Should have taken flowers

Earlier today I did a little driving.  More than I normally do here and yet, at home, it would seem only a spin!  That’s the difference between home and away – familiarity!

I had been thinking of my Grand-Uncle, Michael Healy, who is buried in Brooklyn in Holy Cross Cemetery.  Almost to the day, nine years ago, I visited his grave before with some friends from Kiltimagh.  My aunt had sent me a note, telling me of his grave’s location and when I mentioned it to my friends, they suggested we visit.  I have meant to go back many times but was especially aware that he died in 1918 and this is the 100th Year.  Seemed right and proper to go.

The journey went well and, thanks to Google Maps, I arrived safely and in the time-frame suggested.  I drove into the Cemetery and searched for the section my aunt had mentioned all those years ago – “St Joseph’s Section, Row 19, Plot 131/132”.  I met a cemetery worker in a pick-up, beckoned to him and he stopped.  I asked about this section and he asked if I knew the location of the grave.  When I said yes, he said “I will do a U-Turn and you follow me”.  He led me to the place, got out of his pick-up and walked to the grave ahead of me.  When I arrived, he shook my hand and said goodbye.  I thanked him and meant it.

I said the Angelus there – thought if my mother was at that spot, that’s the prayer she’d say and I sang a verse of “Nearer My God To Thee”.  The place was so quiet and, looking around, I seemed to be the only one there.

The inscription on the headstone reads: “In memory of my beloved brother, Michael Healey, died Jan 6th 1918”.  Mary Margaret had told me the story.  My grandmother and her brother Michael were living in New York.  She worked with a family, minding their children and I don’t know what Michael did.  He became ill and died.  His sister arranged his funeral and put up a headstone.  Some time later she decided to return home for a visit and to see her family.  On the ship going to Ireland, she met a girl and they became friends.  Her plan was to return to New York and to her work.  However, she kept in touch with the friend and later met her brother.  They married and had three children, Mary (my mother), John and Joe.   May they all rest in peace.

I was happy that I went there today.  I woke up thinking I should go but a bit nervous nonetheless about the journey.  After Mass, I thought I’d go for it and did.  In the back of my mind I had another thought that I should bring flowers but I didn’t.  It would have been a nice thing to do.  Maybe another time!