A grave site love story

Good day to everyone. Its the return of guest author, Goosebuster, once again. Several weeks ago, I saw PugsleyTonks’ post on cemeteries and gravemarkers. As my wife and I have traveled about, we too have shared an interest in visits to old churches and cemeteries. Not only are they interesting, but we have found some deeply touchy and spiritual moments while learning about the lives of the deceased. One of our favorite stories came on our last trip to Charleston, SC, where we discovered a grave site love story.

While touring through old Charleston, we visited St. Michaels Church, whose parish dates back to the 1700s. We also walked through the old cemetery adjacent to the the church. As you might expect, there were many beautiful and sacred sites to be appreciated. But, none struck us more emotionally than the grave of Mary Ann Luyten…

If you think that looks like a bed headboard…well, it is. The writing is difficult to read in my picture but the head board has her name and date of her birth and death carved into the side. But, that does not tell the story. I did a bit of online research and came up with the story.

In short, three days before Mary Ann Brewster was due to wed her future husband William Luyten, Mary Ann suffered a very serious fall from a horse. She was crippled and paralyzed for life. The love of her husband was strong and he insisted that they move forward with their wedding. Following the marriage, Mary Ann never regained her health and never left her bed. Mary Ann remained in the bed for 9 years before finally succumbing to death. William Luyten was a cabinet maker and had made the headboard for the bed Mary Ann had lived in. Before her death, Mary Ann asked that the red cedar head board be placed above her grave. Here is the small amount of information that I found on Mary Ann and William Luyten…

My wife and I love this story. I hope some of you did as well. PugsleyTonks actually said my post was like being forced to watch “The Notebook” again. Now, I have never seen the movie, The Notebook, but I imagine PugsleyTonks did not mean it as a compliment. Anyway, thank you once again for allowing me to post this story. Goosebuster

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