Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey from the UK to Norway with the purpose of visiting my great-grandfather’s grave. My grandfather, who had a Norwegian father, had always expressed a deep admiration for Norway, and I felt a connection to my Scandinavian heritage. My aunt accompanied me on the trip, and we meticulously planned our itinerary, which included visiting Hvasser, a small island off the coast of Norway where my great-grandfather was buried.
However, upon arriving at the graveyard, my aunt and I were dismayed to discover that my great-grandfather’s gravestone had been removed in 2007 due to damage. Despite our disappointment, a kind elderly man named Max came to our aid and helped us in our search for answers. He took us to a nearby cafe, where we met many locals who sympathized with our plight and offered their assistance.
After waiting for about an hour, a church official informed us that my great-grandfather’s gravestone had been removed due to lack of upkeep by any living relatives. I was surprised to learn that this is a common practice in Norway, where gravestones are free for the first 20 years and then require payment from the family to remain standing. If no payment is received, the gravestone is usually removed.
Despite this setback, the church official shared a photo of the gravestone that was taken prior to its removal and provided us with the names of nearby gravestones to locate my great-grandfather’s burial site. With Max’s help, my aunt and I were able to pay our respects, feeling grateful for the kindness of strangers.
Although the news of the gravestone’s removal was disheartening, it ultimately led to a moment of connection with my ancestral roots. The experience taught me about different cultural practices surrounding death and remembrance, and I gained a greater appreciation for the generosity and compassion of strangers in a foreign land.
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