I became interested in Find-a Grave in 2017. For me, it is a personal awakening to the better understanding of the struggles and joys of our past ancestors, friends and neighbors. Back in the 1970's, my grandmother, Laura Crane, would describe and recollect to me her participation in decoration day (Memorial Day) in Brant, Michigan. For her, as a child in the late 1890's , she said nearly the entire community participated in "Decoration Day" including ceremonies and the tidying up of the cemetery. She spoke often of how her own grandparents, parents, siblings and family would carefully manicure around a loved one's head stone. Decades later, as a child myself, I saw her continue to connect in her own way when we infrequently visited a cemetery. Today, I appreciate her thoughtful demonstration of care to our beloved family and friends. I sense her commitment and presently enjoy the opportunity to fulfill a photo request. I find peace in most cemeteries and often sense a greater holiness. Also, I will often conduct a bird survey for E-Bird at the cemeteries I visit. Life and Nature are strongly associated for me.

I became interested in Find-a Grave in 2017. For me, it is a personal awakening to the better understanding of the struggles and joys of our past ancestors, friends and neighbors. Back in the 1970's, my grandmother, Laura Crane, would describe and recollect to me her participation in decoration day (Memorial Day) in Brant, Michigan. For her, as a child in the late 1890's , she said nearly the entire community participated in "Decoration Day" including ceremonies and the tidying up of the cemetery. She spoke often of how her own grandparents, parents, siblings and family would carefully manicure around a loved one's head stone. Decades later, as a child myself, I saw her continue to connect in her own way when we infrequently visited a cemetery. Today, I appreciate her thoughtful demonstration of care to our beloved family and friends. I sense her commitment and presently enjoy the opportunity to fulfill a photo request. I find peace in most cemeteries and often sense a greater holiness. Also, I will often conduct a bird survey for E-Bird at the cemeteries I visit. Life and Nature are strongly associated for me.