A burial from an earlier visit. Embalming and caskets are not allowed at this cemetery. This person was wrapped and placed in a six-foot basket.
I'm a new member of Gainesville's volunteer grave digging group, "The Pick & Shovel Guild". It's a jolly bunch made up mostly of retired folks like me.
When someone dies -and their family wants them buried in the local green cemetery- we gather in the woods next to Paines Prairie. It's a 900-acre conservation area and will remain woodsy, I'm told, forever.
Here's how it works, you pick a good spot and set down a wooden frame.
It took over an hour to dig down the required 42 inches. That is the best level for a body to "become one with the earth".
After Mr. Paris is buried tomorrow his grave will be marked with a simple brass disc. The family may decorate it with moss, pine needle, or flowers.
A recent burial
It felt good to be helping this stranger reach his final rest. When my time comes I'll be fortunate to be so honored.
_____
__________________________(Two Days Later)
I dug my second grave today. When they announced the name of the deceased I realized I had gone to law school with him years ago...
Here's his brief obit from the Orlando Sentinel,
A really good man is gone. Harvey Martin Alper left us on Sunday, November 17, just two days before his 73rd birthday. A green burial will occur at his chosen location in the woods near Gainesville and a local farewell gathering of friends and family will take place in the not too distant future. He will be missed by many fine people. Sorrow shared is sorrow lessened.
