Portales Cemetery important part of community

Sandy Fields

link Sandy Fields

Columnist

What a bittersweet place of comfort and sorrow. The Portales Cemetery has always been a beautiful and important part of our community.

I've spent countless Saturday mornings on its lovely paths. Over the years I've read the names on the grave stones. Not just those of my loved ones, but also familiar Portales names, and those not known to me.

Probably many of you have done as I have… wondered if my name will someday be chiseled into granite, placed in these hallowed grounds.

Like you, I've huddled with family members as the cold winter winds whipped my black velvet dress, and crowded under the green canopy tent to escape the blistering sun of a summertime graveside service.

I've watched the haunting scene of the turkey buzzards congregating in the old elm trees in the fall, and delighted in the peace of snowfall blanketing the graves. I've witnessed tender moments of flowers being placed on these resting places, prayers being offered, tears being shed.

This evening our town has the privilege of attending the first meeting of the newly formed Friends of the Portales Cemetery 5:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building. I wish this organization years and years of blessed success.

Sandy keeps an online journal at her website http://www.field-days.com. E-mail her at [email protected].