Highland Meadow Cemetery is a sacred space where my daughter Jessica McKeen Johnson has been buried for 10 years. I have always kept fresh flowers in pots on her grave to honor her memory and to remember the joy that she brought into our lives.
She was 36 at the time of her death, and her daughters, Kylie and Audrey, were 6 and 3; our family was devastated.
I watered her plants Wednesday evening, Aug. 6; they were glorious in brilliant hues and so appropriate for Jessie. On Friday, Aug. 8, I was shocked to discover that the two pots of zinnias and a pink and purple flower wand had been stolen.
In 10 years, I never imagined that someone would desecrate my daughter’s grave; I hope that if possible, the flowers and wand will be returned.
Jeanne Johnson, Elmwood Avenue