Friday, February 27, 2009

Tucked away in the gently rolling hills of Eastern Missouri near Marthasville is a historic working farm settled in the early 1800's of German heritage. The settlers visited the area and remained here...it was so reminiscent of the Rhine Valley...their home from which they left in search of new beginnings.

Among the Sorghum mill, woodshed, family home and summer kitchen...off to the side near a Water Lilly covered pond was this peaceful reminder and testament to Clara. I knew nothing about her...wife-sister-beloved young daughter? One thing for sure, her family and generations of the family since held her in high regard. The beautiful setting where she was laid to rest, the thoughtful upkeep of her exit from this life, the white picket fence to insure her grave was not tread upon...signs of respect for an honored memory. All we know about her is "Clara"...but her mark on the family farm remains one of love and respect to this day.

If you are ever around Marthasville in late October, stop by the German Heritage Farm and visit Clara's homeplace.

2 comments:

The Muse said...

The spot sounds so serene as you describe it Dan...and of course the picture appears most ethereal...

In my mind...I see here as a child..so young and innocent that nothing could be written upon her tombstone...for the fullness of life she had never tasted...

Dan Felstead said...

Muse,
I think you may be right...with no other identifications on the gravestone, it may indicate short life, yet a life intensely lived and loved by her family.

Dan