|
Jan Neal
Elmer Love
was buried in 1918 at Old Rosemere
Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama, most
likely a victim of the influenza
epidemic. He died at the age on one and
one-half years, and his parents layed
him in a small grave enclosed in a
decorative iron baby's crib. On Elmer's
marker is inscribed "Asleep in Jesus."
Elmer's tiny grave is one of the most
poignant sights I have ever seen; I am
almost embarrassed to witness so visible
the remains of a pain that existed 87
years ago as Elmer's parents turned
their child over to God while clinging
to him as their baby. I am reminded of
the universal nature of human emotions
and how similarly we live, love, lose
and suffer generation after generation.
It is this realization that makes us
pray "Keep watch, dear Lord, with those
who work, or watch, or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those
who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ;
give rest to the weary, bless the dying,
soothe the suffering, pity the
afflicted, shield the joyous; and all
for your love's sake. Amen." (From
Evening Prayer, BCP page 124). When we
sincerely pray this prayer we join the
human race
–
1918 and 2005
–
and become part of the communion of
saints.
I am an attorney practicing in Opelika,
Alabama. My undergraduate degree was in
Journalism from Auburn University,
Auburn, Alabama, so I enjoy the mix of
written and visual art. I studied at the
Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale.
Jan Neal
Email:
jboydneal@mindspring.com
Parish: Emmanuel Episcopal Church -
Opelika, Alabama |
next
top of page