News from Garden of Innocence # 9

It was the first Saturday of March, 2008. I woke early to prepare for a special service at our church that remembers the departed. It was scheduled for the next day and I wanted some quiet time to think about the departed who had made a difference in my life.

I put on the coffee and retrieved the morning paper. As the coffee brewed I paged along and came upon the article announcing the Garden of Innocence service for Annmarie, the 100th child to be so honored. Immediately I felt a strong tug at my heart, and a deep feeling in me to attend this funeral. When my wife awoke shortly thereafter, I invited her to accompany me as I had decided I would follow this undeniable "tug".

We arrived and slowly walked up the hill to the garden. Many feelings washed over me because this cemetery holds profound memories. For over 25 years, special people who are buried here have been in my prayers for the departed.

Not knowing what to expect beyond what was in the newspaper article, we took a seat and registered in the guest book. Then the awesome procession of the Knights of Columbus began the ceremonies. When we were invited to be "a part of Annmarie's life" we both rose and took our place in a line through the Knight's path of honor. Then the unexpected: We were one of the first to be handed the casket. My wife took it and turned and handed it to me. As the weight of this little girl came upon my arms, I felt a deep connection and whispered to her soul, "come with me to church tomorrow". As I passed her casket to the next in line, I recalled a hymn we often sing. The initial words are "O come with me, and I will lead you gently, into a garden of enchanting charm"... I then decided that that would be the opening song for our service on Sunday.

The ceremonies continued, and at one point I arose and stepped off to the side of the canopy so I could see better see the release of the doves. Momentarily my wife joined me. As the doves were released, one for Annmarie and one each for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a special moment unfolded. Dozens of doves, in honor of the 100 children buried here, were released. They flew majestically into the heavens above, but one flew up and then over to the edge of the canopy and few feet from my wife and me. There it stayed for almost 30 minutes, seemingly staring at us. My wife asked me if I saw some significance in this strange and unexpected situation. I said to her, "I want to think that it is Annmarie's spirit telling me she has accepted my invitation to come to church with me tomorrow!"

Many wonderful revelations gripped my soul as the rest of the weekend unfolded. A deeper connection to the Garden has resulted from this and other experiences there.

~Allan Musterer, GOI Volunteer Officiate