Persecution

     To be honest, I honestly thought I knew more about the Christian religion than I came to realize while reading the chapter on Christian faith in Kramer's The Sacred Art of Dying. I knew about Jesus, of course, and could name a few facts off hand, but I always figured that the belief was that, ultimately, when a Christian died, they were immediately judged and then allocated to either Heaven or Hell. It turns out, this is not the case at all. In the Christian belief, when you die you are judged, and your body parts ways with your soul. As your body "sleeps" and turns to dust, the soul can go in one of two directions, Paradise or Hades. After some time, the body and soul reconvene for a final judgment. This time, the person is either sentenced to exist in Hell, or awarded a blessed life in Heaven

     I am not a religious person by any means, and to be honest religion really turns me off. I do not mean that people with faith bother me at all, in fact I think it can be a great thing for that individual; it is simply not something that I personally wish to involve myself with. I won't judge a person with strong religious beliefs, but I would expect to be treated with the same respect. I had a few extremely religious friends when I lived in Florida, and they would try to convince me of their ways. I did not want to hear it. I create my own life, and I do not need someone telling me how to live it. However, I do believe that religion can have a powerfully positive affect on certain people's lives, as well as giving good morals to those who need a guiding hand. At the same time, I see far too much corruption in a system meant to be for the betterment of those involved, and I do not wish to be associated with something like that. People regularly get offended by me for my feelings toward this subject, but as far as I'm concerned, if I am not judging you, why would you place judgment on me?

Ring-a-ring o' neutrons

A pocket full of positrons,

A fission ! A fission !

We all fall down.

-Paul Dehn (Enright, 239)

     This short poem is obviously a take on the well known "Ring Around the Rosie" nursery rhyme. Both poems have deathly connotations, yet they share a rather upbeat sound. It is ironic that the feel of each poem leaves the reader with a happy illusion, considering each verse's fatal outcomes. It gives a nonchalant impression of a considerably serious subject. I would hate for someone to look upon death as a trivial matter. To me, death is the end all to be all; death is final. Nothing else will ever be so ultimate as death. This deeply frightens me. I want so badly to figure a way out, to solve the pointless puzzle of how to live forever. I hold this futile hope that I will somehow put the pieces of the riddle together and save myself from certain doom. It is a selfish wish, but I just cannot imagine myself parting ways with this world, and all of the people in it, for all of time.

     I think about death every day. It watches over me like a cat stalking its pray, silently waiting for me to slip up, lose my footing. Death is merciless that way; it does not judge someone on their high or low moral standards, it merely takes the easiest prey possible. I panic in the  middle of the night. Maybe I will never wake up, maybe my time has come. Perhaps I am the next victim of a murder to be played out on the nightly news; just some girl most people did not know or even cared to know about, struck down before she had a chance to make something of herself. At least this is how I have always viewed death. If this class has taught me anything, it has made me realize that life is more important than death. If you allow death to overshadow life, then you have in turn allowed yourself to die, at least spiritually speaking. I have decided it is finally time to let myself go, to free myself of all my trivial worries and to live life to its fullest capacity. That way, when death finally comes knocking, I can let him in with open arms, and be thankful that I lived a happy and fulfilling life while I could.

Is this a Kingdom? Then give Death the crown,

For here no emperor hath won, save He.

-Herbert Asquith "Nightfall" (Enright, 235)

"Death Watching Over"

(Portwallpaper.com)

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork,  NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Animal Angels

Animal Angels

"Rainbow Bridge"

(Artichokepress.com)

    

     Most pets, with their relatively short life spans, spend only a small percentage of our life with us, but during that short time, they can honestly touch our hearts in a way that no other creature could; some more than others.

     In my 21 years I have encountered many animals that I have considered part of my family. I have been lucky enough to have not lost any close human relatives, but I have experienced the death of many of my pets. I will never forget these beautiful souls that have come in and out of my life far too quickly.

     Teddy & Max were the first dogs I ever had, and the first I ever lost. Together since adolescence, the two truly loved each other's company, and were inseparable.

     In 1996, Teddy was diagnosed with cancer and had to be put down. It was a hard time for everyone but especially for Max, who was never the same after she passed away. One day, my mom left home to run a few errands and, regrettably, she left Max outside on his run. She came home to find Max dead on the outskirts of the woods; he had gotten caught in a bush and his run, and suffocated to death. 

     Although it was most likely an accident, we could not help but think that perhaps Max found life without Teddy, his mate, unbearable and had chosen to join her on the other side. It sounds crazy, but the next year behind their old enclosure we discovered two dogwood trees growing side by side. I like to think that it’s Teddy & Max, together again. Below is a photograph that perfectly captures how I felt when viewing those two trees.

