The Great Escape

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel the need to escape. My reasons may differ from one time to the next, but the result for me is a desire to step back and escape to a place I can pull my thoughts, emotions and actions together.

This weekend was one of those times that I heard the "place" calling my name. I always know, with out a doubt, when it is time. It is almost as if my car can sense exactly where to go because on many occasions I reach my destination without even realizing that is where I was headed.

Down the little dirt road I drive, feeling a sense of relief and peace the minute I hear gravel under my tires. Instantly, I see clearly through my tears (usually brought on by the very reason I am escaping) and the beauty of the land, trees and flowers penetrates my being. What I find even more magnificent are the sounds I hear upon closing my eyes. The wind leads the chimes in chorus and the birds chirp in perfect harmony. There are no other noises or sights to interrupt the glory God wants to reveal.

The Lord's presence exudes from every aspect. In this place, He speaks volumes to me and I feel His precious comfort warm me from the inside out. I am reminded that He is near and loves me dearly. Upon these reassurances, I am able to look down, with joy in my heart, and be reminded of the reason I am drawn to this place. Noah James Galbincea : Dec 26, 2006 - Feb. 2, 2007.

There is usally no other reason that I arrive here other than I just need to be with my God and my baby boy. I still feel the desire to take care of 3 children. I still feel the need to care for Noah in some form or fashion. This may seem very strange to some, but not to me. I know he is in the best hands and doesn't literally need to be taken care of, and I am very aware that he is in heaven and not there in the cemetery. However, the need to nurture a baby or a family of 5 doesn't simply go away. I am not yet sure if it ever will. So, I find great satisfaction in taking care of what IS there and what I CAN get my hands on this side of heaven. For me, that is pruning and watering his flowers, making sure the bench and angel that decorate his tiny gravesite are in place and that the rest of Baby Land (what they call Noah's side of the cemetery) is cared for.

Prayerfully, others will be able to see this as a place of beauty and a place of reminders of the promises to come for those that are in Christ. Prayerfully, the glory and beauty of God will continue be revealed through the sight and sounds of the land. And prayerfully, others will be able to percieve a cemetery not as a place of death, but rather a place of LIFE and a place of blessings. GLORY to our God who promises eternal life if we believe in Him.

So, for now and I am sure for days to come, I will continue to escape to be with my God and my son. What a GREAT escape it is!