Written in Stone

We ordered Olivia's headstone weeks ago. We ordered it through Anderson & Sons Mortuary and they work with Nu Art Memorial out of Salt Lake. I had called several different monument companies but they were all more expensive and they would not have it ready for 6-8 weeks after Memorial Day. It's a strange idea that you would "shop around" for your daughters headstone. We had several mock-ups made before we finally settled on one stone. We had very specific size and shape requirements due to her being in the infant section of the cemetery. I couldn't decide if I wanted to put March 28 twice or only once. I was worried that with only one date people may think that she was stillborn and I really don't want that. I want to honor those 3 hours and 14 minutes of her life.

Last week I contacted Nu Art and asked if they could tell me when her headstone would be set so I could come watch. I am not sure why I wanted to be there but I won't get to go to her first dance recital or help her pick out her wedding dress and this is one of her "things" I could go to. The very rude receptionist informed me that the headstone would be set before Memorial Day but they do not like people there to watch them install it and the best she could do is call me once it had been set. I didn't argue with her but I couldn't help but think, doesn't this lady realize she is talking to someone who obviously had someone die? Bryce and I drove to the cemetery last Friday after grocery shopping and from a distance I couldn't see her marker standing up any more and I was pleasantly surprised when her stone was set when we got up there. It was perfect! I was a little disappointed that I missed being there but what's done is done and I was happy to have that done. Seeing her name and the date in stone makes it a little more real and permanent. Still some days it doesn't feel real but I am so happy we have somewhere to go to see the reality of it. It is a beautiful peaceful place and I am so happy we have her so close. We have continued to visit as a family every Sunday and Bryce and I go during the week sometimes.

 The cemetery has the most beautiful flower garden. They take such great care of it.

 Bryce was just sitting there looking at her headstone. I didn't snap the picture before he started to get up but I love that he was sitting for one second. I don't know what he was doing but I'd like to think he was thinking of her.