"Trees Embracing"

(Flickr.com)

     Tabitha was Tigger’s mother; I had them both since I was born. Tigger was the most easy-going, relaxed cat you would ever meet, while Tabitha was more aggressive and territorial.

     At age 14, Tigger was struck by a car while he did his routine visit to the house across the street. I watched him die in a cardboard box. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes; I couldn’t believe such an amazing creature had to die in such a horrible way. Tigger was buried in my backyard.

     Tabitha died three years later, at age 20. She suffered a slow decline, and one day when she decided it was time to go, she went to a quiet place to die alone. We never found her.

Black Cat

(Yourdailycute.com)

MY OLD CAT

My old cat is dead

Who would butt me with his head.

He had the sleekest  fur,

He had the blackest purr.

Always gentle with us

Was this black puss,

But when I found him today

Stiff and cold where he lay,

His look was a lion’s.

Full of rage, defiance :

O ! He would not pretend

That what came was a friend

But met it in pure hate.

Well died, my old cat

~Hal Summers "My Old Cat" (Enright, 300)

     Kimba will forever hold a special place in my heart as my favorite pet. He was a gorgeous purebred Samoyed that loved nothing more than to have fun. We got Kimba in March 2004 and he quickly became part of the family.

     Sadly, we only got to share less than two years with Kimba. My mom and I were moving to Florida and she didn’t want to bring a dog meant for snow to such a balmy climate. The day we had to give him away was one of the worst of my life, and the solemn expression on Kimba’s face told me he knew something bad was happening. Samoyed’s are known for their “sammy smiles”, but that day his was nowhere in sight.

     It has been 6 years since we gave him up, and I know that the once lively puppy I knew has grown into old age. In a way I’m happy that I will never see his health decline. In my memory, he will forever live on as the young, vibrant dog that he was.

Above: Kimba

All taken by Erica Albert

     Many cultures of the past and present worship and revere animals. Animals have been on Earth longer than humans, so this should come as no surprise.

     Egypt is an ancient civilization that quite literally put animals on a pedestal. Countless statues and engravings have been found scattered around the ruins of their society. Egyptians worshipped gods who resembled animals. Anubis, Horus, and the famous Sphinx are just a few of the animal figures. Anubis has the head of a jackal, while a falcon’s likeness replaces the human head on Horus. The large Sphinx sculpture possesses the body of a lion with a human’s head.

     Wealthy Egyptians even memorialized their pets in the same style that they might themselves. Those with enough money to spare actually mummified their cats, entombing the animal beside them in their family’s chamber.

Above Left: Mummified Cat

Above Right: Horus

Above Center: Anubis

     Native Americans are taught from a young age that nature and animals are sacred. By their late thirties and early fourties,they learn that  four-legged animals, birds, and bugs are to be treated equally. Sioux Indiansexpressed gratefulness for the abundance of game and resources on a daily basis. They respected "Mother Earth" as a vehicle through which "wakan tanka" flowed. In the Native American culture, "Mother Earth" is depicted as a woman named Gaia.

Gaia

(Sodahead.com)

     People who own pets live happier, healthier lives! Having a pet keeps the owner active, which decreases their risk for obesity. Also, survival rates are 28% higher for heart attack victims. This could be for a variety of reasons. For one, the pets probably keep their owners alert and conscious as they wait for assistance to arrive. Pets reduce stress, simply petting them or cuddling with them can decrease blood pressure.

     Animals are pure and innocent creatures. In the world that we currently reside in, it is a blessing to have a loving pet in your life. Regardless of how your day has been, when you come home they welcome you with a wagging tale and a happy heart. Someday I hope to meet mine again, maybe when my time in this world has come to an end.

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork,  NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Porras, Jerry L. Stewart, Emery and Mark Thompson. Success Built to Last: Creating a LifeThat            Matters. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Pub., 2007. Print.

Kepler 22-B

Kepler 22B

(Scienceray.com)

I could go on and on about the subject of Kepler 22B, but I'll save the hassle and just leave a link for you to do some exploring of your own. :)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nasa-finds-new-planet-kepler-22b-outside-solar-system-with-temperature-right-for-life/2011/12/07/gIQAPfzFdO_story.html

"The sense of death is most in apprehension,

And the poor beetle that we tread upon

In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great

As when a giant dies."

