Memorial to a Five Year Old by DavidEMartin
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Description
Today I took a drive from Milwaukee to Madison along route 19.
Along the way I found an amusement park called "Little America." The park is in winter shutdown right now but you can see some of the rides.
Next to the park was a cemetary.
I drove in looking for a better vantage point to photograph the slumbering park.
On the way out, I passed by this.
It was a collection of toys carefully placed around a gravestone.
I'd seen things like this before and sadly confirmed that the marker was for a 5-year-old boy.
R2-D2, a pinwheel, stacking rings....
The family had left for the child's spirit some of the possessions that had given the boy happiness.
And at least in the summer months, the little ghost will have Little America to roam and ride the rides for free.
Comments (3)
DaveF
What a bittersweet image, Dave. As a father of a 4-year-old boy, I can't even begin to imagine the gaping hole that this child left in the hearts and lives of his family. But their continuing love for him, even after death, speaks volumes in this image. I have a very good friend who lives in Marshall, WI, where you took this shot, and I've been by that same park many times. Now, whenever I drive past it, I will always think of this little boy and his family and use this as a reminder to never take for granted the ones I love... especially my boy. Thanks for posting this image it really gave this fellow Badger a moment to pause and reflect. Dave
girsempa
I've been looking at this picture now for about fifteen minutes, done a lot of thinking about it, and I still don't know what to say. There is part sadness, part beauty, part hope, much emotions, but no words that go with it. I'll just leave it at that, and thank you for this image, David. --Geert
jcv2
I've met people burying the dead, and they've grown used to bury the old people, but burying children is, every time again, a shocking experience. Old people sooner or later are destined to die after having lived a life, but children should still have their lives ahead. Impressive work!