On Tuesday, March 9, I enjoyed my first walk outside since last November.

In the interim, I’ve either walked at the YMCA or on the treadmill in our exercise room.

Even though there are sure to be more cold days and walking inside, the first time outside each spring is exhilarating. It brings thoughts of what is to come.

Sunshine each day instead of overcast skies. Warmer temperatures. Shorts and cookouts. Flowers blooming and corn on the cob.

And yes, the sound of lawnmowers as we all tend to our yards.

But it’s all worth it compared to the cold and snowy winter we’ve just been thru. I really hate this “global warming” we’ve just experienced these past four months.

I live in Coal Grove, an easy five-minute walk to the back gate of Woodland Cemetery. This is where I do most of my outside walking for exercise. I probably have walked the equivalent of 6,000 miles through this beautiful Lawrence County treasure since 1997. As veteran readers remember from two previous articles about Woodland Cemetery, it’s my favorite place to pass a pleasant hour once a day.

I know that I will see people like Neomia White, Jack Richendollar, Tibby Matney, Herman Baker, Vickie McDaniel, Donna Barton, and Claudette Allen visiting with loved ones.

I will also see many, many faces of people I do not know, but who are the regulars, visiting with those that have not been forgotten.

It’s great to see these people, say hi with a wave of the hand, and continue my walk to the sound of the many different species of birds, “singing the song of spring.”

I always enjoy looking at the individual gravestones as I walk.

As related in the previous articles, there are many headstones of people I recognize, who have passed on.

Yet, each walk is different.

As I see the headstone of Paul “Pat” Patterson, I may dwell on the great Hornet undefeated football teams of 1937 and 1941 for the rest of my walk.

The next time around as I pass the headstone of John Matney, I will be reminded of a wonderful childhood, brought up by Christian parents, and my Dad teaching Sunday school class with older friends Bill Boyd, Keith Pemberton, and Frotch Fields in attendance.

Finally, on another day, I will pass the Lowry Mausoleum and be reminded of the curious murder mystery of many years ago, for the remainder of my walk.

To me, Woodland Cemetery is one of the 10 best cemeteries in the United States.

Caretakers Lee and Mallory Morgan, along with an outstanding crew, always keep the grounds immaculate.

The same can be said for “Meat” Compliment and crew at Calvary Cemetery. Lawrence Countians are fortunate to have dedicated people watching over our cemeteries.

I am reminded that one day soon, I will lie at rest in Woodland Cemetery. But, we all should keep in mind Mark 13, verses 5-8 from the Bible: “5-And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6-For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 7-And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8-For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.”

Let the reader read and comprehend.

Mike Nourse is a retired educator and contributing columnist for The Tribune. He lives in Coal Grove with wife Clara Gail, also a retired educator.