I woke to a text from Gaz wishing me a happy birthday - a wish which was followed by a surprising - and very warming - number of others and a wish which was to prove very effective in coming true.
The day was cool but sunny so I decided that my first call would be to Kelvingrove Park next to Glasgow’s main University buildings. It is a magnificent park in the true tradition of British cities and their Victorian era Councils and benefactors. (Kelvingrove Park was established by the City Council in the mid 1850s.)
The reason for the call was to visit the tree planted in memory of our son Andrew - who preferred to be called Andy - who died on this day in 2006. The tree is doing really well. The setting is really fitting overlooked as it is by the splendid main building of the University - in the background of the first photo below.
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| The tree in the foreground was planted to commemorate the life of Andy |
I was taking the photos at the same time in the morning that Andy died so it was an opportunity for some quiet reflection.
After that I went to the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery to meet Friend Who Knows Too Much and her daughter who had, a few hours previously, had confirmation of her BA degree. So the lunch to which I was treated was a most enjoyable occasion. FWKTM and I then spent the afternoon at the Art Gallery and Park chatting and catching up.
Back to Anna’s we had a quiet evening with dinner and a DVD of a modern take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Thank you one and all. It really was a wonderfully happy, if sometimes reflective, birthday.
What a wonderful idea to plant a tree to commemorate someone's life. Thanks for sharing the photos. I agree it's a splendid setting indeed with the university in the background. Is it a horse chestnut tree? Looks like it to me. They are in bloom here now... So I guess when this tree gets a little older, it will be in bloom on this day too.
ReplyDeleteYes, Monica, it is a horse chestnut tree.
DeleteI agree it is a fine tribute to Andy to have a tree commemorating his life in such a beautiful setting.
ReplyDeleteAnd, belated birthday wishes to you!
Many thanks Jill.
DeleteIt's nice to plant a tree, or initiate anything that grows and flourishes. It is nice to see the big trees in the background of the second shot. What a beautiful day it looks to have been for your visit too.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday
Thanks Jenny. There are a number of memorial tress planted to commemorate lives and replace trees which had also come to the end of their lives.
DeleteThe tree is beautiful, and a lovely way to commemorate your son's life. I am glad you had a nice birthday, and want to add my name to the list of those wishing you well. Many happy returns, Graham.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol.
DeleteHow sad to share the date of your birthday with such a huge loss but I love the tree. SO glad you had a nice day too.
ReplyDeleteHere we are approaching the second anniversary of Arch's death; it is a difficult week too as there are three family birthdays around the date.... perhaps they should plant a tree too :)
In a very strange way, Fiona, sharing a birthday with the day of Andrew's death is a memorial to his life because the day will always be one of special remembrance. Andy was cremated so there is no grave to visit for which I am thankful. When I look at the tree I look at life and think of his life rather than looking at a grave and thinking of his death. That is as he wished it. Andy had no funeral. We had a celebration of his life. I hope that during this difficult time for you and your children you will be able to think, not of Arch's death, but of his life. And, yes, plant a tree
DeleteThat looks like a glorious day for a birthday - and to visit Andy's commerative tree. It's a lovely tree in a beautiful setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline. It really is a magnificent park and setting as you say.
DeleteTree looks so good and healthy. We will go and see it when we're back in Glasgow. Glad your day was good. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I love the idea of a tree commemorating life.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful day!
The idea if a tree is a beautiful one, to see life rather than to focus on death is such an important thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with the idea of no funeral. When my dear friend lost her 20 year old son about 7 weeks ago, we had a "Celebration of life" to which over 1500 people attended. It was sad (as the circumstances of his death were) but the celebration was wonderful. For those we have lost in the family, we have done the same.
I'm glad you had a lovely birthday, albiet reflective and what better way to enjoy it than with your camera too :)
Graham,
ReplyDeleteBelated wishes for a happy birthday. I do hope that you have a wonderful year and beyond ....
Planting a tree to continue the beauty of life and memories is a precious gesture of love.
All the best to you,
Cynthia