Dad's grave has settled. It needs the addition of more top soil. This is something I had anticipated. I knew that over time, decomposition of his body and the sheet and box that embraced it would allow for a settling and create an indention above ground. Simple, predictable physics.
What I had not anticipated is the mental image that comes to mind every time I see the indention. It sends my thoughts to skulls, skelitons, and unmentionable smells. I need to address this soon. A nice top dressing should do the trick. I want to remember dad as he was, not as I am sure his body is now.
In other graveyards, these issues are accounted for and addressed behind the scenes by a dutyful staff. I must mention the growing list of maintenance items you should be aware of if your dad decides he wants to be burried out back.
Rent, taxes, utilities, insurance and a fund for unexpected expenses must be funded. Plants must be pruned and watered, grass cut, grave site policed and backfilled as needed. Access to and from the cemetery must be maintained too. I am sure this list will continue to grow as I become aware of more stuff.
Finally, I wonder if there are others who would want to use our family cemetery for their loved ones. I don't know what the legalities are on that. I will look into it. Say, hypothetically, a family lost a little child and was in no financial position to cope with the loss. Could they be our guests and use the cemetery? This idea would have pleased dad. He would have thought: :"Hell, the more the merrier." Then he would have followed with "Let's all screw the man out of funerals and graves!"
\Well said, dad. Now stop shrinking.
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