The Milgrim Mosaic

First published November 13, 2017 on Facebook A day late! But still time for reflection...

Another monument from Laurel Hill Cemetery, and again one of my favorites. This one is in a part of the cemetery most people don't get to - down by Valley View, which is up against Ridge Avenue.

The Conway/Milgrim monument. It's actually designed as a bench, with two amazing mosaic panels that depict the journey of the family from Israel to Poland, across the ocean to the USA - looks like Ohio area and Philadelphia.

This entire piece is about family, to me. There is one person buried there (cremains, according to the cemetery records, even though one online source says that the young man's body is there). Alexander Evan Conway Milgrim, born 5/20/76, died 6/6/98. Only 22/23 years old. His marker says "Beloved Father - Son - Brother; PEACE.

I have been told he committed suicide, but I can neither confirm or deny. Does it matter? His family loved him and lost him too soon. Since my own life has been so impacted by suicide, I feel a special affinity for this young man and the love of his family indicated by this very special resting place. There are two curved rows of high bushes on either side, so that when you enter the area of the burial, you are extremely private. In the spring and summer, you can't really see the monument at all because of the bushes being so high. This time of year, it is easier to find, but still isolated. You can see in these picture the flowers that have been left. I am told that you can find flowers there quite often. 

So much love, such a testament to family. Exactly what a memorial should be, I think. And a true piece of art, one of a kind. If you join me in Laurel Hill Cemetery, I will be sure to share it with you.