Dad completed his second of three planned spot radiation treatments on his shoulder and the “egg” on his head. Dad dons his grey, flat cap when he is out in public these days. He has a large, bright blue oval, hand drawn in marker, around the “egg.” The oval is used as a guide during the radiation treatment. His tumors are vehemently necrotic with crusty, black scabs on his head as if the angered tumors are protesting their own death from the radiation. Good riddance tumors!
Earlier, in the morning, Dad had called me asking if I was available at 4:00 p.m. to meet with the funeral planner. That is certainly not the typical call to receive from your dad nor anyone else. Upon entry into the Blount Curry Funeral Home in the afternoon, we were immediately overwhelmed by the smell of roses. All three of us started searching for the source of the strong, rose scent. I was anticipating multiple, large vases filled with beautiful roses. Perhaps, a service had just ended. No roses were to be found. I then immediately thought of President Snow.
An odd thought to have…at an odd time…at an odd place. For those of you who read the Hunger Games trilogy, you will recall President Coriolanus Snow, the main antagonist, and his passion for white roses. In the books, President Snow grows genetically enhanced roses to increase their scent and wears them in his lapel to disguise the smell of blood on his breath.
The funeral planner started the meeting commending Mom and Dad for being there. She was also impressed that I, the daughter, was present. Even though advance funeral planning is on the rise, I imagine it is still not the norm. The funeral planner explained the advance planning process and answered our questions. There were some awkward moments in the meeting. For example, Dad asked me where Husband and I were going to be buried since it may influence Mom and Dad’s burial location. Husband and I have not had that discussion. But, I did make it clear that Mom and Dad should be buried where they want, not where Husband and I will be. With families becoming more mobile and not residing in the same hometown, the family plot is not as large of a requirement as it once had been. Husband and I have space available in family plots in separate states.
One decision made during today’s meeting is Mom and Dad will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Dad had a full military career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Dad comes from a long line of those who served in our military back to the American Revolutionary War. We are extremely proud of the men and women who fought and died to provide Americans the freedoms and democracy enjoyed today. We also never forget the sacrifices of the families supporting those in the military. Mom noted that Dad would be close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Dad’s younger brother is listed on panel 05E.
We later learned from the funeral planner that the rose scent is from an artificial fragrance being diffused within the funeral home. In a similar manner used by President Snow, the reeking rose disguises the smell of death in the funeral home.
I no longer care to smell another rose.
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