1'th of November was a All Saints' Day (similar to Memorial Day). In my country is a very important church holiday. We remember particularly on that day about our close friends and family members which be gone away. We are praying behind them and we are visiting their graves. I thought about Andrea mainly on that day and I decided to visit Prague at the beginning of the November.
Being in Prague I tried to visit all places described by Chris. I also several times visited the cemetery in Dablice where the grave will be for her. I have always been interested how this place looks. I made some photographs in the Sunday morning (November 6'th).
Dablice Cemetery is very nice. The cemetery gates were designed by famous Czech architect Vlatislav Hofmans in Cubist style. There is a beautiful park behind the gates with the plenty of old trees. The cemetery is only a part of this park.
It is very beautifully there now. There are many old broadleaf trees which are changing colors of their leaves. Chris wrote, that Andrea liked colors of the autumn very much
Walking round the cemetery I puzzled where her grave will be. I remembered that Chris wrote : she will have a big place between two trees with a lot off lights. Unfortunately the commentary is very big. There are many old trees and I found many nice places. But one of them seemed special for me (see pictures above). I dont know why. Perhaps I am silly but I felt in this place somehow strange. Maybe Andreas grave will be there, who knows...
Adam Warsaw, Poland
* Sorry but Adam's photos here and in some following entries are not displaying anymore? Later photos when Pavel visited Lea's resting-place are still displaying fine. (note added 14 June 2020)
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 14th of June 2020 10:42:55 AM
Thanks a lot Adam. I appreciate your photos very much. Lucie has been looking for a nice place for a long time. Now I know the she indeed has found a nice place for her sister.
I have not visited the cemetery yet, because noone knows when Andrea's grave will be there. I've kind of lost contact to Lucie lately, who doesn't live in Prague but in another town. I'm only in touch with Monica Sweetheart, Andrea's best and closest friend, who is working on the second part of Andrea's biography for this website at present. Neither she nor me have current informations from Lucie when Andrea's grave and the monument will be finished. Monica mentioned that it's a sad situation that nobody can go to a place to worship Andrea, the one we loved. Sometime there will be a place, I'm sure. And time only matters for us, not for her anymore ...
I decided from the chronicle duty to supplement this old topic.
I described my first visit on the graveyard in Dablice in my post from 12 Nov 2005. I wrote you that I had found the special place where I had felt somehow strange. I suggested that the Andrea’s grave would be in this place. What happened then was really uncanny . I am doubting that anybody believes me. Nothing similar happened to me never earlier. I know now that I was right. It is a place which I looked for. I marked this place in the satellite photograph.
I arrived in Prague several times since then in order to visit this place. I did also a few photographs. From these photographs I did for you the photographic impression: " The Three Seasons" ( like Vivaldi )
Hi My name is Marek. I am from Poland and was last weekend in Prag. I visit Lea's grove.
Some pictures bellow. Sorry for my language.
Best regards Marek F
Note: Marek reported in December 2015 that his photos in this topic (14 photos) have all been lost! If they are ever found again, they can be added in again.
-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 8th of December 2015 01:17:45 AM
Below is the "Sixth Anniversary" wallpaper that I have sent to Pavel to kindly place on Lea's last resting-place when he visits Dablice again soon.
Chris Danneffel took the original photo outdoors near Lea's apartment in Prague in Autumn 2003 from which I extracted this close-up shot for the card. Chris has kindly approved this. Here she is again, our own lovely Lea (Andrea) with those beautiful blue eyes and kindly smile.
I have heard from Pavel in the Czech Republic that the special memorial flowers are being prepared on behalf of us all to take to Lea's (Andrea's) last resting-place at Dablice. As soon as any photos are to hand, they will be posted here and at Lea's site within the former CSS Forum. Best wishes, Victor(UK). 6th December 2010.
Posted by Petrvolsik, Czech Republic on former CSS Forum on 8th December 2010:
RE: Visits to Lea's last resting-place at Dablice on the Fifth & Sixth Anniversaries.
8 Dec 2010
Loved Andrejka, althogh I didn't meet you, I feel like I've known you all my life, because there's some magic coming from the words of all those, who have known you.
Not even 6 years after your passing avay I can't go with it, I still can't understand the sence of the torturing pain you had to go through. I still have tears in my eyes facing the cold reality. I wish to see you as soon as posible. Thanks to all those running the pages, sending their words and helping to all of us to bridge over this life since we can folow you.
