Candy died from an awful spinal birth defect

A new chapter begins at Olive Branch Cemetery as I start cleaning this second, older and potentially larger children’s section. Today we have the cleanings of: Candy Hedrick, Mary Connors, Infant Miller, and Nora Wroten.

[@catherineloftus1376]

The people who are leaving negitive hurtfull comments would never get off their soap box, to do anything remotely like your doing. Christopher what a generous heart you have, please dont let negitive comments effect the great jobs you and your Son have done, life needs more people like you two.

[@BonnieLetourneau-zi7es]

Why ? What’s negative

[@claudiadesoto2378]

I’ve not seen anything posted ?

[@kellymcfadden7514]

@@claudiadesoto2378 Neither have I!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

@@claudiadesoto2378 The negative comments were mostly left on Tammy Marie Haywood's video. The one where I find and eventually replace the crystal that was underneath her headstone.

[@jsnanax4.]

It doesn't matter who or what videos are about , there will always be haters>> You enjoy doing this SO YOU keep doing it.

[@chelsecarter8111]

But the people who leave the negative comments....are doing what...? Nothing.. keep up ur heartfelt work...❤

[@Fancymoi]

don’t let the hate mongers dissuade you from your mission of mercy.

[@lisamyers8407]

Hello Christopher. Regarding the negative comments about you raising the stone of the little one a few weeks back… I agree with your statement 100%.. the words of one always affect the minds and actions of many, which is a damn shame. Some negative People never think before they “Type” words that can harm the deeds of noble people such as yourself. I for one found nothing at all wrong with your raising the stone to keep it visible and from being taken by Mother Earth. God Bless you Christopher for what you’re doing. ✝️🤣🇺🇸🥰😘

[@SmilingJasmine-yg6uh]

Please don’t stop bringing the buried stones to the surface. You are doing such a beautiful and caring thing for these babies. There are always gonna be nasty people. Don’t let them take your joy away

[@lisawest6533]

A poem by Mary Frey. " Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autum rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there . I did not die."

[@mary-de5kw]

Love this poem. Do you know who wrote it? I would love to have a copy of it😊

[@kellymcfadden7514]

I love this too.

[@user-kp5cr2vq3h]

This made me cry. I read this poem at my sister's funeral about 6 weeks ago. I completely feel it speaks truth but helped me release some grief. Thank you ❤😊

[@lisawest6533]

@@user-kp5cr2vq3h I love that poem, it's a comfort. I printed it when my parents passed. You will find tears of joy will come when you look for her...speak her name. Blessings and peace from God.

[@Abbie-UK]

Such an honourable work you do . Thank you xx

[@joannlunsford3394]

Thank you. Someone knew them and loved them.💐

[@leeannjohnson1808]

It is only when our name is no longer spoken that we truly die. Christopher and Ronin have ensured that a lot of people haven't truly died, because their headstones were cleaned, and their names spoken.

[@susank9506]

Christopher...please don't let negative people stop you from doing a great service by raising the stones. I can't believe they would make such a comment. 😢

[@DianeCasanova]

What negative things can people complain about? You are doing a great service. I would love to go to my grandparents and uncle's sites, but the cemetery is not a safe area to go.

[@donnabaker6252]

Christopher, do what you need to do. You are the one out there doing the work - the keyboard warriors are not. I know the one you are talking about and you did "correct" it. God bless you!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I appreciate that really. I know this new older area full of babies and young children needs a lot of attention...so I think I will do what they need to be remembered properly...just maybe not record it.

