Thursday, September 19, 2013

Visiting Blake's Grave

Although each 23rd is difficult (we would've been together for another month as a couple) and each 28th floods me with memories (the date he passed away), I think September 21st marks a different, possibly harder milestone. Blake's birthday is on Saturday. He would've been turning 26.

I couldn't be more grateful that his birthday happens to fall on a weekend this year. Without having to miss any school, I am going to leave immediately after class tomorrow and drive to Arizona. I am staying at his parents house and spending the entire weekend with his family. I can't imagine being able to spend it anywhere else with anyone else.

Blake's headstone was recently put in place, just in time for his birthday. On Saturday I am going to visit him in the cemetery for the first time since his funeral. How do I feel about this? Terrified, honestly.

What do you do when you visit the grave of someone you love and miss so much it hurts? 
Do I go with other people so I have someone to hold me or by myself so we can talk in private?
Do I talk to him out loud or in my mind?
Do I avoid stepping on the dirt he is buried under out of respect or do I allow myself to collapse on top of him?
Do I look at the picture on the headstone, the grass beneath it, or at the sky?
Do I try to act strong so I don't scare the other people around me?
Do I allot myself a certain amount of time so I don't end up staying there all day?

These are the questions I can't stop myself from anxiously posing in my head. I know that whatever I do will be fine, but that doesn't prevent me from wondering anyway. I just hope more than anything I feel him with me. As long as he's there, it doesn't matter what I do.

2 comments:

  1. I would go with his folks if they want you to, but also set aside private time to go by yourself. I think it will come "naturally" to you what you should do.. whether to talk out loud or just ask the questions inside your head. You are such a strong lady! I'll say a prayer for you!

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    1. I think going twice is a great idea. The first time I go it'll be good to have his family around. Some of his best friends were talking about scheduling a time for us to go together, which I think will be really special and meaningful. But setting aside private time is something I need as well.

      Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It means a lot to me :)

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