Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Cemetery Tale

Bridget and I lived in Louisville during her earliest years. Money was very tight. As in nonexistent. It was necessary to be creative when it came to taking Bridget on outings around the Derby City. We lived in an area called The Highlands. Among many things, the Highlands is noted for its abundance of and varied parks. Bridget loved nothing better than to be strapped into her baby stroller and off we would go!

On the edge of The Highlands is the most magnificent cemetery imaginable, Cave Hill. In the center is the famous duck pond complete with a Fleur-de-lis fountain. These ducks are among the best fed ducks in the world. It is not unusual to see 25 people standing along the banks trying to lure the indifferent ducks and swans to swim to the edge! Trying to enticed them with the best crackers and freshest bread on the bank!

One winter day when Bridget was around two, I bundled her up in her thick snow pants, heavy duty sweat shirt, mittens, boots and winter coat and knitted fuzzy ball hat and headed to the duck pond. I parked on the other side of the pond than usual. I took Bridget out of the back seat, handed her a mitten full of crackers and then turned to close the car door.

Bridget began to walk down the soft incline towards the ducks when her little snow pant clad legs began to pick up speed. I turned just in time to realize she was out of control! I took off after her! Horror of horrors! As in slow motion I still see it in my mind! Me running down the hill, Bridget with her little hand out outstretched to the ducks with the crackers held tight.  Right over the lip of the pond and straight into the duck lake! I panicked thinking she would go in over her head!

Only a big SPLASH! I will never forget Bridget's little surprised face as she landed in murky green duck water up to her waist! Yuck! I yanked her out and we waddled back up the hill to the car. I was laughing hysterically, one of those giddy moments Mothers sometimes have.

She claims she still remembers that day. Maybe she does! All I know is that it did not dampen our affection for the ducks, the pond and the most beautiful cemetery in Kentucky.   I love cemeteries.  The peace and the beauty.  I could not wait for the leaves to change to a more dramatic display in the Lexington Cemetery....the sun was so beautifulyesterday.  She does look lost, doesn't she?

 

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ewwwwwww~duck water!
an excellent recollection, chicky...I felt like I was almost there. As for the beautiful lady, I can't decide whether I think she is "making her way very carefully"...or "just "on her way".

xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I love this picture and the entry. We also lived in Louisville when my husband was in school. We lived there from 1974-1980. I loved the highlands. Did you ever go to the Uptown theater? Still love to go to Bristol Bar and Grill. I went there when it was truely a  tinybar/grill. Do you ever go to the music conservatory at Cherokee Park? I am going to HAVE to visit soon. Your pictures are GREAT!   Anne

Anonymous said...

oh yuck. But bet after the horror it was funny. Lori

Anonymous said...

Funny!  Glad it turned out to be just a big splash!  JAE

Anonymous said...

What a fun memory.  

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, cemeteries give me the creeps but the story is adorable and the statue is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

What a funny story about your daughter!  I could just visualize chasing one of my own in such a situation.

Monica

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, that is such a beautiful picture...and the angle that it was taken makes it seem as if she really is walking...

Anonymous said...

I've always love cemeteries too...very peaceful & beautiful, and I always wonder about the lives of the people buried there...

Anonymous said...

Well...at least she's not waist-deep in duck water!  Great story, Mary!  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

What a great story!
V

Anonymous said...

Kids do have that ability to frighten us to death and then make us laugh hysterically, don't they? Great story.

Anonymous said...

Holden Caulfield like the duck pond, too.

Anonymous said...

      Ducks are fun to watch, I often wonder what they are thinking about humans as we feed them.  Thanks for sharing the memory, Mary!

Best wishes,
Debi

Anonymous said...

Love the picture.  If you've read my journal, then you know that I have a cemetery that I love to walk in.

Anonymous said...

Great story, and your photos are amazing!

~jerseygirl
http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl

Anonymous said...

My goodness!!....I love the picture....(the pond story IS hilarious!)

E~

Anonymous said...

READ YOUR JOURNAL. CHECK OUT MINE.

Anonymous said...

lovely entry Dear Mary.........

Anonymous said...

Fabulous picture! And, I loved the story. You have such a wonderful way of describing things that I picture the scene in my head as I am reading.
:-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo and delightful story!  I can just see the tiny little bundled up baby flying down the slope and into the pond ~ her lovely young mother flying terrified behind her; both to end up wet and laughing.  I love old cemeteries too; I find them suprisingly full of life.  :)