BENCHES of MEMORIES

While I was wandering around my favorite flower gardens of the well known Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood, N.J., I began to look at all the plaques and engravings on the weathered wooden benches, which were scattered throughout the grounds and even up to the rocky cliff edge of the water.

I sat down on one of them and studied the plaque mounted there. It was dedicated to the stewardess, Deborah James Walsh, on the now famous Flight 93 that crashed into the ground in Schwenksville, Pa. with thwarted terrorists on 9/ 11. She had loved the seashore. What a tragic end to so many lives on that infamous day! I said a short prayer for the stewardess and then for all the other passengers and for their families, for all that was lost and for all that could have been.

There was a plaque that said, “Please have a seat on our bench and enjoy the beautiful view.” How thoughtful! I was thankful for all those many benches. I needed them to rest, for I couldn’t walk long distances any more, because of my progressing arthritis and ataxia. It had changed many aspects of my life and even some of my plans for the future.

Shortly afterwards I got up, walked some more, and took pictures of the beautiful and peaceful scenes, as well as the benches themselves. To reminisce on a cold windy day.

My legs bothered me again and I took a rest on another bench that said “God’s Beauty Surrounds Us”, how true! I looked at another bench, and it was dedicated to Capt. John A Carlson of the “Edwin”. Visions of a strong and rugged man at sea, fishing in storms and rough waters swirled in my mind.

Strolling along the meticulously tended and colorfully landscaped grounds, I was entertained by the bright yellow dancing daffodils and the multi hued tulips that graced these gardens. It was an unusually warm and breezy spring day, and I became entranced with the overall beauty and design of the gardens. Reading the informative guide written by the gardener, I learned both the Latin and the common names for the many plant varieties encompassed on these grounds. These gardens are home to many butterflies and their quaint butterfly houses. The gardens calmed me and inspired me to plant a few different flowers in my small garden at home. There was even a special shaded bench in the side garden in memory of Daniel Hoellering, honoring him for 74 years of faithful Scouting from Boy Scout Troop 74, in North Wildwood. It even included the Scout symbol and the motto, “Be Prepared” on the bench, which impressed me, because of my years as a former Boy Scout leader.

The steps to the shop were steep for me, but well worth the climb because it was so friendly and cozy, and the warm and caring staff shared some information and trivia of the area. I bought a hat with the lighthouse logo on it, and put it on. I am a supporter of the Lighthouse, one of their “Friends”.

I again took the lighthouse tour and viewed the many facets of the light prisms. The first floor was decorated nicely, and gave a lot of information on how it was like to live and work in the lighthouse. The second floor steps proved to be too much, but because I frequented the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse web site, I had taken the virtual tours of all the rooms and explored the several views of the grounds from different angles, and I can enjoy it all again and again from the comfort of my computer.

I went back down the main steps and sat down at the garden entrance on one of the several double benches surrounding the brick patio. The Hereford Lighthouse has a unique ongoing fundraiser, selling commemorative bricks for their brick patio. There were reminders of happy times like birthdays, family reunions, anniversaries, and also remembering family and friends no longer with us. A few even commerated their weddings that took place here. I sat and soaked it all in and gazed at the old fashioned wooden gazebo, where many a concert was held and several weddings were celebrated.

After a while, I continued on my walk, down the new sea wall to the inlet point. It was so quiet and serene that I sat down on one of the bench alcoves to look out onto the beach and the rolling surf and the sea.

The sun was getting low, and the tide was going out as I enjoyed the restless seagulls as they flew around hawking and continually looking for food. The energetic little sandpiper birds were fluttering along the surf in flowing patterns. My attention was drawn over to the now familiar engravings. I sat and thought about many things, but most importantly was how special and fragile life is and how long and lasting memories are particularly when they are shared. There are so many dedications, some eye catching, like the bench for the Marine, with “Semper Fi” at the Hereford Inlet Park. One bench reads. “Go Eagles”, one says “Remember to wear sun block” and one proclaims, “Swim near a lifeguard”. Some are poignant, some are mysterious, some are funny and some are sad, but they all are dedicated to someone who had been loved and cherished and had an impact on many other lives. I used to feel annoyed about how many times I needed to sit and rest. Now they have become my special time to imagine the stories behind the names and I eagerly look for benches to sit on, even when I don’t need to.

I am planning to purchase a brick at the Lighthouse, and to have it commemorate the 40th Wedding anniversary that my dear husband and I have just celebrated. Perhaps one day, someone will take the time to think about us and maybe even to say a little prayer.