Someone At the VA Must've Read My Book :)
(news.va.gov)
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This whole thing resonates with me. Natural is where it’s at. I told my hubby… I’m not in my body any longer- I’m with God. I don’t want you and/or the kids to have an obligation to visit my grave. I’ll be with you in spirit everyday
Our dad did not want to be cremated - "I was born in West Texas...had enough heat for a lifetime", told us he didn't want to be embalmed - "too many nasty chemicals that leach into the soil", but agreed to the dry ice since it evaporates over time. The hospice nurse was cool with it all, and even helped wipe down his body and remove the catheter (thank goodness). She also called the ME and convinced him that "these guys know what they're doing" so we bypassed some bureaucratic BS. I took pictures, telling my brother "this will make one heckuva story someday." It's all in the book. home,
We were surprised at how well the grandchildren handled seeing their dead grandpa laid out in the living room of his home, but we needn't have worried. The 4-year-old climbed up on a chair and looked down at his body and simply proclaimed "his arms look like wood!". That's when we knew we were doing right by our dad.
Tonight was the start to my weekend. I tell you this because I've had a cocktail or two. Further, I tell you that because reading this made me laugh and cry - quite literally. How far we have removed ourselves from humanity, from living simply. I envision your dad as a salty MF, a man's man. I lived and adore that you bypassed "the bullshit" because someone was normal.
Just an hour ago I was talking with a friend about simplicity - that we hope as this world changes that maybe, just maybe, we can get closer to those moments.
I love it.
And I want a house where I can have chickens. Simplicity. 😊
My grandfather was laid out in his living room where his wake was held. One of my very young cousins said to me, "Granddaddy's chest isn't moving." I was a kid myself but it all seemed very solemn and natural. He was embalmed but my family were mountain folks who followed the old traditions. One of my aunts went through the house and covered all the mirrors so no one could look in them and see who would be the next to die.