Part I: Capt. Decoster's Epitaph

Granary Burying Ground, Boston, MA | https://www.britannica.com/list/9-cemeteries-to-die-for

        The resolution started for me (and well, kinda America too) in Boston (the other Philly) while out sightseeing. I had the opportunity to go on a Freedom Trail walking tour - you know, the ones with the chatty historical guides in period costume - and decided to give it a go. I wouldn't naturally call myself a history buff, but the older I get, I find new appreciation in digging into it more on my travels. One of the last stops took us to the Old Granary Burying Ground, a colonial cemetery dating back to 1660 and the final resting place of the likes of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Ben Franklin's parents (he's in Philly), and Samuel Adams. The tour-guides get a dry laugh out of telling you that the pub across the street is the only place where you can have a cold Samuel Adams while looking at a cold Samuel Adams. It truly is a remarkable place. 

        As we continued on, our guide stopped to point out one of the thin pale slate tombstones along the path. Many so worn, perilously fragile, and leaning to one side, it's a miracle the historic cemetery is still open to the public. But this stone was especially striking, “Here lies Buried the Body of  Capt. John Decoster who died Jany. 28th. 1773. Aged 26. Years." Below it, the chilling cautionary inscription:

Stop here my Friend & Cast an Eye

as you are now so Once was I

as I am now so you must be -

Prepare for Death & Follow me.

Our guide explained that the inscription along with the winged skull at the top of the stone was “Memento Mori," a grisly Puritan reminder of the inevitability of death and that life was short and fleeting. From Latin, the translated phrase means, “Remember Death," to bear in mind as a warning, or to “Remember that you will Die." Yet the irony of this idea was that their focus and reflection on death was not a morbid or macabre one, but rather an inspiration to truly live. 

        I didn't require an explanation for the concept to hit home, and I quickly took it to heart. Maybe that's part of the reason why I like cemeteries and they don't creep me out... Actually, I find them gravely inspiring. One only needs to drive by or take a quiet walk through one, for all the trappings of this world to quickly fall away, and be abruptly reminded of the grains of sand slipping slowly through the hourglass. -You can almost hear it in the wind blowing through the trees. But time stops when you're standing in front of a tombstone, and nothing else matters at that moment but to reflect on the life lived, and become more alive in yours. What will you do with the precious gift of time you've been given? Tempus Fugit. Memento Mori. Carpe Diem.

Capt. Decoster | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15496877/john-decoster