[@user-Elle41]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival PLEASE DON’T LET THE FEW NEGATIVE COMMENTS AFFECT YOUR WAY OF DOING THINGS. THOSE OF US WHO LIKE AND APPRECIATE THAT YOU VOLUNTEER AND SACRIFICE YOUR TIME FOR THE FORGOTTEN, ENJOY WATCHING YOUR WORK. BLESSINGS 🙏🏼👏🏽🙌🏽❤

[@YTmama-c1o]

Speaking as a parent who has had an infant pass in 1983, I would be so very grateful for your caring and kindness of his headstone. Don't mind the unthinking trolls. They do not know what they're talking about. You keep up your beautiful service to the cemetery community. And take good care

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I have been blown away by how many of our viewers have lost children of their own. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[@lsarlls3049]

I think it is a very honorable thing that you reset the headstones that have sunken or fallen into disrepair. Please do not take some people's negative comments to heart. You are doing the work of an angel. Keep it up!

[@karinschneemann4731]

Never forget Those who complain are just grumpy fools Restore the forgotten headstones You and your son are doing amazing work Never forget

[@MsDemonBunny]

Nothing wrong with raising a sunken headstone. Except maybe you mentioned hurting your back; so take care of that. Back, knees, neck - protect those muscles. Otherwise, if so inspired, raise a headstone. I mean, if it were me or one of my loved ones, I'd appreciate it no end. It's such a kindness when someone cares for a resting place that might not otherwise have anyone who does. And remember: naysayers are never doers; they can't stand to see someone doing the things they never would. No one gives a fig what they think.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Oh I have already had back, shoulder, and knee surgery...even broke my neck when I was 20 years old. LOL...so yeah, I definitely need to be a tad more cautious.

[@nancyw.7669]

Thanks for taking care of the baby stones. My mom lost a sister on her first birthday from meningitis. That was in the 40s . My mom is gone now so i take care of little Dori grave. And a few others while there. Makes me so sad the forgotten babys. But do understand how that happens. God will bless u for your kindness. Thanks for your generous work. ❤❤❤

[@IrishAnnie]

By accident, while cleaning my grandfather’s stone, I discovered a baby buried next to him I knew nothing about. I cleaned his as well and got my grandmother a stone as they couldn’t afford it. ❤

[@frankiebluej6902]

Do what you can and want. You are always respectful. Please don't let these couch critics stop you from doing what you feel you need to do. Thank you for your time. ❤

[@karenvaughn2248]

Take care of you’re back. You. And ronin doing a great job. Thank. You,

[@theresadailey2349]

Please do not stop raising the head stones, it touches my heart to see the work you do, and the Love you show.

[@curtdavis6069]

I think your doing a wonderful job Christopher, I would have done the same thing raising that little girls Tombstone don't let negative people bring you down you and Ronan are a Blessing .

[@claudiadesoto2378]

Your are showing your son how to respect and care , keep doing this wonderful thing ❤❤❤

[@gaildenton2807]

I love how you respect these graves. If I wasn’t in a wheelchair I would be doing the same thing. I feel comfortable in grave yards. I actually talk to the people long passes. Great job.

[@kjn3005]

Gone but not forgotten👼👼 You are doing an amazing job. It means a lot to so many of us❤ I love the genealogy, will check back later to see if anyone has more information on these precious souls❤ Don’t listen to the negative comments…please continue to reposition the stones that are sinking or need repositioning. Hope your back and shoulder get better soon.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Thank you so much!

[@Abbie-UK]

Such honourable work you do. Thank you

[@efj0096]

My friend do what your heart tells you to do I know your heart is in the right place lot's of love from New Jersey ❤

[@IrishAnnie]

Christopher, there’s ALWAYS someone. Ignore them. I love what you do! ❤

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Valid point. LOL

[@martharutherford2078]

My granny said the same poem to me before she left all of us.❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@elizabethrodriguez6701]

I stand with efj0096, measure the comments that are positive versus the negative comments. I’m sure the positive comments outweigh the negative comments. It’s not like you were desecrating that child’s resting place, you were elevating the stone. Do what your heart sends you to do. This is a great job you’re doing, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or tell you how to do your work. If you have to, elevate the tombstone off camera. Keep it up, you have a beautiful heart. 👼

[@rudylowe6155]

You will be blessed Christopher for your kind works.

