Dad's Stone Brings Sense of Closure

Dad's Grave at Clive Cemetery

Dad chose to buried at the Clive, Alberta cemetery.  That he should be buried in Clive was one of the only direct requests that he had made in his will.  There really weren't a lot of requests or directions in his will so this was very important to be honored.

I believe he chose this spot because he loved the area with its rolling hills and canola fields of yellow against the azure skies of the Alberta prairie.  One could only feel free here and enjoy the cool fresh air.  It is also the place where the bulk of his children live today.  Jane, Jennifer, Amy, and Derrick all live within 20 minutes of this site.

For me it is important that this site is marked by the grave stone.  It is a link to my father in that it is the last known place he occupied here on earth.  In another sense as Executor of his will it marks a profound sense of closure.  It took about a year to the day of his passing to have this stone installed.  In taking on the task of Executor I had a special link to his last affairs.  As the administrative tasks on the checklist came to completion I felt that I was loosing something that kept him alive in a sense.  As long as his taxes were left to be done I had something to do.  Something that kept him apart of the living.

Now that the stone is in place we have a place to visit.  A place to remember.  Please stop by anytime you feel compelled to do so.

JP Nick Moraal Singing With The Angels

1935 - 2011

Close up of Stone.  Couldn't get rotated properly

Derrick and I chose "Singing with the Angels" because, Dad was always singing.  I could easily imagine him peering into eternity and looking forward to singing with the angels whether he's there now or waiting to be there.

Jane tending to the site

We would like to extend a special thanks to Wade Shackleton who also visited the site on the first snowfall of the year.  Wade was so kind as to plant some grass seed on the site that we look forward to seeing grow in the spring.  I remember Dad was always looking for a small farm.  One time we drove around in the late fall and during the early snowfall looking at properties.  The ground was covered in muck and snow.  It was a fond memory and this area being Wade's home town brings back those special times when the kids were young and we are all a family.

Jane and Derrick Visiting