In Memoriam
Incorporated in 1841, Albany Rural Cemetery totals more than 467 acres with more than 135,000 people buried there.
One fall day I decided to go for a walk at the Albany Rural Cemetery. I'd never been there before and frankly I was a little weary to intrude on the final resting places of people. I imagined I would feel like I was walking through someone's eternal backyard – so to speak. The reality was it was a peaceful walk and I felt more like I was visiting than intruding. As I wandered on and off the paths amongst the dearly departed I was struck by the dichotomies.
long departed with the newly departed
Veterans with civilians
remembered with the forgotten
old and the young
family legaces and the single grave
departed with placeholders for loved ones still with us
devout with the secular
wealthy amongst the poor
famous and the average
grand amongst the simple