I do believe that I’ve waxed poetic in these pages about Belmont, Ontario, my soon-to-be home. About seeking a waffle cone at the convenience store on Main Street, and then standing outside, longing for a bench. Seeing none, I leaned against the wall and loosened my eyes across the street. The post office. And in front … a black metal bench. I’ve already consumed many chocolate-peanut butters with my backside caressed by the smoothness. And I can tell that this will be a continuing tradition.
On visit number eight or ten, I saw something new. There was a rectangular hole, about 2″ x 10″, in the middle of the bench back. “That’s nice,” I thought. A spot for a tiny plaque.
Several licking sessions later, I turned around and stared at that hole. “Jody.” What if I spoke bronzed words to my beloved, and those words seeped inside all who sat there?
Yesterday I went to the Municipality of Central Elgin and asked about bench memorials. “The cost is $2500, sir.” Ouch. When I asked how many words I could fit on the plaque, the woman recommended that I do a tour of the region and read the messages.
So I did. I wandered the harbour of Port Stanley in the evening and read about fifteen tributes to loved ones. Some were so beautiful. I cried for Jody.
This morning, I sat down and typed out my words of love:
In Memory Of
Jody Kerr
A marvelous human being and my life wife
I love you, my dear Jodiette
Yes, that’s what I want to say.
The person responsible for memorials is on vacation this week. I don’t know if anyone else has reserved the post office bench. But I have already spoken and the residents of Belmont will hear. This I know.