feeling bad that I haven't been able to bring him a rose from our yard like I used to do since I moved here and no longer have rose bushes. As I stood there with tears running down my cheeks, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was visiting someone I loved. I said yes, and it's his birthday today. He asked me if he could place a wreath on the grave. OMG - of course! He gently laid a large, fragrant wreath with a red bow down and walked away. What a wonderful thing to do! I hope he heard my garbled thank you. The smell was so Christmasy! I couldn't resist rubbing the branches and as I broke off a couple to bring home to show my sons, I noticed a label tied to the back that said "Wreaths Across America".

Perhaps some of you have heard of this organization, but I never had. The gentleman never asked for a donation or anything. When I got home, my son searched on line and discovered this volunteer organization brings wreaths made in Maine to each National Cemetery the third Saturday of December each year and randomly places them on veterans' graves. I noticed that my husband's grave was the only one in his whole section to receive one, but I did see some here and there as I left the cemetery. What a wonderful coincidence that we loved our vacations in Maine. It was our favorite state to visit when we lived on the east coast. And that he got the wreath on his birthday!

Sometimes we get caught up in all the negativity surrounding us. Just when it seems that the whole world is out to cheat us, when we see all the ugly happening on the nightly news, when we're fearful every time we venture out, a perfect stranger comes along and makes us realize that there are still good people in the world. People who care. People who give of their time and money to make the world just a tiny bit better.

The tears rolling down my face on the way home weren't sad tears any longer.

Evie

[Shirlv]

Evie, I share your tears. Thank you for the reminder that there are good people.

[Rufflesgurl]

Evie I'm glad you had such a sweet, caring ending to a sad day for you. President Trump was at Arlington Saturday honoring our fallen on Wreaths across America.

Linda

[Cudedog]

I hope this isn't too long and that you gals will bear with me. I visited my husband's grave in the National Cemetery Saturday. It was his birthday and I was feeling quite sad - missing him, of course, but also feeling bad that I haven't been able to bring him a rose from our yard like I used to do since I moved here and no longer have rose bushes. As I stood there with tears running down my cheeks, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was visiting someone I loved. I said yes, and it's his birthday today. He asked me if he could place a wreath on the grave. OMG - of course! He gently laid a large, fragrant wreath with a red bow down and walked away. What a wonderful thing to do! I hope he heard my garbled thank you. The smell was so Christmasy! I couldn't resist rubbing the branches and as I broke off a couple to bring home to show my sons, I noticed a label tied to the back that said "Wreaths Across America".

Perhaps some of you have heard of this organization, but I never had. The gentleman never asked for a donation or anything. When I got home, my son searched on line and discovered this volunteer organization brings wreaths made in Maine to each National Cemetery the third Saturday of December each year and randomly places them on veterans' graves. I noticed that my husband's grave was the only one in his whole section to receive one, but I did see some here and there as I left the cemetery. What a wonderful coincidence that we loved our vacations in Maine. It was our favorite state to visit when we lived on the east coast. And that he got the wreath on his birthday!

Sometimes we get caught up in all the negativity surrounding us. Just when it seems that the whole world is out to cheat us, when we see all the ugly happening on the nightly news, when we're fearful every time we venture out, a perfect stranger comes along and makes us realize that there are still good people in the world. People who care. People who give of their time and money to make the world just a tiny bit better.

The tears rolling down my face on the way home weren't sad tears any longer.

Evie

What a beautiful story, Evie. Truly there are angels that walk among us.

There is no post here that, for me, is ever "too long". I, for one, sincerely enjoy - and appreciate - that this forum has seemed, over time, ,to have evolved from just an "RV forum" to something a lot more personal. More of a "share your stories with friends" kind of forum. It is wonderful for me to feel that I have friends "out there" that I may have never met - but still might meet one day.

Thank you for your post.

Anne

[BirdbyBird]

Thank you for sharing your story and experience.....it helps remind us of goodness and tears are needed from time to time to keep our hearts human..... (((((Hugs)))))

[Shirlv]

Tina, I will remember your beautiful words “tears are needed from time to time to keep our hearts human”. Thank you.

[chalet05]

Evie,

Thank you for sharing your story. I love the unexpected kindness.

A couple from my Slingshot family laid wreaths at Arlington this past weekend. I have marked the date on my calendar for next year.

[BarbaraRose]

What a beautiful, heartwarming story, Evie! That wreath was a wonderful gift to both of you!

[MandysMom]

Many of the cemeteries with veterans sections, Wreaths across America, is placing wreaths on Every grave! My home town placed them all last Saturday. Son and I haven't been over to Dixon yet, but we will soon. It's a beautiful display. Our veterans deserve no less than to be remembered.
So glad you were there to see it placed.
Velda

[SoCalGalcas]

Evie, Thank you for the wonderful post, and, no it is not too long! I think it is important today to post these good stories! lyn

[Bethers]

What an awesome story. Tears are very good and necessary sometimes.

[avalen]

Thank you for that post, i needed it today

[OregonLuvr]

I love this story. WOW Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I have never heard of this special day before. Thanks for enlightning me. What a kind soul that you were lucky to run into and I am sure this helped make your sad day more joyful.

[mtngal]

Aw Evie, what a wonderful experience, so glad you shared. (((Evie)))

[snowball]

How special that was Evie I think I have heard of them but didn't realize it was a day...and how grateful I am that you and your husband received this special wreath... heart warming
(((((((hugs)))))
sheila