August 23, 2022

WALK WITH ME, and Remembering

WALK WITH ME ~ heat, humidity and late afternoon thunderstorms have inhibited much of the walkabouts I enjoyed last summer ~ even this week we'll be back to 90-degree temperatures.  Yet I should not complain as this is true in so many places, even worse, accompanied by drought, fire and even flash flooding. Looking down from where I live, toward Monument Park, which extends out on all four sides, I'll just venture into each block today, a brief walk among historic and beautiful buildings.  A brief walk, camera in one hand, water bottle in the other. 


A quiet place to sit and rest, four parks abundant with blooms, benches, and lunch spots extending outward from each side of the monument. Noon time the parks will overflow with business people gathering for outdoor lunchtime. Always a dog walker or two, a few children at play, perhaps dipping toes into the fountains.  Great for people watching.  One statue commemorates George Peabody, whose conservatory, music academy, library and concert hall, all part of Johns Hopkins University, are beautiful and historic buildings dominating one side of the park. 
 


The white marble Graham-Hughes house, completed in 1888, is considered to be  architect George Archers masterpiece.  A corner home, it is a standout among its red brick neighbors, to the north of the monument, facing a park full of flowers this day.  It is permanently closed, and difficult to find any written history on this extraordinary structure.  Even a search at the Library of Congress gives limited information, yet oh, how one longs to see the interior and to know more.  With lacey window curtains, a lamp on a table peeking out, and a potted plant seen ~ one has reason to believe there are residents here, yet in other ways the house seems abandoned, empty and alone.  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Another day, another time.  A country drive, wandering and searching.  
Hoping to find a small private cemetery, then found in a small wooded area near Woodstock, MD.
A cemetery dedicated for priests of the Jesuit order, today maintained by Georgetown University.
In 1974, a wonderful man, a Jesuit priest, performed the marriage of my husband and I, and he became our friend.  In years following, he baptized both of our children ~ the first in a garden ceremony at the home where we lived at the time, and the second at Holy Trinity in Georgetown, where we had been married.  Years passed by.  
Father Frank moved to new assignments, we moved our family to new places, always in touch with one another.
Through so many years he advised, helped, counseled, and always prayed for us.
Thirty-four years later, 2008.  Father Frank had returned to his hometown, Baltimore, and had retired there in a home for Jesuit priests,
yet he took the time to fly to Florida to perform the marriage ceremony for our daughter, 
the little baby girl he had baptized in a garden so long ago.
Now I am living in Baltimore, it was time to pay my respects, to say thank you
to one who was very important throughout my life.



 

24 comments:

  1. you found wonderful words to say thank you to someone who was important for you... it was a pleasure to read...

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  2. What a beautiful city you live in now. All that lovely architecture. To see such buildings that have such beauty is amazing. Wonderful that you were able to see where the priest is now resting.

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  3. What a beautiful place for walking and seeing the sights! We are certain the drive on the other day was also beautiful. Thank you for taking us along. We are hoping to travel to the east coast, Maine, that area one of these days for some nose work trials.

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  4. What a beautiful city and a wonderful tribute to your Father Frank. How I wish my mom was alive. I have so many questions for her.

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  5. Nice mini tour of interesting buildings in your city.
    Nice to , that you paid a visit to the cemetery to remember the priest that performed your wedding ceremony.
    Lots of places to explore in your town.

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  6. if all of this was within walking distance and viewing distance from my windows I would snap myself to death in just a few days. I do love those buildings. a sweet story and for so many years, I know he was happy to see you there paying your respects

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  7. What a beautiful park you have near you and what a touching tribute to Father Frank.

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  8. Lovely walk and lovely memories.

    Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. ♥

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  9. Ooh, I love looking at monuments, statues, buildings, and cemeteries too!
    Angel Father Frank was a good friend to your family, for sure.

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  10. That was a really fun tour, so many interesting and beautiful places around your area!

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  11. A beautiful post of history, memories and sights to be seen. Father Frank's gravestone is lovely in Latin. Something for me to consider. Thank you, and happy Tuesday.

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  12. You live in such a beautiful city. Thank you for the tour. XO

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  13. What a good idea to continue your historic walks a little at a time! Baltimore certainly has its own special beauty. Phooey on Trump for insinuating otherwise, though we know if he says it, it isn't so. Your love of architecture and history is obvious in your photography. Wonderful!

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  14. Some really beautiful places in the city to walk, and a meaningful tribute to a person who meant so much in your life.

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  15. Your city is so beautiful. How nice that you kept in touch with Father Frank and can visit his grave now.

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  16. You live in a most beautiful place, and that's a lovely tribute to your friend and spiritual counselor.

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  17. What a beautiful account of your walkabout, Ann. Thank you for sharing! And how nice that you were able to visit Father frank's resting place.

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  18. Your city is such a historic and amazing place. You came full circle with your Priest and friend. Thank you for sharing.

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  19. It was lovely to be able to find the grave stone and pay your respects to the priest who meant so much to your family through the years.
    I googled the monument and found it fascinating to read that they found a time capsule, and that the contents when opened were as good as new.

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  20. Thanks for the tour and wonderful photos too.

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  21. I love your 'walkabouts'.

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