Way back before painted rocks were a trend, there existed a tradition of leaving small rocks on Jewish headstones by visitors to gravesites. There are many reasons for this tradition, but I prefer this one. … When a person passes away, we typically hear condolences or “I’m sorry for your loss.” The Jewish custom is to say, “Let her/his memory be a blessing.” For Jews, it’s about memory and never forgetting. And stones, with their permanency, are ever lasting.
On a recent run through the cemetery, I changed up my route and found myself in an area I rarely see. A cemetery is often associated with sadness; but when I run in them, I feel anything but that. To me, I only see tranquility, beauty and love.
I was immediately drawn to this small enclave with brightly-colored painted rocks on various gravestones. I paused my watch to take a closer look at the rocks and read the markers. I saw the name on the first marker that drew me in: Terry Gillies-Fear was a woman I met a few times and had the pleasure of interviewing for a magazine feature story I wrote about the Inter-Faith Council of the Wabash Valley, of which she was a founding member. Terry passed away unexpectedly in 2020. On the bottom of her marker was the inscription: “Do justice. Love mercy. March proudly.”
This was the first time I encountered a gravestone of someone I knew personally, and I don’t think that was an accident. I believe Terry’s good work continues beyond the grave. The experience affirmed something in me and I felt incredibly grateful for the beauty in those few minutes of my run.
“May her memory be a blessing.”
