To the Editor:  

I have somewhat followed the issues surrounding the Green Hill Cemetery. I have stayed out of this because we were notified of the rules concerning tombstones in 2009, and again in 2015. My family has been respectful of the rules, and has only placed flowers and flags in the allotted vases.  

However, I have recently become aware of the cemetery tours in Green Hill Cemetery. Not only do I find this extremely disrespectful, but I find this almost sickening.  

My grandparents, Haywood County natives belonging to farming families, started out as many young couples in the early 50’s. They did not have the money for appliances in their home. They saved and bought appliances one at a time, starting with a refrigerator. 

Once settled, they decided to start a family of their own. Unfortunately, their efforts were not as joyous as many. Pregnancy complications caused them to lose not one, but two babies. The first baby was born stillborn. Once they decided to finally try again, their second baby died about an hour after delivery. I can’t imagine the devastation, hurt, and frustration they must have felt. Burying one child would be absolutely devastating, but having to bury your second one would be earth shattering. As a young couple, paying for one funeral — let alone two — would be unimaginable. Luckily, years later they decided to try again, and my mother was born. They were finally blessed with the joy that they longed for.  

Both of my grandparents worked long hours to make ends meet. My grandfather, like many, retired from Dayco. He also did side work when available. My grandmother retired from Haywood County in 1996. They worked hard to provide a great life for my mother, and eventually myself and my brother. However, they were so busy providing that they never bought headstones for the babies. Buying the headstones was the one thing they mentioned for so long. As time went on, my grandfather became ill, suffering from diabetes. He eventually lost his eyesight and suffered from diabetic neuropathy and epilepsy. My grandmother cared for him until his death in 2009.  

My grandmother has always been an inspiration to me. I was extremely close to both grandparents, and spent time taking care of both of them until their deaths. Unfortunately, I suffered from the same pregnancy complications as my grandmother. Thankfully, due to the advancements in medicine, I was able to be monitored and had a successful delivery. My son was rushed to NICU, but is now a very happy and healthy five-year-old. I can remember my grandmother being terrified that I would loose my baby, as she had lost hers. After Brennen was born, she wanted to buy headstones for both of her babies. She finally met with someone; however, she passed away unexpectedly in 2015. It is my plan to eventually get headstones for the babies.  

The pictures I have seen of the tours appears that people walk freely in the graveyard. I am concerned that we have random people walking freely over top of the babies. I understand that it might not be known that the babies are there. However, I’m sure that more children or people may be buried there that don’t have headstones either. I feel as though it is extremely disrespectful to offer tours and have people walking freely and not on paths, just to make a few dollars.

Is nothing considered sacred any longer? How do we fix this?  

Meagan Mintz