-Shakespeare

(Enright, 296)

 

     Every living thing on Earth experiences death, yet some people only think about the death of humans as having any sort of significance. It is my own personal belief that no one species on our planet is more important than another. Think of all the ants you have unknowingly walked on as you ignorantly go about your daily life. Most people would call me crazy for caring, but I cannot help but take every life into account. Thankfully, I was born a human so I do not have to worry about being crushed by a pair of sneakers, but it could easily have been the other way around. Who's to say that you could not have been born as another creature? In my opinion, humans simply have the brain capacity to be incredibly self-aware, and so perceive themselves as the most important species. Of course, we are the most important beings on this planet as far as we are concerned because of self-preservation, but it is important to take a step back on occasion to think about the "insignificant" creatures of the Earth.

Chief Crazy Horse

(Credit: Straighthand Graphics)

"Hoka hey! Follow me

Today is a good day to fight

Today is a good day to die."

-Chief Crazy Horse

(Kramer, 169)

     The Oglala Sioux warrior is fearless in the face of death. Each morning when they woke they'd recite "Ho Ka Hey", which translates to "it's a good day to die. They were entirely willing to surrender themselves to death, it was an honor for them to have served their tribe in such a selfless manner.

     Similar to the Chinese, American Indians practiced a way of life which nature was sacred and life was lived through rituals. When a tribe member reached their late thirties and early forties, if they treated all of nature as sacred, they too became sacred. This included four-legged animals, trees, bugs, winged-creatures, as well as rocks. I found it wonderful that the Sioux Indians were eternally grateful to Wanka Tanka (the Great Spirit) for the chance to be alive, and for the earth's gift of sustenance.

"The animals that look at us like children

in innocence, in perfect innocence !

The innocence that looks at us ! Like children

The animals, the simple animals,

have no idea why legs no longer work."

-Gavin Ewart

(Enright, 296)

     Ewart's poem describing the pure naivety of animals really resonated with me. I will never forget those loving pets of my past that have long since passed away. They truly are innocent, and it is a shame that their lives must end so early. The short time that each spent on Earth left a great impact on my life, and they fed my soul with their complete love and never ending fervor for life. Every dog I have been lucky enough to own was always happy up until their final day. It is amazing how certain animals seem to stay eternally joyful. Perhaps ignorance truly is bliss.

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork, NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Porras, Jerry L. Stewart, Emery and Mark Thompson. Success Built to Last: Creating a LifeThat            Matters. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Pub., 2007. Print.

Erica Drew Albert ~ 11/26/1990 - 11/22/2078

"What the caterpillar perceives is the end, to the butterfly is just the beginning."

-Anonymous

Erica Drew Albert

11/26/1990-11/22/2078

     Just before her 88th birthday, On November 22nd, 2078, Erica Drew Albert died in her home surrounded by family and friends. She passed from wounds received from an accident involving her hover craft and an oncoming plane. Although she had been asked to relinquish her license for some time, Erica adamantly refused, claiming to be completely capable to operate the hover craft. Her Porsche 911 Turbo Hover Edition was totaled on the scene. Assistance arrived immediately at the scene, where Erica refused medical help explaining that she "just wanted to go home and rest". She died less than an hour later, at her family's beautiful farmhouse in Denver, Colorado. With a smile on her face and her dog, a Samoyed, on her lap Erica's life ended. Just before she passed, she mentioned how happy she was that she got to spend her last hours on Earth in her favorite car, with her beloved dog, and her close family by her side. She leaves behind a loving husband, two children, and four grandchildren.

     The wake is to be held on November 25th, with the funeral scheduled for November 26th, in Norfolk, Ma. She would not have wanted people to mourn her passing, but rather celebrate her life, which is why she is being buried on her birthday. In her will she requested to be buried at a family plot in her hometown, which is where she always felt her soul belonged. Her parents, William and Deborah were laid to rest there as well, along with her sister, Christine Munroe, and brothers, Michael and Daniel Albert.

     Erica was born at Norwood Hospital on a blistering cold night on the 26th of November in the year 1990 to her parents, Deborah and William Albert. She was the youngest of four children, and lived the first fifteen years of her life in the quaint town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. Erica made countless childhood memories while residing at 160 North St. She raised chickens, made life-long friends, and spent the majority of her youth there.

