My parents left today after a 4-day visit. They help us with fixing up the house (again) and it is always nice to have them here. I wish we could spend more time relaxing instead of working but they've expressed that it makes them happy to help. This morning my mom pulled out a bunch of genealogy items and we talked a little about some of our ancestors on her side. I'm amazed at the amount of work that has been done and yet how much can still be done. Talking reminded me that on my last visit to California I visited the headstones of family on my dad's side for the first time. My family hasn't made a tradition of visiting grave sites these days yet we have several ancestors all buried in the same cemetery. Both of my grandparents passed away fairly recently. I love how their headstones look together. Visiting the cemetery with my parents prompted stories and memories of them and other ancestors (some I'd never heard much about) and it was a meaningful time for me.

My parents lost their second child the same day he was born. I remember going as a family to his headstone on his birthday for several years. I remember considering what our family dynamic might be like had he lived. On this visit my mom told me that this section of the cemetery was called "Slumberland." I don't think I realized that all the headstones were for children and babies until this visit and it just broke my heart.