[@OmaWalks]

I believe every headstone is a book of life. Resetting that headstone like you did was a beautiful thing. Again I thank you and Ronin for what you do. I think turning it into a business is a wonderful idea.

[@Linda-zd3ef]

Such loving work..God bless you and your son

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

You are so kind

[@meerfisch]

There are so many negative people who just sit on their arses and criticize. How about they put that negative energy to some good use? I think you and your boy are amazing lovely people. Don’t let the buggers get you down ❤️ from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Agreed. I had one guy last night unsubscribe and get rude because I didn't come prepared fully to clean a headstone....the stone came out SO much better than it was initially, yet he still wasn't pleased. So it goes to show that the old saying is spot on about not being able to please everyone. Thank you for watching and your support!

[@catherineanhari7573]

You fixed the stone properly and with respect… thank you so much ….

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

You are very welcome

[@catherineanhari7573]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival thank you for your service to our country ….you are a hero . I so enjoy these videos …

[@dianabeets3840]

I love what you do to save the Graves. Thank you❤

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Glad you like them and thanks for giving us a little of your time!

[@3of4sisters]

Bah to to chose naysayers! It was extremely thoughtful that you reset that stone before it was lost forever. Thank you!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

My pleasure!

[@hopalstudiosjuliehattis]

They all cleaned up beautiful 😊❤ God bless you for your hard work.

[@rovin6441]

Hello from Montana. I've just started watching your videos and subscribed. You've brought tears to my eyes as I watch you patiently and gently clean the headstones. You don't do this for money, ego or anything but kindness and care. I feel you deserve an applause. You bring forth the last thing said about those that have left us. What you are teaching your son is absolutely admirable. Keep up the great work you and your son are doing. Job well done!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Welcome aboard!

[@anissastrong2480]

we can hear you a lot better.. thank you for adding that mic with the fuzzy

[@hattiem.7966]

I was born in the 1950's and was 11 weeks early.I still have my baby funeral dress and I brought my older daughter home in it.I made it but have hearing issues due to meds for my tiny but good lungs.I was 2 lbs then dropped to 1 lb 12 oz but went home 3 mos later at 6 lbs.If I had been on time,I'd be 9 lbs.If I had been a boy,I wouldn't be here.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

As a baby who was 9 pounds on the dot…wow! I’m glad you kept fighting!

[@berniemckenna3487]

I salute you for what you are doing love from Scotland ❤️🙏

[@dianechallinor2207]

Beautiful again❤❤❤❤

[@hopalstudiosjuliehattis]

WOW I was wondering why you didn't level to stone that has the Angel with the missing head on it. 😞❤ There was no disrespect there. I can't believe people can be so appalling! You keep doing what you need to do to save our loved ones stones. Thank you and God bless you I don't see allot of people taking their spare time doin what you do.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Thank you for that. Truly.

[@Dwaine-ir2kt]

I think you should continue to dig out sinking stones don't listen to people that leave negative comments your doing a great and respectful job keep up the good work 👍

[@mary-de5kw]

Don't allow the negative people stop you from doing your amazing work you are doing including repairing the headstones that are broken and disappearing into the ground. If it were their child would they feel the same way?

[@Garden366]

Oh please! Don’t let the negative comments sway your decisions and best judgement. What you did was absolutely wonderful and deeply respectful and was the reason i began to follow your channel. I couldn’t believe that you went to such extent to restore a strangers grave site and it touched me deeply. Please, if you find another such grave, do not hesitate to restore or raise it. If it were my family, I’d very much appreciate your efforts! Who knows why some people are so vile they would prefer a grave to fall into such ruin that it would be impossible to tell who was buried there because the stone and the grave itself would become a derelict site. How evil their hearts must be. Bless you for caring!

[@SandraJackson-hz9vb]

Do not worry about the negative comments. You are doing something that I wish that it was being done on a regular basis at the cemeteries. I hate to see markers sinking or broken. Especially the children! Like you said it would have kept sinking and she would be forgotten.