    

     Erica, known affectionately by her family as "Drew" and "Chunky", attended public schools in the Norfolk vicinity. Her elementary schools included the H. Olive Day School and the Freeman Centennial school, both located in Norfolk. At the age of fifteen, Erica relocated to Florida, and for the next six years she moved frequently. From Florida, to Wrentham, Norwood, Foxboro, Fall River, Dartmouth, and finally Plainville. She went to three separate high schools due to constantly moving. Her first semester of freshman year was spent at Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, Ma, before transferring to King Philip High School in Wrentham, Ma to complete her freshman year. In 2006 she moved to Florida, and spent most of her sophomore year at Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, Fl. She eventually returned to Massachusetts and re enrolled in King Philip High School, where she graduated in 2009. After high school, she went to nursing school at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth before opting to take a year off to figure out what she truly wanted to be. Erica decided against nursing, to pursue her passion in nutrition. She then enrolled at Bristol Community College in Attleboro, Ma, before transferring to Framingham State College to study nutrition. Erica graduated from FSC at the top of her class, and soon became one of the most famous and influential dietitians in the country. She taught countless thousands of clients about the importance of eating healthy and how it played a pivotal role in prolonging their lifespan as well as preventing various diseases. It is no wonder Erica lived as long as she did considering her attention to nutrition; if not for the accident, perhaps she would have lived substantially longer.

     Erica was happily married at the age of 25, the couple had two children together. After many years of hard work, the two were finally able to purchase their dream home in Colorado. Erica enjoyed spending her free time outdoors, where she could be frequently found hiking, and horseback riding in the mountains. During retirement, she and her husband spent a lot of time exploring Yellowstone National Park, where they once had a close call with an angry Grizzly Bear. Luckily for them, they narrowly escaped a tragic end. They managed to scare the bear off with the help of a little Taekwondo. After they were nearly mauled, the couple decided to spend their remaining years simply relaxing and enjoying the simple joys of life. A.K.A. the two became avid hover craft racers. Perhaps it was Erica's blatant disregard of driving laws that assisted in her demise. Erica was especially fond of Porsche 911's, and compiled a vast collection of antique models in her later years. It was her most prized Porsche that would inevitably be the end of her.

     It is important to remember that a life well-lived is something to celebrate. Although losing a loved one is an extraordinarily difficult time, if they did not waste their time on Earth, it is something to be grateful for.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

-Dr. Seuss

Erica & her mother, Deborah Albert

May, 2009

Erica driving one of her hovercrafts shortly before her death.

July, 2078

"Success is that way, just a little past splat."

Monk to the seeker

(Porras, Emery, Thompson, 128)

      It is important to remember that no one is perfect, not even the incredibly successful people mentioned in Porras, Emery, and Thompson's Success Built to Last. Everyone makes mistakes along their paths to fulfillment, but if taken stride, they will learn vital life lessons which will only aid them in becoming even more extraordinary. I enjoyed reading the story about the bearded sage giving advice to a man, I have to remind myself on a regular basis that there are going to be speed bumps on the way to my ultimate goals, but I should not let them discourage me.

"Humor makes it a whole lot easier for you to accept who you are and what happens to you."

(Porras, Emery, Thompson, 128)

     If we are unable to laugh at ourselves on occasion, than in my opinion people are far too uptight. Life is way too short to take everything seriously all the time. Everyone suffers at one point or another, but it is essential to pick your battles, and be light-hearted as often as possible. As the authors point out, builders face adversity, phobias, and flaws which they may never completely relinquish (Porras, Emery, Thompson, 128), but they figure out strategies to keep them in check. Once a person is able to accomplish this, it is much easier for them to cope with their inevitable flaws without allowing them to overshadow their potential.

"The Supernatural resembles nature in that, though you drive it out with a pitchfork, it will always come creeping back."

(Enright, 204)

John Culbertson

(Mysupernaturalstories.com)

     The question of whether or not a supernatural realm exists has existed as long as death itself was present in human society. It is natural to wonder if those who have passed before us are still among the living in one form or another. It is nearly impossible to prove this one way or the other, it is typically a matter of personal opinion. As Boswell explains: "All argument is against it; but all belief is for it" (Enright, 205). While I do not believe that vampires or zombies are terrorizing the Earth, I would speculate that souls manifest themselves as apparitions to visit the living long after they have passed. In my lifetime, I have heard countless accounts from trustworthy friends telling their experiences with people they knew who had been long dead. I have yet to encounter a ghost in my lifetime, at least as far as I know, and I am content with that.

"The body dissolves, but the soul, if free from worldly stains, can forever associate with the gods."

(Kramer, 117)

Socrates Drinking Hemlock

(Socrates101.com)

     The Greeks have a positive outlook on death. Socrates, a philosopher in Ancient Greece, taught his pupils that the soul was immortal and lived on long after the body decayed, so there was nothing to fear about crossing over from the physical life to the next. Socrates did not agonize over his death sentence, in fact he fully embraced it. He saw no point in continuing to live if he was not permitted to discuss he virtue, instead he came to the realization that by allowing his body to die, and was choosing to live in the spiritual sense (Kramer, 114).

