Death by Lost

The weather was beautiful today so on my way up Taylors Ferry Rd. I made a detour I've never made. I went to the cemetery. I really don't know what possessed me, except in my 20 years in Portland I've never set foot in Riverview Abby Cemetery.

I was intrigued. I think you would be too.

First of all-the cemetery is up on a beautiful green forested hill above the Willamette river. Secondly, along with some of Portland's historical finest, Virgil Earp is buried there. Who knew? Well actually my dad knew and he told me it some time ago, but today was the day I was going to finally see his tomb(stone).

So I headed for the mausoleum/office to find out where his tomb was, but stopped myself. I realized I know nothing about cemetery etiquette. Can you look at the graves of people not related to you? Do I look like an idiot asking to be directed to his grave? On top of that I realized I didn't bring anything to put on his grave, some little cowboy boots, or a tiny lasso.

So I changed direction and instead made a nice hike through the hills, reading the names aloud, and try not to step on anyone's dead body area. After a few minutes I felt a bit odd being there. The place was completely deserted except for me (and thousands of dead people). Seriously, so I headed back to my car, got in and promptly got really lost. There are no signs in that cemetery and I went in circle after circle. It brought to mind that old adage "It's all fun and games til you can't get out of the cemetery."

But on a real note as I took in all those stone effigies, covered with moss or crumbling from years of neglect, I realized that this life isn't forever. We're not here to win the praises of men, we're here to become like Christ. It doesn't matter when we leave what we leave behind as long as it's a loving legacy and a healthy family.