[@tabby6017]

I just found your videos. I want to thank you for what you are doing. All the stones look amazing when you are finished with them. Dont let haters keep you from doing such a kind and honerable deed. ❤

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Welcome! I have no intention of stopping. Can’t please everyone. ☺️

[@lindafriedlander5228]

As alway, a beautiful job on all four of those precious babies' graves, Christopher. You are truly are a wonderful person to do this. God bless you! And Wroten is pronounced Wrote-en. :)

[@kathleenorr9237]

You are doing a magnificent job, lots of love from Scotland ❤

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Thank you so much! Always makes me smile hearing that our little channel is being watched so far away. Blows my mind.

[@kathleenorr9237]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival I know, one of the good things this platform can do 😁

[@MeMe-cz6pk]

What you're doing here is remarkable. I try to make a visit to our family plot a couple times a year, specifically to tidy up, I've never attempted to do anything as complex as you do. Thank you for what you do, The parents of these little ones have likely passed. I'm not sure if theres anyone to maintain the resting places. Negative comments? Some people have no filters and should sit on their fingers rather than type.

[@cathyrowe727]

I am sorry about the uncaring person that left the hurtful message to you. It makes me wonder if it was someone that they cared for you were repairing their stone if they would feel the same way. Me and my family think it is wonderful what you are doing. I say keep up the great work. Maybe go and repair those you feel need work like you did for that little girl just not film it.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

As a police officer I am used to being being rude and saying things...I just didn't expect it doing this type of hobby. So I was taken aback slightly to be honest. But the VAST majority of comments from you all have been amazing and heartwarming. So thank you.

[@leeannjohnson1808]

As the sister of a retired Chesterfield, Va. Deputy....Thank You for standing between the good guys and the bad guys. Sometimes, it's hard to tell them apart!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

@@leeannjohnson1808 I have actually applied for Chesterfield ages ago before I ended up going into the Army.

[@leeannjohnson1808]

Christopher, research a serial killer who operated in Richmond back in the 80's. Back when my brother worked transporting prisoners to and from the courthouse, he transported that individual. He was known as "the southside strangler". My brother said there was NO DOUBT in his mind that man was pure evil. Thank you for ALL you do, in and out of uniform.

[@elmacoffman6933]

People should thank you for caring I think you did a awesome job

[@nancycurtis488]

You are doing a wonderful service…thank you so much.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Our pleasure!

[@kellymcfadden7514]

Nice work! Hoping you and Ronin stay well and have a nice weekend! Stay safe! Thank you!!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Thanks, you too!

[@Niamh07421]

Beautiful job

[@susank9506]

By the way, the microphone works great! I got some D2 and cleaned my aunt and uncle's stone and it works so good! It was very hard though, you make it look so easy 😊

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

It’s not easy at all. Definitely takes some elbow grease. Lol.

[@alicesanchez5340]

I really think that it was very nice for you to have done what you did for the little girl’s headstone. You do whatever it is you think you need to do so the headstones look the way you want them to. There’s ALWAYS going to be some people that have something to say, but you don’t let it get to you what you’re doing is from your heart and NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING BECAUSE OUR LORD KNOWS WHY YOU DO IT. WE ALL KNOW THAT THOSE PEOPLE WOULD NOT GO OUT AND DO IT.❤

[@lisacoleman7330]

There are other KZbinrs that do what you do and do repair on them. Just because a few narrow minded people got their panties in a twist doesn’t mean we all did. Nay sayers be d$&?&$ !! Keep doing what you do. I know I’d want someone looking after my loved ones after I’m gone!!

