The Delaware Canal is 60 miles long, and extends from Bristol to Easton and follows the Delaware River which separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Friends of the Delaware Canal installed these mile markers for the benefit of the many people that walk, run, and/or bike along the towpath. The cost of the markers was defrayed by donations. I donated mile marker 18 (and if truth be told, mile marker 25.)
The many floods along the canal in recent years has caused havoc, but by and large, most of the markers have survived without harm.
Mile maker 18 stated dedication is "In honor of" my parents. It is indeed that - and it is also in honor of a family pet. Just before I donated the money for the stone, the family cat (one of my mother's favorites over the years) passed away at the age of 18 years. He was entirely jet black except for his inquisitive yellow eyes - and his name was "Shadow". It seemed only fitting that "our stone" be number 18.
When I walk by this marker, as I frequently do, I recall Shadow and his beloved antics. He came to us in an unusual way. He was a skinny, hungry stray kitten, who one cold wintry day, crawled under my dad's pickup truck while it was parked at the family foundry and laid on the engine to get warm. My dad, upon starting the truck heard him yowling, and opened the hood to find himself looking into the eyes of his new friend.
The cold, hungry cat came home - where he was fed, kept warm, and healthy for the next 18 years.
And so we call this marker, "Shadow's Stone" and smile to ourselves when we see it.
Mile marker 25 was donated in the memory of my Mother's older brother - my Uncle John - who passed away on 23 Jun 2005 in Ridgecrest, Kern, California. His grave is so far away, this marker serves as its surrogate for his sister and her family.
While the markers are just simply little bits of rock - they trigger many memories when I see them.
10 comments:
A great way to honor a friend, sounds like your Shadow had a good life..was a lucky cat for sure! :)
What a wonderful way to honor those you love. You are a very special man, my friend. *hugs*
I agree with AK. Sometimes the simple things can mean so much, and knowing those markers are there because of you gives them more meaning than one that was randomly selected.
what a sweet way to honor your parents and your friend.
That is so cool! I loved hearing about the history of the mile markers and what makes them special to you now makes them special to us. :)
That is so cool! I loved hearing about the history of the mile markers and what makes them special to you now makes them special to us. :)
I love this Iggy. I need to find something like this to do in memory of loved ones too.
What wonderful memories--and such a simple yet important way to keep those memories alive. Seeing the marker reminds you to bring the memories to the forefront of your mind again. When I think of the term, "touchstone," that's how I see it. Thank you for sharing your touchstone stories with us, Iggy. I will probably never walk that path and see that marker, but I will certainly think of your mother's older brother whenever I drive through Kern County...and then think of your "Shadow," too.
Shadow Stone. What a great way to honor the memory of a much loved feline. Eighteen is a very long life for a cat!
Simply wonderful stories behind those markers. Your phamily is so interesting. Your your story of the kitten who lived with your parents for 18 years! Such a nice tribute. Your moms brother too. What a great phamily you have!
Post a Comment