UNEXPECTED SPRINKLES
Parishioners at the Longboat
Island Chapel on Longboat Key have been blessed with the presence of a natural sanctum
inside the boundaries of their outdoor property. Abutted by parking lots on three sides, this island
jewel is shrouded in green hues of variant bushes and towering trees. Shadowed by blankets of overhanging
branches, it is a haven of foliated calm.
The lovely and lush
“Friendship Garden” is known familiarly as the Jim Marsh Garden, to honor a
man who had been a pastor of the Christian-based, interfaith church for many
years.
Brick pathways take
disciples of Mother Nature to different vantage points for contemplative
meditation and spiritual renewal.
Along the way there are occasional bricks bearing names.
Upon reaching the east
periphery of this sequestered sanctuary, sheltered from the commotion of life,
one inadvertently comes upon emblems of death.
Memorial stones in assorted sizes and shapes dot the ground in this section of the
garden.
The cremation tract here is
of relatively recent origin. Over
the course of time prior to its inception, people had placed these sorts of
tribute rocks in various locations within the entire scope of the oasis. But one or two years ago, the idea of a designated area for
this purpose was conceived and implemented. All of the pieces that had been randomly located in other parts of the garden
were moved to this spot.
Though the grounds here are not approved for interment, or burial, of cremated remains, the sprinkling,
or spreading, of them is permissible.
Or folks may choose to have only the garden stone in this memorial section as a marker
simply to recognize the decedent.
Stones for this purpose can
be ordered through the church office, or people can obtain them on their own
for an additional fee.
Anyone is
welcome to take advantage of this commemorative opportunity, regardless of
whether or not the individual is a member of the church community.
Cremation gardens have
increasingly become a feature of church properties. When roaming around any town,
occasionally you may find hidden treasures if you stray from the beaten path to
seek the solace of communion with birds, bees, and trees.
