Assignment
“What are you scared of? Address one of your worst fears. If you’re up for a twist, write this post in a style that’s different from your own.”
I do not fear death. But, for years I really, really feared what would happen when I died — an open casket funeral and underground burial.
Open Casket
Lying in rest, while family and friends, pass by to view my remains in an open casket is not what I want for their lasting memory of me.
I want them to remember when I was living life to its fullest — at peace, happy, joyful, and with Hubby, the love of my life at my side.
So, I would choose to have this photo enlarged and placed on an easel beside my closed casket.
Underground Burial
Some people fear heights, I fear being underground. As a child, I feared going in the basement to help Mama with the laundry because it was wet, dark, and dingy.
When I was a pre-teen, I experienced a major panic attack during a school trip to an underground cave.
About ten years ago, Hubby and I went on a cruise, which docked for a day in Barbados. Since, we were with three other couples, I reluctantly agreed to an excursion at an underground mine. Holding tightly to Hubby’s hand, I got through the excursion, but I came close to having another panic attack.
Hubby and I decided shortly after this last experience, that we did not want an underground burial.
And, we broke a long-standing family tradition, when we purchased two individual above-ground crypts at a burial site designated for those who served in the military:
Because I made choices, prior to dying, I no longer live with the fear of an open casket or an underground burial.
SeasonedSistah 
I’m so glad you made the choices that fit for you. And I love the picture you are going to have next to your closed casket. Beautiful!!!!
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I post this in hopes that my children will know my wishes. We have asked each of them to go with us to see our purchased gravesite, but they get silent and say, “we’ll take care of it.” Although they read and comment on my posts, not one of the three commented or said anything. They read it, but like past discussions about this issue, it is difficult for them to open up on this subject.
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This is inspiring for me…thank you for sharing!
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Thank you, Jane. Sorry for the delay. But, as you know, the past month has been a busy one. Trying to get back on track.
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That is wonderful! That made-in-advance choice will also help others honor your wishes. Very inspirational! I appreciate your transparency here (and advice – although you may not have realized the impact this had had on me)! ❤
~ Angela
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Thank you for the comments. Sorry for the delay in replying, but this past month returned to the Midwest two times — a graduation and family reunion. So, had to let blogging go for a “minute.” Did finish the Writing 101 class, last post scheduled to publish tomorrow — two weeks past the deadline
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Nothing freaks me out more than a dead body. I hate the thought of people standing and gawking over my open casket. Cremation in store for me. Great post, i was nodding my head in agreement as I read.
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I appreciate your supportive comments. Culturally, many family and friends disagree because they still see the open casket as their final viewing and farewell.. As a 12-year-old, I viewed a photo of Emmett Till’s mutilated body lying in state; and, I carry this horrific vision today. I made up my mind then that this was not for me. Again, thank you for your comments.
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