Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, Massachusetts (U.S.A.)

When my Greek family immigrated to the United States, they settled in Salem, Massachusetts (literally so freaking cool, I know). Flying around the United States has always been insanely expensive (in fact, it’s usually cheaper to fly to Europe) so I didn’t go visit a lot, but when I did, it was always magical. Massachusetts has always held a special place in my heart. It’s so incredibly different than California. They have actual seasons, the history is so much deeper, and everyone is very serious about the Red Sox.

The last time I went was in September 2022, with my cousin and husband. While Nami and I had been a few times together, Jacob had never been to Boston and his only ask was to see a Red Sox game. Before we went, this was the only baseball stadium I had ever gone to, that he had not. Now I have nothing, dammit. If you’re ever in Boston, I highly recommend a game. The stadium is pure magic. During this last trip, we mapped out the many cemeteries I had never been to. Usually when we go to Boston, we’re really going to Salem and we bypass Boston almost completely so I’ve never spent a length of time there.

We found Forest Hill Cemetery and I have to say, it’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever been to. It was gigantic (over 275 acres) and had such a peaceful vibe.

Forest Hill was founded in 1848 and is one of the first examples of a “garden cemetery” (a cemetery that is more “park like”). I could have gotten lost in this cemetery for ages but we only had a limited time before we had to meet one of my friends.

I feel like having a cemetery be more welcoming is key. There’s so many cemeteries that I’ve stumbled across, off the beaten path, and crumbling before my eyes… Those cemeteries make me sad because I know that I might be the first person to visit here in the past few days. Headstones shouldn’t be left to desecrate. Cemeteries shouldn’t feel spooky or foreboding. Cemeteries should feel full of life.

But maybe that’s just my Scorpio side being a big old weirdo.

Either way, this is a petition to get cemeteries to be beautiful and welcoming.

It can be the place where you celebrate the life of the strangers surrounding you.

Or a place where you remember to cherish your life and live it to the fullest.

Because sometimes, we need a firm reminder that life is meant to be lived. You’re meant to be an active participant in your life. Enjoy the ride everyone.