Just a few facts before I start the story. 1) Rob (husband) and I have only been to Minnesota 1 other time, and that was farther south to the Mall of America. 2) The township we live in here in Ohio is called Bethel Township, so it could explain why I might have been drawn to it. 3) The cemetery is out in the country, which could account for some of the noises I was hearing. 4) After talking with Rob, I had him go back in with me and write down the information. So that being said, here we go.:)
Last Friday we left for our family vacation, and made our way to a cabin in Minnesota by Third Crow Wing Lake. When we arrived, we met a few neighbors outside, we exchanged pleasantries, and chatted a bit. We inquired about places to eat, and a neighbor suggested a place called Dorset House Restaurant in Dorset to get some ice cream, and do some shopping. We (Rob, stepdaughter, niece and I) headed that way to see what kind of trouble could find. Lol (btw their Zanzibar Chocolate is to die for!) As we made our way through the countryside, we came upon a small cemetery just outside of Dorset called Bethel Cemetery. It piqued my interest, and I asked Rob if we could stop and walk around a bit. I often make this request, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. I sometimes do this if I feel someone is pulling me in for help, but this time I just wanted to look around.
As we pulled up and I got out, I notice an older gentlemen (around 80-85 years old) sitting on the ground by a headstone eating a sandwich and having a chat with what I presume was someone in his family. He talked about his day, grandchildren starting school, his recent Dr appt, and even how well he was keeping her creeping charlie alive. (I'm not sure who would intentionally grow that annoying weed lol) I was so touched by this as it was obvious that he missed whomever it was dearly, and I can only hope that when I'm gone, someone cares that much for me. We made eye contact, he nodded and I smiled, and I kept on walking. I decided to stay a respectful distance after that and let the man converse in peace, so I headed towards the back of the cemetery to look at the older stones.
As I approached the back, I started humming this tune "cover me with heavens blue and let me dream a dream or two, oh sing me to sleep, lullaby of the leaves." Now this was rather odd for 2 reasons, because I have never heard this song in my life, and because I was standing by the rear of the cemetery with the leaves rustling softly in the wind. As I stood there, I became very aware of the noises around me, and very aware that I was being watched. I turned around thinking that Rob, or perhaps the old man had approached me, but when I looked they were still where they had been. Suddenly I started feeling "pulled" just a bit more back and to the left of where I had been standing. I knew this stop was to good to be true.
As I approached what seemed to be my destination, I saw flashes of a beautiful girl dancing and twirling, followed by a very handsome young man in overalls with a lopsided smile. As I stood there, I started hearing laughter, clinking of glasses and an occasional note or 2 of music. It wasn't long before I realized that the music playing was of similar tune to the words I began humming upon arrival. I took out my phone and googled what I could remember of the words, and what came back was this- The song is called Lullaby Of The Leaves, by Connee Boswell 1932. Rather odd I thought, as I don't remember hearing any song of this title, let alone one from 1932. As I got closer to the headstone in front of me, I could see a large simple stone engraved with the name Halvorson. At this point I was met with a barrage of more images, a man working the land, to a woman cutting bread, kids jumping in a lake, and a small dog barking. I was overwhelmed at this point and decided to just get on with it.
I first turned around to see if anyone was watching me, as I didn't want anyone to see me talking to myself in a cemetery. Lol. As I turned to the right, I heard a low whistle followed by a dog playfully barking and felt something rub against my leg. Nothing was there when I looked down, but upon looking back up I caught a glimpse of a dress or skirt going around to the other side of the Halverson headstone. As I walked around the other side, I saw that there were 3 smaller stones on the ground that read Oliver, Mary and Blanche. As I stooped down, I noticed that Blanche read Jan. 5 1905-Aug 7 1934, she was just shy of 30 when she died. I can only assume that this was the young girl dancing that I had "seen" earlier. I decided to talk to her and see if I could get any information as to what she was wanting from me, and how I could help her on her way.
I began by asking her what she needed help resolving, why she was still here and lastly, how could I help her move on. I didn't get much in the way of audible responses, but began to feel very light headed like someone had just spun me in cirlces whilst playing pin the tail on the ghostie. At this point I told her that she had died long ago, and whatever she thought was holding her here had long ago been resolved. I would be glad to help her find her way, if she would just look for an opening, a bright light, or someone she knew. I instantly felt a sharp jolt to my cheek, followed by an icy cold sensation. The only thing I can compare it to, was being slapped across the face. I again tried to speak with her, and felt another jolt across my cheek. I began to feel like I was fighting an uphill battle, and felt nothing but animosity in return for my effort. I politely told her that I was going to be on my way, and she would have to find her own path to cross over.
Upon turning my back, I felt someone push me just a bit, and I took that as my cue that she didn't want my help, and I was leaving. At that point I heard a low growl, and a loud voice telling me to be on my way, followed by another quick shove. I have learned that if they don't want your help, it's best to just let it be.
As I passed the stone where the old man had been sitting, I glanced over and noticed that it said Byron H. Roberts Sept 30 1926-Jan 25 2003 and Delores Roberts May 12 1931-April 5 2006 Parents of Brad, Steve and Sue. Now at this moment, I didn't think anything was odd as maybe the man had been a relative paying his respects. On my way to the car I notice that it seemed like the wind was "pushing" me, and I was ready to get out.
I got in and told Rob about the old man talking to his wife, and how sweet I thought that was. I was surprised when he looked at me like I was nuts, and asked what man, and told me he hadn't seen anyone in there but me. There is a fence about 4 feet high that encloses the entire cemetery, with gates that are open at the front with little bars that push into the ground to hold them open. You can either drive along the small path and park inside, or you can park in a small spot outside the gate. We were parked outside the gate, and Rob never saw anyone leave.
I'm not sure what the old man had to do with anything, but he sure had a sweet smile and I hope he is resting in peace alongside his wife (if it was his wife). As we were pulling away the gates at the front where we had been parked, suddenly slammed shut missing our car by inches. Apparently Blanche is content with being earth bound, and would rather be left alone. We passed by the cemetery a few more times on our way to various places, and each time I could see her dress from a distance dancing and twirling to her ghostly melody. I hope someone else can try to find it in their heart to help her, or I can only imagine how many more people might have to feel her wrath.