Reflective SpaceI had an interesting visit to Southsea near Portsmouth last week - the home my grandparents and childhood home of parents. People didn’t seem to move around as much in those days.
First I walked along the front at Southsea. It is great to see the regeneration whilst respecing the history of the place.
Heading off, on impulse I visited the cemetery where my grandfather was buried. No one from the family lives in Portsmouth now and I felt he might appreciate a visitor.
I knew the place from a very vague recollection of a visit with my grandmother when I was 5. A fleeting picture of a scene in my head of a little boy and an old woman looking at a grave. Small and precious memory.
Sadly the office was shut and the sheer size of the place meant despite my best efforts I could not find his grave. However I am sure he appreciated my efforts.
The last time I saw him was 1978 and I cannot even remember it. I was 7. Here we are in a photo taken at the time. Always well dressed even on a summer holiday. I am the one on the left in the deck chair. You sadly get neither summers or hats like that now!
Despite not finding the grave, the visit was an immensely reflective experience and I came away feeling quite grounded, happy and appreciative.
Cemeteries are places where one appreciates life and although I would not make it a frequent event, I think the reflective time and space offered is quite a gift.
Heading off, on impulse I visited the cemetery where my grandfather was buried. No one from the family lives in Portsmouth now and I felt he might appreciate a visitor.
I knew the place from a very vague recollection of a visit with my grandmother when I was 5. A fleeting picture of a scene in my head of a little boy and an old woman looking at a grave. Small and precious memory.
Sadly the office was shut and the sheer size of the place meant despite my best efforts I could not find his grave. However I am sure he appreciated my efforts.
The last time I saw him was 1978 and I cannot even remember it. I was 7. Here we are in a photo taken at the time. Always well dressed even on a summer holiday. I am the one on the left in the deck chair. You sadly get neither summers or hats like that now!
Despite not finding the grave, the visit was an immensely reflective experience and I came away feeling quite grounded, happy and appreciative.
Cemeteries are places where one appreciates life and although I would not make it a frequent event, I think the reflective time and space offered is quite a gift.
