Dear editor,
I was very happy when my mum showed me the article "Local cemetery called 'dehumanizing'" in the Comox Valley Record on July, 4 2012.
My dad died when I was 12, which was almost three years ago now and his ashes are buried at the Courtenay civic cemetery.
I have often wanted to leave special gifts and flowers for my dad that have a special meaning to me and to him. I have not been able to do this because of the rules that have been imposed. When my mom went to the city hall to ask why we were not allowed to leave silk flowers and other meaningful items on the plots, she was told that the rules have been in place since 1952 and in the opinion of the person she spoke to some of the silk flowers that were left were tacky.
However, mom and I have noticed that items can be left at certain plots as long as it is a Canadian flag.
Recently a new bylaw has been added to not allow dogs from being able to go into the cemetery.
When I saw the sign that said no dogs were allowed I was again very sad, as I like to walk to the cemetery to see my dad alone and feel safer when I can take my dog with me. I also think my dog likes to visit my dad, too, as they were very close as well.
I understand why some rules have to be in place, but I absolutely agree with Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave's when they say the rules at the cemetery feel dehumanized and impersonal.
I feel very sad when we have to take a trip to the cemetery to take away the flowers that we gave my dad in the fall because someone made a decision that they will be unsightly and a health and safety risk by May.
I think a citizen committee would be a great idea or maybe if enough of us write letters then these rules will be changed.
Tamsyn Steven,
Comox Valley