     Similar to the Chinese death ritual practice, in Greece close family hold vigil by the dying person's side. Greeks have a rather interesting tradition when it comes to dealing with the dead. It is believed that the soul is "released by the heart in a breath of air through one's mouth" (Kramer, 119). The spirit of the deceased is not completely free of their physical body, however, until only the bare bones remain. The most intriguing custom happens at least five years after the loved one has died. The family unearths the remains of the physical body from the grave site as a reminder that their soul has finally reached paradise.

A Concept of Greek Elysium

The Final Resting Place for Pure Souls

(Crystallinks.com)

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork,  NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Porras, Jerry L. Stewart, Emery and Mark Thompson. Success Built to Last: Creating a LifeThat            Matters. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Pub., 2007. Print.

Hotaling & Hereafters

     "I'm out walking the streets, addicted, homeless, sleeping in the gutter, and someday I am going to be in a place where I'm supposed to be telling people about this horror. I am supposed to change things."

Norma Hotaling (Porras, Emery, Thompson, 105)

     Norma Hotaling's story of conquering overwhelming adversities in order to achieve her dream was truly inspiring. A former drug-addicted prostitute dwelling in a dilapidated motel among fellow addicts and dealers, she did not hold out much hope for a brighter future. Once beaten by a pimp, Norma was left with a plate, wires and screws in her skull as permanent reminders of her horrowing ordeal. Even though she suffered immensely, Norma persevered to become the prominent figure that she is today. By establishing The Sage Project, she is able to make a difference in countless women's lives, people who were living as Norma once had. Her wish is to assist women get out of the business of prostituting, and begin to create a stable life. She has all of the credentials to aid these women, since she once walked in their shoes; while city officials declared her ill-equipped to pursue her dream, Norma remained undeterred.

"It came down to this. I will do this and make a difference, or I'll commit suicide. It's just that simple and just that hard."

(Porras, Emery, Thompson, 107)

      Thanks to Norma's determination and holding her ground, her project is still making an impact two decades since she began . She is the epitome of a "builder". The thing that impressed me the most about her story was how she found the will to believe in herself even in such a desperate situation. It is astonishing that someone with such an unpromising future can turn her life around to make it something greatly meaningful. I believe there is a lesson to be learned here: no matter the circumstances, everyone is capable of accomplishing anything they can dream of, if they only believe  in themselves.

     While reading about the Mesopotamian versus Egyptian attitudes towards death, it became clear that the two cultures were extremely different in their views. The Mesopotamian premise on mortality seems pessimistic in comparison to the Egyptians belief in an afterlife. The epic story of Gilgamesh describes a man desperately trying to avoid death, a fate he was unsuccessful in deterring. He did learn, however, that even if a man cannot live forever, they can be eternally immortalized in the memories of the living. Gilgamesh was dead, never to rise again (Kramer, 100). In stark contrast to the Mesopotamian feelings towards death, the Egyptian culture fully embraces the idea. It appears as though they look forward to the day that their souls may finally cross over to the afterlife. Their elaborate pyramids, tombs, mummies, funerary writings, along with the Egyptian Book of the Dead further support this theory (Kramer, 100). The legend of Isis and Osiris tells the story of a faithful wife trying to ressurrect her husband, murdered at the hands of their jealous brother, Seth. Isis was successful in bringing him back to life once, but Seth quickly learned of Osiris' revival and quickly cut him into fourteen pieces to be scattered around the Earth. Isis' second attempt to restore her lover did not go as she had hoped. Although he was reborn for the second time, Osirise now belonged below the earth, in the Nether World. Judging by the differences between Mesopotamian and Egyptian views on death and immortality, the Egyptian belief of an afterlife is more appealing to me. I would much rather believe that there is something to look forward to, than feel all is lost once you die except the memory of your existence.

     People have been trying to make sense of heaven and hell for as long as time itself. Typically, heaven has been viewed as a superior place to end up in relation to hell. George Santayana proclaims that heaven consists of "frankly material ideals", a place where fish, milk, cakes, and ales are provided for the worthy inhabitants (Enright, 171).  Enright responds to this assumption: "this all sounds suspiciously like the kind of behaviour that leads to people being sent to hell" (Enright, 171). This leads me to wonder; if there is in fact a heaven, is it a place where deserving souls are finally allowed to indulge themselves in their "sinful" desires while viewing hell from a safe distance, or do the people who are lucky enough to be welcome there follow the same rules they were encouraged to while residing on Earth? Personally, I would hope that as a reward for a life filled with good intentions, one would be allowed to enjoy all the splendors heaven might have to offer.

"Here are cakes for thy body,

cool water for thy throat,

sweet breezes for thy nostrils,

and thou are satisfied."

