As we bid farewell 2024, it leaves behind a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, touching the lives of the young and old alike. 2024, in its mix of joys and sorrows, has confronted us with the harsh reality of untimely death, urging us to cherish every fleeting moment.
For me personally, 2024 has been a year of reflection and learning. It has taught me to value my loved ones more, to say, “I love you” more often and to treasure life’s small but meaningful moments. Yes, 2024 has taught me that “you do not have to be sick to die. Today, you may be here; tomorrow, you may be gone”.
This realisation hit home when my family lost a dear friend in 2024. Though not related by blood, she was family in every way that mattered — a mother figure to me and a cherished grandmother to my child. She was a good woman, full of love and kindness. One day, we spoke to her, and she seemed fine. The next day, she was gone.
Her passing was a profound loss, and she was laid to rest at the Stubbs Cemetery. During her burial, as we adorned her grave with flowers, someone remarked, “Planting flowers makes no sense. The animals will eat them all. I am tired of planting flowers on my wife’s grave only for the animals to destroy them.”
Months later, my family and I visited her grave only to find that the flowers we had so lovingly planted were gone. The animals had eaten everything, leaving no trace of our tribute. It was disheartening and raised serious questions about the upkeep of the Stubbs Cemetery. The only flowers seen on other graves were artificial. Sheep and goats were tethered there with their young roaming.
A law was passed to ban alcohol consumption at funerals. Additionally, I read a news article in which the prime minister stated, “We treat funerals in a very solemn way.” If funerals are indeed treated solemnly, why are the resting places of our loved ones disrespected? Why is the Stubbs Cemetery, unlike other well-maintained cemeteries, left vulnerable to roaming animals such as goats and sheep? I wondered if any high-society individuals or prominent people are buried there.
Some may argue that we should “give them roses while they’re alive”, but our loved ones deserve respect and remembrance even in death. Cemeteries should offer solace and a sense of connection for the bereaved, not frustration and neglect. Families should be able to plant flowers on graves without worrying about them being destroyed by anything other than natural causes.
Our family friend was a good woman who gave us so much love and care. She deserves so much more than roses even though she is gone. Honouring her means more than simply remembering her in our hearts; it means preserving her final resting place with dignity.
As we reflect on 2024, let us resolve to make 2025 a year of change. There should be regulations to protect gravesites by banning the tethering of animals in cemeteries. Implementing simple measures like fencing or designated tether-free zones can make a profound difference. Our loved ones may be gone, but their memories deserve to bloom, undisturbed by the wandering hooves of animals, we should be able to plant roses, lilies and carnations without animals eating them.
A bereaved Relative
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From overseas, I put a tomb and a $10k marble monument on my Mom’s grave only to hear there’s sheep deficating on the tomb. Was about to fix the owner of the sheep but he ran to the police. Along with public outcry from the villagers the vandalism stopped.
Desecrating, what exactly is that? The person is dead and buried, does it matter? We have had people drinking and smoking, walking on graves, what is the difference?
That is the way I see it.