Kyrie Eleison

As I left the cemetery yesterday evening I passed a fresh grave. The funeral flowers were piled over the dirt mound, and one of the larger arrangements had a banner which read "Loving Husband". I reverently, carefully stepped just close enough to see the temporary marker was dated 19 November 2007. I couldn't photograph it. It seemed too sad. I simply bowed my head to acknowledge the family's loss and moved on.

If it were up to me, I would not want a grave. I would rather have my body cremated. However, my loved ones may decide they want a grave to visit in my memory, so (at least for now) I am leaving the decision up to them. After all, they are the ones who will have to live with the loss of me, and if a gravesite would give them some small comfort, so be it.

Maple Grove Cemetery
23 November 2007