August 5, 2024
Cindy called Glen Rest Memorial Estate as soon as the office opened today and the receptionist answered the phone. Monday morning is usually the busiest day of the week for most businesses, so we’re happy the call didn’t go to voicemail.
Cindy explained our situation and asked if we could schedule an appointment today to discuss their pricing plans. They were happy to oblige and scheduled us for 10 am.
I’m so overwhelmed!
I have to be at the funeral home at noon to drop off John’s clothes and need to let them know John’s burial site, so meeting with Glen Rest at 10 am is perfect.
At 2 pm, I have a meeting with Sister Pam at First Church to go over John’s funeral program and I’m scheduled to speak with my prosecutor’s advocate at 4 pm so I hope I don’t miss her call.
The unexpected death of a child is already painful enough. I can’t begin to explain the additional trauma involved if they’ve been murdered. You’re expected to speak about your child’s death from a legal perspective, void of emotion, which is unrealistic. Having to do so, feels as if John is dying over and over again.
It’s a nightmare.
While I have the greatest sister and family supporting me, God is the one holding me up.
We headed to Glen Rest shortly after Cindy hung up the phone. Pulling up the gates and seeing the beautiful landscape was like a breath of fresh air. Visually, there is no comparison between Glen Rest and the other two cemeteries we visited two days ago.
The Office Manager greeted us at the front door and we sat down across from her at the table. She expressed her condolences and asked what she could do to help us.
“I need pricing information for a plot at Glen Rest. My son’s funeral is August 8th”
“I see. Did he have life insurance?” she replied.
“No” I said. “John didn’t have life insurance.”
“I want John buried near my mother who is here in the front of the cemetery.”
She then reached into her drawer, pulled out the pricing sheet and placed a copy in front of me.
I looked at it and tried to focus on her as she pointed at various plots on the paper.
“The most expensive plots are at the front of the cemetery close to the entrance and the least expensive are located in the back.”
“My mother is in the front but John will more than likely have to be in the back,” I replied.
I looked at my sister and said, “Either that, or one of two cemeteries included in the funeral package I selected. My mind knows the latter is the best choice financially, considering our predicament, but my heart just can’t go with either one of them.”
She nodded and said, “Go with your heart Shari”
John being in the back of Glen Rest is better than him not being there at all, I thought.
I’ve always planned to be near my mom but since John will be in the back, I’ll be in the back with him.
What mother wouldn’t want that?
My spirit said yes,
Glen Rest it is.
We left Glen rest and dropped off John’s burial clothes to the funeral home. I let them know I decided to have John laid to rest at Glen Rest.
Ms. Davis made a note of it and let me know John’s private viewing will be held at the funeral home on August 7th. She asked what time I preferred and I responded around 10am would be fine with me.
I stood there for a minute thinking, I finally get to see my son again. This will be the first time since he died but I’m so afraid to see him like this.
The reality of John’s death is really sinking in now.
As I was walking back to the car, I received a phone from Sister Pam at First Church of God apologizing because she has to cancel our appointment today and reschedule it for tomorrow at 11am. I let her know 11am is fine and I’ll see her then.
I guess it worked out for the best because my mind needs a break and now, I have more time to decompress before I speak to Caroline, my Victim Assistant/Advocate later today. She’s going to call to give me an update about the murder case for my son.
I have no idea what to expect.