Location of Kessia's garden * Short readings by Denise and Geoff * How to get there
We ask people to visit Kessia's garden as often as possible, particularly over these first few weeks. It would be a comforting thought for us. Also, when you visit, feel free to take out a little something to put in her fairy garden, which will be a work in progress. Wind chimes or mobiles would be nice too, though her tree isn't very big yet.
Could we also ask, if you intend to visit, to please take a bucket or watering
can with you. There are some taps by the roadside near her grave, and if you
could water her little garden while you visit, it would not only help her
garden grow, but I'm sure like us, you'll find it a nurturing thing to do.
The Ship Story
This was sent to us by some of Geoff's relatives, Graeme & Cec. They are the words of Bishop Brent.
A ship sails and I stand watching til she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says, "she is gone".
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her. The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says "She is gone", there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, "Here she comes!" and that is dying.
From "O Baby, Baby"
This is an extract from an essay by Garrison Keillor called "O Baby, Baby" which Geoff and I read many, many years ago and pasted into Kessia's baby album: It talks about the joys and heartache of having a baby daughter, and particularly the difficulty in getting her to sleep.
A tender moment: Madame Butterfly is in the bedroom sleeping, and Mr Butterfly pours out his heart to the baby.
This endless night!
I am exhausted. I can't bear it.
O God in heaven, have mercy on us.
Will this weeping never end?
What can I do to help her,
My darling, my beloved?I believe she is finally about to sleep… I believe this in my heart.
Lord, You can do it, if only You will walk across the lake and grant this little girl a little rest.
(Whoops! Block details on map above are wrong. Kessia's block is Block
19.)
Directions: Gungahlin Cemetery, Sandford Street, Mitchell. (In Canberra, Australia)
Turn off to the Gungahlin Cemetary. Follow the main driveway past the front office and toilets. Take the first left road, followed by the next right. Then take the second lane on the right.
About 20 metres down the lane, park near the tap by the side of the road on the right hand side. Kessia's garden is located at the end of two rows of plaques, and can be seen from the laneway.
Telephone : (02) 6207 1622
Facsimile : (02) 6207 1624
Email : cemeteries_act@bigpond.comOffice hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm
Cemetery Visiting Hours:
Vehicle access - 8:00am to sunset every day
| Updated 19 November 2002 | Site hosted at immir.com. |