It isn't always those who are in mourning that commission a  gravestone. About one-third of our clients are still living. Sometimes it's a couple looking to make their tombstone represent a well-spent life together rather than simply to mark their passing. Other times, it's a gift to bestow upon their parents.

During the first consultation with a client who was an avid art and watch collector, he shared that 2009 would mark several significant milestones, including his golden wedding anniversary. We decided to create what we call a celebration stone which would honor the milestones and share his secret to a happy and successful life.

Incorporating lines from his favorite song and encoding a secret in the form of a Jumble word puzzle, we carved a 16 x 17 inch slate tablet using a combination of incised and relief letters. The slate was then set into a 12-foot tall organically shaped stone pillar. The celebration stone was unveiled during his anniversary garden party and now sits monument-like in his garden among his private collection of art sculptures.

In a garden of a different nature, The Cooks' Garden at Historic Deerfield Museum in Massachusetts, a stone bowl was installed and dedicated in 2009 in memory of Margaret Quinn Orloske. Margaret was a member of the museum who enjoyed open hearth cooking and gardening. She died along with thousands of others in the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

The memorial bird bath has a smooth, 6-inch wide rim which is decorated with hand-carved illustrations of cooking herbs. Underneath each image is the name of the herb. Forming a circle along the innermost edge, is Margaret’s full name, her birth and death dates, and the words of Poet, Alfred Austin, "The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature."

To discuss the possibilities of creating your own personal celebration stone or memorial, call Karin Sprague at 401.934.3105. Or fill in our contact form and Karin will contact you.