Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Memories of Pere Lachaise

                                                 Brokenglass

Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris captivates the imagination. It takes you to a place deep within. Where stone statues, engraved words, and unlocked iron gates whisper names of people of the past.

It is a place where bouquets of flowers are left behind holding the thoughts of someone who has loved someone. Ah those fragrant petals that eventually dry and fall, soften the pathway for the next one who comes along.

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A larger than life stone statue stands with her eyes closed recalling memories that will lead her home. 

                                                               Angelshand
       An angel drops flowers like rain from heaven. In the background tangled tree branches are beginning to bloom, speaking of rebirth. A symbol of life continuing.
                                                              Stainglassofjesusandma

Layers of time past and present, a broken stained glass window renders a glimpse of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus. Though the images of their faces are no longer apparent a pure light continues to shine through caressing those who walk by.

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The feast of light, Holy Saturday- Reminding us that what we hold to be true will lead us, what we love will guide us, that the light will hold it’s hand out to us even when we are lost and afraid.
Oh light shine upon my path-
You are not alone child, you are not alone.

Comments

37 responses to “Memories of Pere Lachaise”

  1. Jeanne

    God bless you and yours my beautiful friend.
    Love and Prayers.
    I was born during Holy week in 1952 and it must be why I hold everything so very sacred.
    I love you
    Jeanne
    Easter blessings, love and prayers.
    I love all of your photographs and the words captivate me~

    Reply
  2. Britt-Arnhild

    Dear Corey and family.
    I am sending my greetings, prayers and thoughts to you from Roma/Terracina where I have my whole family gathered to celebrate my 50th birthday.
    Blessings to you all.

    Reply
  3. constance lefevre forehand

    you are not alone child, you are not alone.

    Reply
  4. anna

    “You are not alone child. You are not alone.” What perfect words of comfort you offer us … you, Corey, who are so in need of comfort. Thank you for your many gifts and blessings.

    Reply
  5. Julie Ann

    What stunning pictures once again Corey. I shall make a point of visiting Pere Lachaise when next I am fortunate enough to be in Paris. Wish it was right now ! I didn’t post yesterday but was moved at your discription of the family gathered to dine at the hospital each evening reliving memories. Sending you love prayers and hope for Easter – I imagine French branch may just eat far too much choc without supervision (maybe “white choc” thinking of previous post) ! Jx

    Reply
  6. ShannonL

    I love those words: “The feast of light”
    Let the light give you all the nourishment you could possibly need, Corey.

    Reply
  7. tut-tut

    A lovely contemplation; thank you for this. It makes this day much more precious.

    Reply
  8. Maddy

    Amen.
    Happy Easter Corey.

    Reply
  9. Pam Aries

    How absolutely beautiful and peaceful!

    Reply
  10. Miss Sandy

    God bless you and yours Corey.

    Reply
  11. Mary

    You, your father and your entire family are in my thoughts this Easter season. As sadness and celebration mingle, as Springtime arrives, I know you must feel torn. Your words and images are showing us you still have faith Corey – bless you for that.
    Easter blessings to you all – yes, you are not alone child.
    Love, Mary.

    Reply
  12. Marva Plummer-Bruno

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  13. annie

    hey sweetie…
    this is such a lovely and soulful entry…so peace-filled with every dear word…it made me weep this morning…but, in a good and calming way. as always, dearest friend…you are an angel among us. prayers and hugs coming your way. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! easter blessings to y’all!

    Reply
  14. Candy

    This is beautiful Corey. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family today, Holy Saturday, the day we wait on the Lord. My verse for today is Isaiah 26:8. In the message it reads: “We’re in no hurry, God. We’re content to linger in the path sign-posted with your decisions. Who you are and what you’ve done are all we’ll ever want.”

    Reply
  15. Suz.

    Dear Corey, may the peace of Christ guard your heart. Blessings on you and all your loved ones, near and far, as you celebrate Easter.

    Reply
  16. My Melange

    May you have a happy and peaceful Easter weekend Corey. You are not alone.

    Reply
  17. happycalm

    Bless you sweet Corey. You are still in my prayers. And we are all not alone. Praise God.
    You are one of life’s blessings, gal.

    Reply
  18. Judy Morphis

    Corey, you are not alone. Prayers are still being said for you and your family.

    Reply
  19. Dee

    How Beautiful…Blessings to you and your family this Easter season.

    Reply
  20. Rosemary

    Beautiful Corey!
    Have a lovely Easter weekend.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  21. Mo’a

    Dear Corey…My love and thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you all a Happy Easter and renewal.
    Your posts are all so heartfelt and enriching.

    Reply
  22. Lynda ~ Hedgerow Hollow

    Corey, wishing you and your family a blessed Easter … xo, Lynda

    Reply
  23. frenchgardenhouse

    Corey,
    Keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless you, and keep you in the palm of his hand. xo Lidy

    Reply
  24. penny

    You are remembered, and your family too. God Bless all of you this Easter and always. Penny

    Reply
  25. Tammy

    Dear Corey,
    as always your words touch my heart so much. Happy Easter to you and your family and as always you will all be in my prayers.
    love and blessings

    Reply
  26. pauline

    Your faith is as beautiful as the pictures here

    Reply
  27. Marie-Noëlle

    Father La Chaise would be so thankful to see how this place (“Mont Louis”- from which young Louis could see all sorts of violent fights) was turned into such a peaceful and beautiful garden of souls that allows meditation ….
    (Père/Father La Chaise was Louis XIV’s confessor for over 30 years)

    Reply
  28. Elaine

    “A larger than life stone statue stands with her eyes closed recalling memories that will lead her home.”
    Sometimes being left behind is more difficult than going home. As always, Corey, you and your family are in my heart.

    Reply
  29. Laura

    As you are about to begin your night shift, know that I am wishing you peace and renewed faith in your choice of being with your family in California at this time. You must be torn in two (or three or four) daily. Know that you are loved and prayed for by many.
    May the gentleness of the Easter Spirit be with you and all of your family.

    Reply
  30. lila

    Easter Blessing to you and your family, Corey!
    (P.S. I just took some Portugese Sweet Bread from the oven…I make it for Easter! I remember your telling me that it was a tradition in your family too….so anyway, I am thinking of you!)

    Reply
  31. a fanciful twist

    Corey, my prayers remain with you and your family. All my love, Vanessa

    Reply
  32. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    Bless you and your family this Easter Corey. As always you have touched me with your words.

    Reply
  33. liza

    your blog is inspiring, the photos are incredible! thank you…

    Reply
  34. Merisi’s Vienna for Beginners

    I went to St. Marx Cemetery where Mozart found his final resting place. It has been closed to burials since the 1870s, but thankfully the city of Vienna has saved this beautiful place from destruction. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom right now, and the lilacs and chestnut trees are not far behind. One could not wish for a more peaceful resting place.

    Reply
  35. Merisi’s Vienna for Beginners

    On Holy Saturday morning, I went to St. Marx Cemetery where Mozart found his final resting place. It has been closed to burials since the 1870s, but thankfully the city of Vienna has saved this beautiful place from destruction. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom right now, and the lilacs and chestnut trees are not far behind. One could not wish for a more peaceful resting place.

    Reply
  36. Boxwoodcottage

    What a divine cemetery! Corey your photos are a feast for the eyes, so beautiful they are!
    Hugs to you!
    Carol xox

    Reply
  37. bleeding espresso

    I’ve always found cemeteries comforting, and I thank you for allowing me to visit this one in such a grand fashion.

    Reply

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