I was going to begin writing about my adventures last week in Atlanta until the real world stepped in.
I returned home yesterday morning, had a much needed nap and then went out to lunch with Big A. On our way home, we drove through the cemetery where my parents are buried. Thinking I would find their headstone without a problem since they owned two plots next door, I was flabbergasted to find out that someone was buried right next to them. Upon getting home, I confirmed the 4 plot total that my mother purchased when my dad died with my older brother and then shuffled through the fire safe box and found the deed and the payment information.
This morning I called the cemetery with my poker face on and inquired as to the Lot and Block number of my parents. It is exactly where the two empty plots are but my parents are referred to as Graves 1 & 2. I then mentioned that I was there yesterday and noticed that someone was buried in what should be Graves 3 & 4. Tina said that sometimes during a burial in the early spring when the ground is soft that the ground slides (or something like that). I said that from the looks of it, there definitely wasn't room for two people to be buried. It was just the normal 12 inch walk through. She guaranteed that they would not have buried someone there and offered to talk to the grounds crew and they could explain it to me. I mentioned that I lived nearby and I could easily stop in to talk to them if that was easier. She added that if I wanted to stop in they could also walk me out there to show me how the Lot and Block #s work, etc. I agreed and said I would be out there in a few minutes. This I gotta hear (after I make another drive thru to make sure that I wasn't seeing it incorrectly but I'm pretty sure I'm not. Judging by how faint Tina's voice was on phone as we hung up, I'm sure they are double checking as well).
Stay tuned....
UPDATE: Well, someone is there. I guess when my mom purchased Graves 3 and 4 in May, 1999 they never marked it on the map that they then used so this "Leroy" family swooped in and bought it. On the bright side, I'm glad to find this out while being on this side of the ground rather it being me buried there and the Leroys sorting it out. I didn't know that the first one that dies gets that spot! The head grounds guy Dave and Tina were very nice about admitting it was their mistake and Dave seemed really in shock about it all. While I admit to being angry about it last night (and even dreaming of making the cemetery dig up the guy and move him and his headstone), today my mindset was that it happened. Nothing I can do about it now short of blowing a wad and threatening a lawsuit. Now though I have to have the "end of life" discussion with my brothers to see what they want to do. Dave offered up two plots wherever we wanted in the cemetery and when I brought up the topic of reimbursement, was open to that as well.
6 comments:
Maybe it's just someone "napping" :)
The dirt nap variety? You have such dark humour, Sage. ;-)
I've included an update on the original post.
I think that is why I have always wanted to be cremated and scattered. I deal with too much red tape while alive and don't want to have to have someone deal with it when I'm gone.
That is the easier way. A coworker just died at the age of 33 yesterday of liver cancer and he donated his body to science. That would be even easier. No paying for the burning and they just might pay you for that body of yours, Ed. :-)
I am a card carrying organ donor but I figured that since most of me is still pretty useless (according to the Mrs. anyway), that there will still be some left to burn. ;)
LOL @ Ed's being mostly useless. :-D
Sorry to hear this news. :( That all sucks. You'd think that would be something they are very, very careful about. You're right though: it's better to know now, than when it's your turn and someone else has to make that decision. (Small consolation though.)
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