'The Other World', The Egytian Book of the Dead c. 3300

(Enright, 176)

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork,  NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Porras, Jerry L. Stewart, Emery and Mark Thompson. Success Built to Last: Creating a LifeThat            Matters. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Pub., 2007. Print.

Gerrould Cemetery

"I would rather sleep in the southern corner of a little country churchyard, than in the tomb of the capulets"

Edmund Burke (Enright, 130)

Gerrould Cemetery

Established 1756

Wrentham, Massachusetts

(Credit: Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

     When we were asked to visit a cemetery for this assignment, my first reaction was not one of excitement, instead I felt incredibly uneasy. I have never been one to visit cemeteries, the thought of all of those bodies left to spend eternity under the earth has always disturbed me. However, I went with an open mind and brought my friend, Jon Raymond, for support.

      Gerrould Cemetery, also known as Great Plain Cemetery, is located on High Street in Wrentham, Massachusetts. It is small in comparison to most burial grounds today, with no more than one-hundred plots present, and plenty of space available for more. It was raining outside as we approached. The melancholy weather only added to the eerie aura of the burial ground. The first thing I noticed about the cemetery was it's age; being established in 1756, it is 255 years old. Nothing but weathered graves inhabit the burial ground; there was no trace of any buildings, not even a mausoleum. The rustic feel of Gerrould was intriguing, and the fear was immediately replaced with fascination.

(Credit: Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

      Many of the graves had engravings which decorated the top section of their front. The carvings had a mysterious feel, some drawings which I assumed were meant to depict humans looked creepily extraterrestrial. One gravestone in particular captured my attention. At first glance, it looks almost as though blood is trickling down the grave. Upon closer examination, I noticed the etching of a figure which appeared to be a mans face. It caused me to wonder the purpose of these adornments. I came to the conclusion that the epitaph's intention was to protect the soul housed in the grave.

Engraved Tombstone (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

     The grounds, while certainly not perfect, are well kept despite its advanced age. Sadly, some people have no respect for the deceased; many of the graves were desecrated, thoughtlessly kicked apart.  I would say that around one quarter of the tombstones were purposefully damaged. One in particular caught my eye. A grave stone had been smashed to pieces, and it seemed that someone had carefully placed it back together. Thomas White was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, Born May 28th, 1748, his life ended on March 28th, 1816. I found it incredible that a man who fought in such a historically important war in America's history was buried a mere two minutes from my house. Yet, somehow a person felt it was okay to violate his final resting place. Upon further investigation, I found that Mr. White was finally given the respect he so rightfully deserved, and some kind people had a brand new grave marker at grass level created in his honor. His was one of only a handful of grass level markers.

Top: Thomas White's Desecrated Grave Site

Bottom: Thomas White's New Grave Marker

(Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

       While I explored the head stones, it became very clear to me that the life expectancy of the eighteenth century was significantly shorter than it is now. The cause of death for a man who died at 57 years old was described as "old age". It is obvious to us now that a man who died so young likely died of unnatural causes, but in the 19th century, people lived much shorter lives. A particularly disturbing grave I came across was the final resting place of a young man named William Fisher. William was a mere 16 years old when he passed away on August 31st, 1882. Such a shame for someone who likely had great potential to die at such a young age, it is evident that medical care was far less advanced than it is in the present time.

William Fisher's Head Stone

It reads:

"God hath early called thee home."

 (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

"Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave."

Sir Thomas Browne (Enright, 124)

     The particular tombstone used at each grave site makes it easy to distinguish between the deceased who were lucky enough to be wealthy during their lives, and the less fortunate. While some are remembered with small, blank slates, others are memorialized with intricate and prominent statues. It seems that these people aspired to outdo their counterparts even in death. There is a family burial spot which stood out among all the rest. The Wilkinson Family had a large stone memorial constructed solely for them. The ground was higher than the neighboring grave sites, and only members of the family were laid to rest in this plot. Outside of their designated area, dozens of far less ostentatious tomb stones signify the final resting places of community members. In the end, whether or not one chooses to erect a grandiose memorial or not, we all share the same fate.
     Upon further investigation, I later found out that Ezra Wilkinson was the Judge of the Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Brown University in 1824. He was certainly a prestigious man in his community.

