We cling to the strength of stone to fight the fear of being forgotten. So please take a moment to remember...
Inscription:
BUMP GARDINER
He sits high atop a hill in a curious cemetery overlooking the West Branch of the Delaware River. Only his name is carved in the natural stone. A stone shaped like his name.
We laughed when we saw it. But it was a good-natured laugh, an appreciative laugh. I don't know if I would choose a simple smile as my legacy to the world, but I salute his spirit. I imagine him skipping the mountain tops. A legend in his own time.
(St. Paul the Apostle Cemetery, Delaware County, Hancock, New York)
13 comments:
Who names their kid "bump"? Maybe that's what they called him when the mom was pregnant - how's that bump? that bump on your belly is getting bigger... why, look at that bump....
I've got to say--I like this marker. More than any other that I have seen. Much is said about the man here. Simple, funny perhaps, well loved--better yet, well-liked by his friends. I see Bump as a man I wish I had known.
But the name is professionally carved.
Obviously deliberate.
One would like to read his will.
This one makes me smile too....and makes me think of a name that I saw on a census roll while doing some family research....Theopholis Lillycrappe (I'm not making this up!) His name made me smile too.
I'm thinking that Bump was a nickname that stuck with him from childhood to the grave.
"from ghoulies and ghosties and long leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night" ??
Thanks Jason!
With a name like Bump you know he was a legend in his time.
This does bring a smile to one's face.
Maybe that's the most powerful thing we can do when we're gone - give people an enjoyment of life.
Thanks for making me smile :)
crap, wrong ID. :D
The monument is certainly unique. :)
You kinda have to like a man named bump.
Dana, too funny. :D I'm sure it was a nickname. But even that is notable. Putting a nickname on a gravestone is very unusual.
Scott, I see Bump as a man I wish I had known. Yes, I feel the same way. I bet he was the embodiment of that area.
Bernita, One would like to read his will. Good point. Then again, maybe his only assets were his tall tales.
Bev, that is a serious name! Holy cow. I agree that Bump must have been a loved nickname.
Beady, :D He certainly knew how to prod the imagination.
Normiekins, welcome to The Clarity of Night! And thanks so much for the link! I will be sure to link back to you. Hope to see you back. :)
Sandra, I must say, I've never had such a happy reaction to a tombstone before. It really is powerful.
Writing Blind, you're very welcome! :)
Anne, Prozak pez is just fine too. :D Yeah, this one is great. Such a strange cemetery. I'll be sharing more.
Jeff, such a beautiful spot too. :)
Eileen, definitely a term of endearment.
Very cool. It has a mysterious air to it: a lone tombstone on a fill with only a name enscribed. Very interesting and beautiful writing.
Thanks, Anthony! This stone was such a breath of fresh air in my cemetery visits.
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