Two years ago, our daughter was suddenly taken from us. She had just celebrated her 24th birthday and had a long promising life ahead of her, or so we thought.
Amid our grief, we had to find a final resting place for our child. Old Tennent Cemetery, with its park-like setting, was our choice.
Birds chirp, butterflies flit from flower to flower; people, with quiet dignity and respect, walk or jog with their children riding bicycles or in-line skating. It seemed perfect for our beloved daughter’s resting place.
It started with little things like missing plants. Next, a statue of a sitting angel that marked the grave site until the stone arrived was stolen. Then a concrete planter with flowers in it was taken. This past Christmas, the Christmas tree disappeared from the grave.
And just this week a beautiful pink trellised mandeville plant that marked our daughter’s 26th birthday was stolen. Why? Our tragedy has left us with a heart-wrenching emptiness that is be-yond words. Don’t we have enough grief? What kind of person would steal from the final resting place of a loved one? These are deliberate acts. Most of the items could not be carried out of the cemetery.
Why are we writing? Some may argue that a few plants are not so important. To that, I say, no, the plants aren’t that significant. But creating a beautiful resting place is one of the few things my husband and I can do for our child to honor her and celebrate milestones in her life. It is our connection to her.
Looking beyond our outrage, we ask, why should others be allowed to shape our lives and take what is not theirs? Can nothing be done? Do not these people realize the hurt they are inflicting on those who hurt so badly al-ready? Will wrong triumph over right once more? Or will someone reading this help make a difference? We do hope so.
Diane and Richard Quade
Freehold

