Père Lachaise Cemetery

When You’re Strange

Family is important to Europeans. The same can be said for many Americans. However, I tend to take my family for granted.

I’m independent and my family has come to accept that. When other students on the trip mention being homesick, I think I can relate. Then they mention that they miss their parents or siblings and I realize that although I care for my family, what I am homesick for is the solitude of my apartment in Chicago.

A Twist In My Story

For a long time, I’ve contemplated continuing my life as solo act. I never considered having children, and I questioned whether or not I’m the “marrying type.” Then I went to the Père Lachaise Cemetery and my outlook changed a bit.

Home to the likes of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, the cemetery is tantamount to a village, occupying 118.6 acres. The cobblestone streets and elaborate grave sites resemble illustrations from the macabre mind of Edward Gorey. It’s lovely.

Hand In Hand We’ll Stroll Again

What’s more lovely though is the dedication these families have to their deceased. Seeing generations of families buried together reminds me of my grandparents.

Alex and Annabelle O’Kash are buried together in my hometown of Lake Nebagamon, Wis., and their gravestones read, “Hand in hand we’ll stroll again.” I can only imagine that they’re still madly in love and enjoyed celebrating their 67th anniversary on Jan. 11, 2010.

Married With Children

Being at the cemetery also reminded me of the importance of family. I realized how simple gestures like leaving a flower at a loved one’s grave site conveys the tradition and love of a family. It made me realize how over the years I’ve considered my grandparents a stellar example of unconditional love and how visiting their grave site leaves me feeling content.

Most importantly, Père Lachaise Cemetery made me seriously consider having a family of my own to carry on the traditions of my parents and siblings and start new traditions with a husband and children.

Photos by Erin Edwards ... watch out, Ansel Adams!