Benches of reflection and gratitude

Peaceful spot: the memorial bench for Geoffrey Burns,
at Cooper's Island in Bermuda

Each bench tells a story. On them are the names of people now departed, who have been honoured with words of remembrance by those who knew them.

In weekly wanderings around these quite nature reserves and parks I've grown familiar with the benches and the names. On each there are usually a few more words that conjure a thought and a moment of reflection.

Curiosity led me to find out a little about who these people were. It creates a small connection and an appreciation for their lives and how fondly they are remembered in these peaceful surroundings.

On the far eastern edge of Bermuda, in the nature reserve known as Cooper's Island, there are three personalised benches.

One is at an area known as "Geoff's Point". It is a tucked away spot of solitude, where the soothing sound of waves washing upon the long sandy beach can be heard. Nature envelops this bench, and two non-personalised benches nearby.

The bench is in memory of Geoffrey Martin Burns. It has his dates, 1990 - 2010, and the message: "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." Geoff was a student and a lifeguard. His friends, including fellow beach lifeguards, on hearing of his passing gathered that day in 2010 to place tributes to the popular young man who had been about to resume his overseas studies.

Ocean outlook: the bench for Adam Godwin
features a quote by Bob Marley

The other two benches in the Cooper's Island reserve that feature names are less than a mile away. One remembers Brenda Mattingly, and the other Adam Goodwin.

Adam died at 22, in 2010. He had a love for the ocean and was a key figure on the Spirit of Bermuda sloop, a training ship that introduced young students to the art of sailing and the adventure of travel.

On his bench is a quote attributed to singer Bob Marley. It reads: "Live for yourself and you will live in vain; live for others and you will live again."

Nearby is Brenda's seat, which a small brass plaque declares is also known as Gigi's Bench. It carries her dates 1954-2016. Brenda was a teacher, and head of geography at the Bermuda High School for Girls.  The seat overlooks a peaceful inlet and faces back towards Bermuda and the north shore where the Ferry Reach national park can be found.

In loving memory: the bench for Brenda Mattingly
is also known as Gigi's bench

Like Cooper's Island, Ferry Reach is another large expanse of tranquility and peace. It is a tract of undeveloped land where nature flourishes mostly unimpeded. A bench at the western end of the park is inscribed in memory of Donna De Silva. It features her dates, 1962 - 2012, along with a quote that has been attributed to actress Judy Garland. It reads: "The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye, but found by the heart."

I do not know much about Donna, but I appreciate the thought-provoking words on her bench, which looks out from atop a 200-year-old fort at Ferry Point Island.

All these benches are well positioned and serving as quiet spots for reflection on the world, and perhaps a moment to imagine the people who meant so much to their loved ones, who in turn placed a bench in their memory for the benefit of all.