[@sallycripe2697]

Suggestion: Go ahead and raise them, just not on video. That way the trolls won't be fed. I appreciate the time you take to do this and to teach your son to respect them. Just wish someone in the area where my great-grandparents, grandparents and infant cousin are would do this.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Great idea

[@nancycurtis488]

I wonder where you are? Nine of my family members are in the old Kit Cemetery, a part of the Oak Grove Cemetery in Irving, Texas. It is well over hundred years old. I would pay someone to clean up their stones-as we can’t do it ourselves. We live 120 miles from Irving in east Texas and are in our mid-70’s. My great-grandmother has the oldest grave in our family plot…1913 and the newest is my uncle Clyde who died in the 1990…96, I think. We have 4 plots further up from my family section. They were the that’s 4 plots available. There are about 180 graves in the old Kit section. Thank you for your time and effort. You are a good young man.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I am all the way out near Virginia Beach, Virginia...so a good ways away from Texas. Otherwise, I would be happy to help. I have actually been in contact with someone about looking into the potential of making a legit business out of this. I love doing the work and if I could make it a full time thing...that would make very proud to helps as many families out as I could. Are there no services like this in your area?

[@rosefazio1859]

If you came across a tombstone that was one of my family members that had sunk into the ground and you restored it to the way it was supposed to be, I would be eternally greatful. Haters are gonna hate and I wouldn't pay attention to them. You do what you feel is the right thing to do. I personally would dig it up and replace it the way it was meant to be. Keep doing Gods work.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I appreciate that, Rose. I get enough negativity in my actual job, so it wasn’t expected doing this…but you’re right….some people are just negative no matter what the context.

[@sarah2.017]

Two years later, Candy's sister Susan lived 7 days. RIP to both of them.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I saw that. Very sad and odd indeed.

[@sharronhogan523]

I keep my parents and brothers tombstone clean and always have flowers

[@deborahbolton3417]

I love the way you take care of the headstones and your son helps you and sometimes you know he doesn’t. He’s a kid, but he watches and he knows just don’t force him. He’ll learn the love by his father and I hope people are helping you out more every video I watch I share it on Facebook, so take care yourself and again thank you!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@deannacooley1287]

Ty for your service and what would you use to clean a headstone?

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Thank you. We use rain water that I collect in a barrel in the backyard and a product called D2 Biological Solutions. That is the main difference maker long term in these stones looking amazing after a few weeks.

[@jadeblues357]

If I were you, I would do what you feel is right, and lift the headstones and ignore the people that think that’s inappropriate because personally, I think it’s more inappropriate to let them sink into the ground. That’s just my opinion! I don’t understand the people that leave comments like that they’re not walking their hometown, graveyards and trying to make them better. They should be ashamed of themselves.😢

[@psefti]

Most likely spina bifida it is caused by a folic acid deficiency during pregnancy. My first child died from it at birth in 1958. Back then they had no idea what caused it.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

I am very sorry about your little one. May they rest in peace.

[@WacoUIC1933]

What exactly is D2? Is it a brand name, or a generic name? I would like to clean a few gravestones in my local cemetery, but I don't want to use the wrong stuff. Our local monument maker said to use Dawn dishwashing liquid, but I find it to be fairly useless. Also, what kind of brush are you using?

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Yes, D2 is the name. It’s fully called D2 Biological Solution. I order mine from a place called Atlas Preservation. Not easy to find online aside from specialty places like that.

[@user-yt6hf4mp2i]

HOW can someone say hurtful comments about what he's doing?

[@donnawoodman6249]

I noticed you said that little Candy died of a terrible spinal defect, what was it and how did you find that out?

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Looked her cause of death up in the cemetery records. Says “meningocele “.

[@donnawoodman6249]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival thank you for looking it up. My daughter was born with the same defect but she lived a little longer, 3 1/2 yrs. Modern medicine gave us that much time to be a family ❤️💔

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

That makes me both happy and heartbroken for you all at the same time. 😞

[@donnawoodman6249]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival I thank you for your empathy.

[@susanwahl6322]

You could fix those graves. Just don’t post them.