With love. P. .................
Posted by Bernd30 in Germany on 8th December 2010 at former CSS Forum
Photo made by Chris Danneffel, who gave much support to Lea in the weeks before her death
The above photos were all taken by Pavel at Dablice Cemetery, Czech Republic on 9 December 2010
Pavel visited Lea's last resting-place at Dablice Cemetery in very cold and snowbound conditions on 9th December 2010, the "Sixth Anniversary" of the passing away of lovely Lea (Andrea). Please see above some of the photos taken by Pavel and also the dedication words on the "ribbon" attached to the flowers placed on the gravestone base by Pavel. Below are some words from Michael and Pavel.
Michael wrote:-
Here follows a stanza or two from a poem by Oscar Wilde some verses are apt for Andrea the lovely golden girl:
Tread softly she is near..under the snow Speak gently she can hear the daisies grow All her bright golden hair tarnished with rust She that was young and fair fallen to dust
Peace, peace, she cannot hear Lyre or sonnett, All my life's buried here, Heap earth upon it
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pavel's E-Mail about his visit to Dablice Cemetery on 9 Dec 2010
"I just came home and lit the candles for Andrea. Against all odds, I had to spend major part of the day at work. You know cursed my boss ! Luckily I saved everything I needed to. Approx. at 1 p.m. I arrived at flower shop, where the bunch has been already prepared, tied with the four-part green-golden fillet and the golden sign on it.
At the cemetery I was taken by surprise, because everything has been covered with a thick snow-cover, although there was thawing all around in the last hours. Simply told, I wasn´t able to find out Andrea´s tomb.
About half an hour I vainly went to and from. Like last year, there was nobody in sight. I asked the gravediggers, but they weren´t able to help me. Then I went to the cemetery office, where (to my surprise) Andrea isn't in the list of decedents at all !! The officer ask me for the name of the tomb-owner, which I didn't know exactly. We tried sister Lucie, which was right. I got the grave's number and returned to the gravediggers. After a while we found it finally. I had to ask one of them for throwing off the major part of snow with his shovel. Then they left me and I cleaned up the rest of snow to the nines.
When the gravestone was clean, I put down the bouquet and both laminated pictures, weighted them down with the candles and lit the candle. I took some photos as you will see. Then I stood in quietness, whispering the prayer for Andrea's soul. I told to myself: "I believe you are an angel in the heaven" This painful destiny still gets me down and probably will never stop to act this way. Indeed. I can´t imagine pain of the parents."
Postscript "Last few hours the weather turned into frost and now the snow is falling densely again. I'm afraid that the gravestone will be snowed up quickly! By the way, yesterday I caught a cold when I was wading in the snow. But it´s all in the hands of destiny. Perhaps today someone else is going to visit the grave and will clean it up again."
The "Ribbon" words of dedication on the remembrance bouquet of flowers reads in full:-
"Remembering Lea (Andrea) - from Victor, Michael, Pavel, her fans and admirers everywhere. Dec 2010"
Thanks again to Marek (from Poland) and Pavel (Czech Republic) for their kindness in visiting Lea/Andrea at her final resting-place in remembrance to say quietly a few words to her spirit, on behalf of us all, that we will remember and think of her forever.
In less than 2 months, it will be the Seventh Anniversary of Lea's passing away in the Czech Republic on 9 December 2004.
Like we did last year by the kind help of Pavel, I would like to try to arrange for some flowers to be placed at the graveside in Dablice in early December 2011. You'll recall Angostura from Poland also visited to pay his respects and place flowers there and he kindly sent us photos from Lea's resting place.
I would be very glad to hear from Pavel and Angostura, also Michael in the UK and anyone else who would like to join in, so that I can send a payment over as before, and we can have a nice bouquet of flowers on behalf of all of us for Lea.
I am also posting this above message on the former Official CSS Forum.
Thank you so much for your photos and for very kindly going to pay your respects to Lea (Andrea) again this year.
Actually, before seeing your recent posting, I had just written to Pavel to enquire if he might be able to visit again on or about the Seventh Anniversary (9th December 2011), so that I could send a cash contribution to him as last year. I am also happy to contribute towards your travelling and expenses as your tribute speaks for us all. If you send me your address by PM, I will post a contribution to you.
