A CEMETERY MAY SEEM an unlikely spot to find inspiration. But that’s exactly what I found in mid October while meandering through Valley Grove Cemetery, rural Nerstrand. The graveyard sits next to the historic Valley Grove churches and rates as one of my favorite peaceful places in Rice County.
Here, high atop a hill, a vista of fields and farm sites, of woods, of prairie grasses and wildflowers, sings of tranquility. My spirit quiets in the presence of this place. Here I can hear a rooster crowing from afar. Here I can feel the wind on my face. Here I can look into the expansive sky and imagine.
I can imagine a world of peace, hope, love, kindness. Words lifted from grave markers of the dead and given to the living. If only we choose to accept them and run with them, creating a kinder, gentler world.
These words I found within the cemetery. Hope. Help. Peace. Be kind. And many more. Words and messages I needed to read in the discord of today, in these unsettling times. Words that are chiseled onto stone, chosen by loved ones to honor those they loved or perhaps chosen by the dead before their deaths.
On this day, I contemplated the power of these enduring words and quotes which inspire, encourage, uplift. These words weather storms, stand granite-strong and unchanging here under the Minnesota sky of snow and rain and scorching sun.
As I walked in this particular section of the cemetery, I felt gratitude toward those who likely lived the words inscribed upon their tombstones. I would have liked them and the examples they set by living generously, selflessly, compassionately. I would have appreciated how they lived with care, kindness, optimism and so much more. How they helped their neighbor. Loved. Served. Did everything they could to create a better world by their loving words and actions.
This I found at Valley Grove. Among the tombstones, among the dead. Messages for the living that resonate, that hold wisdom and shine like a billion bright stars piercing the darkness.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
what a beautiful and peaceful setting for so much wisdom . while they may have died, their messages have not and continue to inspire.
Beth, you would love Valley Grove for its incredible natural beauty and for the inspiring words written here.
I’m very sure that I would, Audrey
That is a beautiful cemetery. What amazing words on those tombstones, signifying the amazing people who thought so carefully to carve them in stone to be seen well into the future. “Blessed are the Peacemakers” perfect words for a time like this in our country. “Love is the life you and I weave with our hearts.” 💞 “Hope”, everything in my life has been built on hope. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who finds inspiration in unlikely places. I read obituaries and I find out so many amazing things about people who have died. I wish there was a way to capture and celebrate all of this awesomeness while people are alive! You are a wonderful human, Audrey, and I am so glad to have found you on WordPress!
Rose, thank you for your loving and kind words this morning. I think we are kindred spirits in many ways. I, too, read obits and learn so many interesting things about people. And, yes, people should be celebrated BEFORE they die. We gave that gift to my mom by hosting an open house 80th birthday party for her in my hometown nine years before her death. The community hall was packed with family and friends who came to celebrate her. To see the love for Mom was such a gift. She felt it and I know it was one of her most cherished days.
Valley Grove is such a respite in this hectic world. You can feel peace as soon as you arrive. And yes, one finds encouragement from the tombstones and those who have gone before us.
I know you love Valley Grove as much as I do. It truly is a place of peace.
Cemeteries feel, to me, like visiting an art museum and a bookstore while those residing there look on in good spirits.
I like your description of the feelings you experience in a cemetery. It’s good to hear from you, Beth! I missed you at the class reunion.
I was just talking about the need for grace and kindness towards one another. Patience so working on that one because some days it is so not there and that is not nice and brings your energies where they should not be either. Take Care (((((loveandhugs))))))
We just have to continue trying to extend grace and kindness, understanding that we are human and some days we will fail at both.
I got linked up with a motorcycle group that escorts hearses and families from church to cemeteries for funerals. While I have not made any runs myself (not yet – motorcycles or my last ride) I got the announcement for one veteran. In his obit (the e-mail usually sets some kind of history about the deceased) as brief as it was, while I never was in the same situation, over my 20 years in the military I heard stories and knew individuals who actually served through that event that the deceased lived through. This even was “glad I missed that one!” and I wrote a note to the coordinator. I must have said something (? who me) as the coordinator showed it to the family, The headstone will probably never list the man’s “Main Event” in his life. The main event cost (Officially) 400 to 500 people their lives. Unofficially after much research done years later, that figure is over 4,000. If one includes animals, figures jump to over 5000. My e-mail was shared with the family along with my condolences. We can learn a lot at cemeteries, maybe a bit more if we do a little research and appreciate the efforts of those who expired before us, as we too find ourselves at rest at sometime in the future..
Gunny, that your thoughtful email comforted the family of a veteran who experienced much is a gift. Thank you for caring, for speaking up.
I apologize for getting wordy. Forgotten in my memories about the event the above relates to, there was another John Smith. No, this was Not a joke. I guess someone, somewhere has to be named John Smith, In recruit training, a fellow recruit, in a rush (as always) rand into a Drill Instructor (DI). Not knowing the young man, the outrage exhibit by this was – well a blue streak and he asked for his name. John Smith. “How stupid do you think I am?” rang out crystal clear to those far and near. Years later I ran into a visiting Major who took up residence briefly in my office and we ended up talking about this event. He was trying to check on the award of a Bronze Star medal that he had recommended for a John Smith (!!!) – but the paperwork seemed to have gotten lost. The Major was a Lieutenant at the time of this event in artillery (cannons). 10 years later, he was still trying to track down this paperwork! The deed done by Radioman John Smith? In the heat of battle with fierce firefights, being overrun, explosions, one of which buried (alive) John Smith, Smith called in a heavy barrage of artillery on himself! The then Lt (now Major) stated “we can do that, that is where you are at!”. All they heard at that point was sounds from Smith;’s radio, of bullets impacting the dirt. Smith’s voice came back on and asked “did you hear that?” Yes they responded. They know I am here, they know I am calling in the fire and they are trying to kill me. They will kill me. I do not want them to endanger anyone else. They will unless you fulfill my request After action reports showed that this final request by Smith halted a major advance by the enemy. Before I retired (about 10 years later) there was a John Smith, a radio operator who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Blessings to you, yours and all your followers for a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Gunny, I edited out part of your comment per your request. Keep commenting if that helps you. I will always listen.
A blessed Thanksgiving to you also. Thinking of you as you continue to grieve the loss of your wife. Hugs from southern Minnesota.