[@steveneighner7543]

You'll never satisfy everyone. When I went to visit my mothers grave after Memorial Day, there was a couple at the upper end of the cemetery doing some work because a large tombstone was leaning heavily and they decided to move a flagpole which I don't think they had permission to do. But they did a good job to which I asked them why they eren't recording their work to share on KZbin and apparently it just never dawned on them to do it. But people can be very picky about graveyards and you just have to grow thick skin because as long as you have permission by the cemetery owners or whoever runs them, then fix the gravestones and don't worry what people commenting on your videos say. No matter who you are, if you post videos looking for comments, you're going to get praise, ridicule, encouragement and criticism. The question is, why are you doing this and if the stone is leaning, damaged or sinking then if someone doesn't fix them then what's going to happen? A lot of the older abandoned cemeteries I've seen showcased on Sidestep Adventures, no one's caring for them or repairing them beyond the odd stone the channels host repairs as he's mostly doing it for the adventure of it and goes to way to many abandoned and forgotten cemeteries to possibly handle. They find damaged stones, sunken ones and ones marked by those metal cemetery posts with the piece of paper marking the grave but where no one put in a stone so when the paper rotted or became weathered, no one knows who is buried there. Remember, you are sharing these videos showing what you do and what you do first and foremost has to be for you. I'm sure some would like you to do more as well such as if you happen upon a broken stone they expect you to fix it or if you happened on one that's barely readable that you fix the writing while it can still be read using a drill or something. Others might think someone needs to buy a new stone for a grave which is beyond what you could do. You're going to get a lot of different responses. Just focus on the positive ones that appreciate what you do and if they voice dislikes, well you're always going to get the bad apples. Like I said, different people will have different views including thinking you shouldn't touch them at all such as they are sacred when that view is why so many graveyards are in such terrible shape as these people do nothing to fix them when things start going wrong. Some of these stones you're working on likely have never been touched so you could be looking at 60 years or more of grime because people saw them getting grimier and grimier and no one even tried to clean or fix them. So you are providing an invaluable service that should be appreciated but some people just can't appreciate the rain after ten years of drought.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Well said. It does take a lot to offend me. As a police officer I wouldn't have lasted this long if things bothered me easily. Lol. You are right though, some are just going to complain just to complain. I love doing this service and plan to keep going for as long as I can keep cleaning and repairing them.

[@steveneighner7543]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival try something a little different maybe such as search for some abandoned cemeteries and take Ronin out exploring the countryside as maybe that would get him more interested as you've got this place as a fallback to get back to when you don't have the time to go exploring. There should be sites for your area with locations to some of them where you might even lay plans for future efforts. You can maybe visit some abandoned communities and maybe do a little genealogy to locate some relatives or some such when you have more free time.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

Unbelievable that people would gripe about your restoring stones to their proper positions! You are doing a respectful memorial service, and they are just whiners! You do you, and ignore them. No one is forcing them to watch your channel if they don't like what you're doing. You know the old adage, "You can't please all the people all the time." Well, I've invented a corollary tagline: "And you can't please some of the people ANY of the time!" It is so sad to see that young children and infants have died; why would anyone object to any assist to maintain their memory? And the little girl who passed without even having a name; shockingly sad! Your attention to the smallest details regardless of the style or size of the stone is to be appreciated, not scorned. Please don't stop.

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Wasn’t planning on stopping. As long as I’m physically able to do this…I will be.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevival I should clarify: I meant, don't stop resetting tumbled over stones! Where my paternal grandparents are buried, at the time, the family was poor, and the cemetary placed only a simple cement cross that got buried. Years later, we found it, and their children chipped in for a proper stone. It was a flat horizontal style, but raised up at an angle. Many years later, we discovered that the grounds crew had decided that was an "old" part of the grounds, and no one was left, so they took all the stones and re-set them flat with the grass...and even spilled concrete onto some of them, including ours. Needless to say, we were "not amused."