On a bright spring morning, Tom Harrison stepped off a plane at Pittsburgh International Airport, his seven-year-old son Oliver by his side. Their journey had started in the small town of Pine Creek, Pennsylvania, where Tom worked as a park ranger in the sprawling Allegheny National Forest. But today wasn’t about checking trails or spotting wildlife.
Tom had a special purpose: attending the wedding of his old friend Brian, set to take place at a swanky downtown restaurant with a stunning view of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers. Before heading to the celebration, though, Tom had a deeply personal stop to make. Holding Oliver’s hand, he steered their rental car toward the historic Allegheny Cemetery, its Gothic gates looming in the heart of the city.
The cemetery was serene, with cherry blossoms drifting in the breeze and sunlight filtering through ancient oaks. Tom knelt beside the grave of his late sister, Mary, who had died in a tragic car accident years ago. He placed a bouquet of daisies on her headstone, his heart heavy with memories of her warm laugh and gentle hugs.
Oliver, not fully grasping the moment’s weight, clung to his dad’s hand, his wide eyes scanning the weathered tombstones. After a silent prayer, Tom let out a long breath and led his son back to the car. Pittsburgh had changed since his last visit, and Tom, more at home in the forest than the city, felt a bit lost navigating the bustling streets and unfamiliar intersections.