We can live in a town or city our whole life not knowing the treasures that are hidden just down the street, places full of history and beauty. Being part of a social group that gathers for outings weekly, I have discovered so many fun and interesting places in Western Pennsylvania, learning to love the outdoors in the company of new friends, getting to see the mountains and their history, and finding hidden memorials in different towns.
For example, there is a memory garden in Hempfield Park, a small half-circle of walking stones named for someone’s loved ones. There are two benches to rest in prayer and meditate, and a chain-link fence to place a lock on in memory of those who have struggled with cancer. Reading the names on the stones as I walked over them, I thought of my mom and other loved ones. Countless people pass by this small-town park, and many probably have never even noticed how special and important it is, not only for recreation, but for healing and remembering. It’s a place where our lives and nature connect to give peace and healing, where we can be closer to those we have lost.
If for a moment, we just stop to take in all the hidden beauty and history and mysteries that are right before our eyes, we would see how truly blessed we are.
Jessica Bigi
West Newton