The Wilkinson Family Burial Plot

(Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

 
     You might think that a cemetery that is well over two-hundred years old would probably have no visitors paying their respects to the souls that long since passed. At least, that was my assumption. Considering the oldest gravesite was erected in 1756, and the most recent as long ago as the 1800s, I was incredibly surprised to find that this was not the case. One of the very first things that my eyes were drawn to as I entered the grounds was a beautiful pink bouquet of flowers placed at a grave site. As I approached the grave, it become all too clear why this woman was still being thought of more than 150 years after her demise in 1857. Caroline passed away on September 13th 1857, from "wounds received at the hand of her husband," the head stone reads. She was only 21 years old. As if that were not enough, just below her name, the stone memorializes Ellen, a 3 month old infant who died January 10, 1836. I could not help but wonder why the two shared a grave site. I thought perhaps that the two might be sisters, but there was no clear evidence to support that theory. It was certainly the saddest sight in the cemetery by far.

Caroline & Ellen's Site

(Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

     A few years ago, I was on a walk when I came across Gerrould Cemetery. When I learned of this assignment, I knew without a doubt that this was the burial ground I would choose to explore. I selected Gerrould because of its age; I felt that it held fascinating secrets just waiting to be discovered. An outsider examining the graves there would determine that Americans during the revolutionary times had a positive outlook on death. Judging by the inscriptions on the graves describing a life after death where you reach heaven, it would appear that they believe in some sort of afterlife. This, along with some of the elaborate grave sites (the Wilkinson family plot), would lead someone to conclude that most Americans have a great respect for the deceased. The broken head stones, however, would paint a different story. Obviously, not all Americas share the same respect for the dead. Although I find the cemetery captivating, I would not choose to be buried here, even if I were allowed to. The cemetery may have an enigmatic charm, but I find its eerie appearance unappealing as my final resting place.

Below I have displayed pictures taken at Gerrould Cemetery by myself, Erica Albert.

Gerrould Cemetery (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Rock Wall & Tree (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Graves (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Sunken Grave (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Graveyard Tree (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Leaning Graves (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Wilkinson Family Plot & Surrounding Graves (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Gerrould Cemetery (Erica Albert, 10/27/11)

Gordon & Norma

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44960859/ns/us_news-life/t/couple-married-years-dies-holding-hands/?gt1=28135

The Final 24

Taylor Swift Concert 2011

(Photo taken by Kerrie Marolda)

3.9.08

     Brandon and I first met almost five years ago. He was my closest guy friend, Dave's, best friend. We started out as just friends; at the time I was dating someone who would eventually prove himself unfaithful. Brandon proclaimed his feelings for me almost from the start, but I was in no rush to get into a relationship. After denying him twice, he seemingly gave up and pursued someone else. For some reason, this made me extremely jealous. It was then that I knew there was something more between us that I hadn't realized until that moment, it took losing him as a friend to realize I wanted him as my boyfriend. I was sure he would never even want to talk to me again. I am a very traditional person, and I never chase guys, but something told me I needed to act on this feeling. It took all of my courage to text him one night to admit that deep down, I cared for him. To my surprise, he answered back. And the rest is history.
     Brandon and I have been together since March 9, 2008. He's truly my best friend in the entire world, and he knows me better than anyone. We have had our ups and downs over the years, but in the end we always realize we are better together. Why spend time without someone when you know in your heart that all's you want is to have them in your life? He is so incredibly special to me, and I would do anything in the world for him. We have so many hopes and dreams for the future, and it would be a shame to see it end, but I would consider myself extremely lucky to be able to spend my final hours by his side. I love him more than I ever thought I could love anyone. I don't like to think about what would happen if our lives ended, but if I knew we only had 24 hours left to live, I have a pretty good idea of what I'd like to do with him by my side.

     First off, we would wake up bright and early, I wouldn't want to waste any time on our last day. We would have a breakfast fit for a king, and stuff ourselves until we can't eat another bite. We would indulge ourselves with chocolate chip pancakes, Belgian waffles, and scrambled eggs with ham and cheese. After we've had more than our fair share, we would go for a walk in the woods just to talk about everything we've been through in our lives. We'd end up at Trout Pond, and fish for a while as we reminisced on our past. When we grow bored of that, we would go four-wheeling in our jeeps, and probably end up getting a last use out of our dirt bikes. We would ride them all the way Stony Brook in Norfolk, Massachusetts. It's a nature preserve and my favorite place in the entire world. While feeding the goslings and geese that wander the sanctuary, we would unfold a blanket on the ground, and unpack our picnic lunch. He would bring a meal from his favorite restaurant, Taco Bell, while I would choose delicious angel hair pasta and minestrone soup from my favorite place, Olive Garden. We'd watch the clouds float past us, and name the shapes they created as they shape shifted up in the sky. Once we had devoured our mouthwatering lunch, we would catch a plane to Alaska (It would have to be extremely fast so that we don't waste much time). Brandon wants so badly to visit Alaska, and it would be a shame if he didn't get the opportunity to before he died. We would explore the state, reveling in the scenery and the gorgeous wildlife. I'd ski and he'd snowboard in the soft powder. To make things fair, we would take another super fast plane to Africa, which I have dreamed about going since I was a little girl. I've always wanted to see the lions, elephants, zebras, and other animals which call the country their home. Finally, I'd have a chance to view the breathtaking views in Africa, where some of the most beautiful animals in the world reside. A safari through the Savannah would give us a chance to see the amazing animals that roam the land. We would enjoy a delectable steak dinner with wine as the temperature went down. The sun would slowly began to fall, and we we'd realize our time was severely limited. We would watch the sun fade from the horizon, the stunning pink sky turning to a dark blue. Laying in bed curled up with him for the last time, I would be much less afraid of death. He would be going with me, and we'd be in the journey to whatever comes next together. With him, I would have nothing to fear and I could go with a peaceful feeling. I will have no worries. Death may be inevitable, but love is something that cannot be broken by the severing of two lovers lives. It will be all that remains when all else has perished. I would hope that the last twenty-four hours of our lives together would be the best yet.