I notice from your nice photos that the Sun is shining! Last year on 9th December, you'll remember that Pavel had to struggle in the snow and cold to even find Lea's graveside!
This wallpaper is made with Chris's "beauty" photo - an absolutely lovely shot taken in September 2003 in Prague.
It's my favourite photo of Lea. So natural, so beautiful. In my opinion, this is the photo that should have been used for the intended statue for Dablice. I hope a laminated copy of this wallpaper can later be placed at the graveside.
Remembering lovely Lea (Andrea) seven years on and always....
Pavel is going to Dablice on Thursday 8th with a bouquet for Lea to commemorate the "Seventh Anniversary" of Lea's passing away on 9th December 2004. Hopefully, we shall get some more photos - this time without all the snow?
Here are some of Pavel's photos from his kind visit to Dablice yesterday in remembrance of the Seventh Anniversary today (9th December 2011) since Lea passed away,...
The wine colour bouquet ribbon's words chosen by Pavel read:
"Always Lea (Andrea) - with love 9. Dec 2011 - Forever in our hearts"
Rest in peace Andrea! How one can forget ...what a cruel destiny ....just as you were changing your life .....what a suffering during your illnes ...you had all your life in front of you ....but the death struck you down mockingly....
I hope you can dive in the eternal ocean love of God.
Please see attached my "Seventh Anniversary" wallpaper.
It's a simple one but the photo says it all. This is my favourite of Chris's informal pictures taken of Lea in September 2003 in Prague.
Should you be at Dablice again, please could you place a laminated print of this wallpaper there. I will of course be happy to send a donation towards the flowers, etc. as last time.
Pavel from the Czech Republic is kindly sending us some information soon regarding his recent visit in December 2011 to Dablice for the Seventh Anniversary.
This message arrived yesterday from Pavel (of this Forum) regarding his recent visit last month to Dablice on 8th December 2011 re. the Seventh Anniversary of the passing away of Lea (Andrea) on 9th December 2004...
"The larger part of the year I try to think more about the future and repel racking thoughts. As for my December visit to the grave, this time there was nothing extraordinary. I came to the cemetery about 3 p.m.
The weather was clear, the temperature around zero. Like the year before, there was no one at the cemetery, even gravediggers. As there was no snow, there was no problem to find a tomb. I cleaned it from the fallen leaves, put the candle and laminated pictures on the headstone.
As for flowers, I wanted to be a little different than the previous year. I ordered it by telephone to the same flower shop, and sent them photographs from the previous year. We agreed that it will be somewhat different in colour than the previous two years, while maintaining the character of funeral bouquets. When I picked it up, the florist said goodbye words "See you next year".
As regards Andrea, that's actually almost everything. Every one of us has his piece of sorrow and nostalgia for her. When I was putting the bouquet on the tombstone, I thought to myself something very private. And also, just like previous year, the thought that lot of people will think of her for the rest of their lives, came to my mind. I think, she would be happy knowing that.
A thought occurred to me right now. Sometimes, in the near future, in Spring probably, I will fill all empty candlesticks on the gravestone with the candles and light them. I know it makes no sense, but somewhere inside I'll maybe feel some kind of relief . Yes, I'll do it, I've just decided."
I also often bring flowers whenever I am around her cemetery the day she died. :( Such a black day. :( Last time I wasn't able to make it and so I got flowers to be delivered there - I especially ordered beautiful roses with a mix of hydrangeas.
In late November,I was inPrague and I visited Andrea's last resting place. I put down the bouquet of red roses, lit the candles and said the prayer for Andrea's soul.
I noticed thata lot ofchangeshave taken placethere.There isan arrayof black marble, from which we can learn that now this is a last resting place of three people.
Best regards
Adam
unfortunatelyit rained
-- Edited by Adam on Saturday 1st of December 2012 07:45:38 PM
This was a picture for the 9th Anniversary last year.
Next month on December 9th 2014, it will be 10 years since we lost Lea de Mae.
I was wondering who the other two people are who are shown on the gravestone memorial at Dablice Cemetery?
Thanks again to all those admirers and fans of Lea who kindly visited and kept the burial place decorated with flowers before the formal memorial was erected thereby showing fond remembrance for Lea (Andrea).