Isn't the tombstone beautiful? I also took a photo of Otay Lake with me when I ordered his stone. An artist recreated that photo in pencil and it is the image engraved on the stone. I am very pleased with the way it turned out. When I go there, I never can resist touching the surface, it is like sliding your fingers down a piece of glass on the 'shiny' areas (like the water). But when I slide my fingers over the 'dull' areas (like the trees) it is like touching sand very lightly, so as not to disturb it.
This is 'Melody'
Yes, there is a story behind this guardian angel at the foot of his grave. I have not been able to tell that story to anyone as yet, though. I am still not ready to share that story. The depth of the meaning for me is indescribable, even still. For now, she gives me a bit of peace when I leave him there. (I didn't put her there until later.) I drive by the cemetary every time I leave the house, for a long time I had this almost uncontrolable urge to go cover him up. I would be cold and worried that he was cold. Since Melody is there, however, I have not had those feelings.