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Song: Better Together Artist: Jack Johnson

Link Courtesy of: jamesdiehard's youtube

Mourning, Success, Zen

     "...as I have discovered, passionate grief does not link us with the dead but cuts us off from them."

C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

(Enright, 114)

     We all mourn those who have passed on in our own ways. While some choose to sulk in sorrow and despair, others celebrate the life the dead lived. Psychologists have pondered the fact that humans seem to have a vital need to find an outlet for their grief (Enright, 102). Different cultures have their own unique rituals to put the dead "to rest" and begin the mourning process. In America's past, wakes and funerals were typically very formal events, even to this day. In stark contrast to America's funeral, the author spoke of a ceremony he attended recently in China. The attendees, who normally are modest and dignified people, wailed during the service (Enright, 101). As the coffin of the widowed wife's husband was lowered beneath the Earth, she acted as though she was going to go in after it. The woman was clearly having difficulty mourning her late husband's passing. C. S. Lewis makes a good point about the way we grieve (see above quote). He means that he has come to the realization that intense disparity attached to grief is not the way to go about remembering one's life. It "cuts us off" from the deceased person's true self.

"The Purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

(Porras, Emery, Thompson, 69)

     Chapter four of Success Built to Last strives to explain how successful people continue on the track of success. It begins with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. His words are eye-opening. He does not mean to say that being happy is not an important aspect of life, rather he describes a way of life we all should aspire to, and if we reach his goal, then surely we can be happy along the way. The most prominent people of today are not trying to be incredibly happy all the time, but they make a difference in the world that we live in and their legacies will carry on long after they're gone. I think most people would be content to live such a life, i know i would.

     In order to gain success, one must remember that the money is not the main target; instead, aim to build something for its own sake (Porras, Emery, Thompson, 72). A few people may find that wealth is a worthy goal, but for most successful people this is not the case. A Person's passion should not be mistaken as a trivial pursuit (Porras, Emery, Thomson, 72). Be stubborn, and don't let anyone come between you and your dreams.

     Following Buddha's death, a multitude of schools were established as a means of continuing on his dharma (teaching) (Kramer, 58). Countless teachers relayed to their students one of the key elements of Buddhism, Zen. Zen starts with the complete negation of everything (Kramer, 58). Zen consists of four distinct faces: the sect within Buddhism, the heart of all Buddhism, the true center of all the world's spirituality's, and the zen beyond zen (Kramer, 58). Zen "denies itself"; it is incredibly hard to describe. As Kramer puts it on page 58: "Zen is the sound of one hand clapping, the plop of a bullfrog into a quiet pond, and the direct transmission of heart/mind to heart/mind". There is a "quiet essence" to zen.

   

"While living, be a dead man, be thoroughly dead - and behave as you like, and all's well."

(Kramer, 62)

     Kramer explains that the heart of zen is to commit spiritual suicide, it is one of minimal traditions whose major practice is to live as though you are actually dead. The term used to describe this experience is known as the "Great Death". One must lose all ideas of self in order to achieve this.

Photo Courtesy of Insidesocal.com

Works Cited

Enright, D.J. The Oxford Book of Death. Oxford [Oxfordshire: Oxford UP, 1983. Print.

Kramer, Kenneth Paul. The Sacred Art of Dying.: How World Religions Understand Death. NewYork,  NY [u.a.: Paulist Pr., 1988. Print.

Porras, Jerry L. Stewart, Emery and Mark Thompson. Success Built to Last: Creating a LifeThat            Matters. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Pub., 2007. Print.