Last year I encouraged my parents to pick out cemetery plots. We had already discussed our deaths as a family one Christmas a few years ago. We are a family of planners, and death has been a topic my mom and I discuss from time to time. My parents had considered a cemetery in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, to be near family. Finally, my mom set an appointment with the city to pick out and purchase cemetery plots. While they were at the cemetery, she called me, “Hey, do you want us to get you a plot too?” It made me laugh to think about, but my answer was a firm, “Yes!” Weeks later, I received the deed to my cemetery plot in the mail. Again, I smiled and giggled as I placed it in safekeeping with other important papers.

I should let you in on another set of feelings I had when I received that deed in the mail. I felt relieved. I felt calm. I felt peaceful. If I die tomorrow, I have a plan and a place. I have a place for my body to rest after my mind no longer tells it to lift heavy, run fast, work hard, and play harder. My great-grandma is buried at that cemetery, and I have such fond memories of visiting her in Kingfisher. Her home had a dirt cellar, which fascinated my brother and me. She was always concerned that someone would become trapped in the dirt cellar, so she lined the stairs with gallons of drinking water and stocked plenty of canned vegetables on the shelves. We always enjoyed visiting grandma’s home because it was as though we were stepping back in time to experience how she grew up and raised a family during the Depression. Her bathroom also had a padded toilet seat, which entertained us as little kids. 

I wish I could have had more years with her, especially as an adult. But, when I die, my body will rest at the same cemetery as hers, which brings me comfort. Having a plan in place does not increase my chances of dying. But it ensures that in the event of my death, I have a plan and a place.

I encourage you to make a plan and find a place as well. Even if cremation is your intent, burying the urn and creating a final resting place is important. The cemetery serves as a place of remembrance and legacy. It is a place to feel connected to family and honor those who came and went before you. The soul flourishes in those connections.