duty calls

[mescalero1]

I will check on you guys tonight.
Have to go open the shop and build a coffin.

[2ndovc]

Sounds heavy!
What's going on?


jb

[Modoc ED]

Be sure to put a mirror in the coffin so they can make sure the party in question has passed.

Prayers up for whoever it is.

[Hobie]

Yes indeed, prayers for the deceased's family...

[C. Cash]

Sorry to hear this, and hope it doesn't hit too close to home for you.

[rjohns94]

my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family

[mescalero1]

This makes the 4th or 5th one built in my shop now.
You know what is really sad?
Just tell me who it is, if I know them, I can build it without a plan.
In N.M. , if we get them in the ground within 24 hours after coroner pronounces death, we do not need a funeral home , and all the attendent cost.

[Ysabel Kid]

This makes the 4th or 5th one built in my shop now.
You know what is really sad?
Just tell me who it is, if I know them, I can build it without a plan.
In N.M. , if we get them in the ground within 24 hours after coroner pronounces death, we do not need a funeral home , and all the attendent cost.

You're saving people a lot of money during a time of pain. That is good...

[mescalero1]

That is why I do it YK.
My buddy brings the backhoe
I build the the box,
the wrangler handles the ropes.
Save people thousands of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[piller]

Mescalero1, I have priced funerals because I have parents who are elderly. Considering what insurance does to make you wait for payment, and the cost of a funeral, you are a GODsend to these folks.

[C. Cash]

+1 to Piller and all said. This is the way it should be done.

[mescalero1]

You see guys,
we do not HAVE to be held captive to the forces that be,
we still have the right of self determination.

[JerryB]

You are a good man my friend.

[mescalero1]

All I can do is try,
Thanks Jerry.

[Bogie35]

Thanks for all you do sir.

bogie

[mescalero1]

The emotional toll of each one increases greatly.

[John in MS]

Those folks are lucky to have you, Mescalero!

Not to hijack the thread, but while we are on the topic of saving money
on funerals, some might wish to consider donating their bodies to medical
schools for research. Two members of my immediate family have done it and
there was NO cost involved -- nothing, as we were not out of the school's body
transport range. Even if you have to have the body transported, it is not that
expensive. I and my whole family are signed up for this. We see no need to spend
huge money on a funeral when the money can benefit the living.

It's not for everyone, of course. Funerals and cemeteries are an important part of grieving
for many people. Downsides include not having a headstone or marker, or services to memorialize the person's passing. (One can arrange to do this, of course, independently, if desired.) Also, at the medical schools we've investigated, they do not return the person's ashes once their research is complete.

However, for people who can accept these conditions, it saves tremendous cost, and
helps to advance science/train future physicians as a "last gift."

Hope this is helpful,
John

[mescalero1]

John in MS,
Sound, logical, thought & perhaps some benifit can come of it.

[vancelw]

Kudos for your services to the family.

I don't want to sound morbid, but if you're up to it, I'd like to see photos of the casket you build. I appreciate fine woodwork no matter what form it is in. I have often thought of building my own, just because, but was afraid that, when the time came, the wife would forget about it being stored in the shed and buy one anyway.

I hope you get some rest after you're finished.

[Hobie]

Well, it is sad that people die and we will miss friends and family all the rest of our lives but there is still an upside. You helped. You did more than you could have done. You were/are a true friend. They knew they could count on you. Everyone dies but not everyone lives as well as you are living.

[Ysabel Kid]

That is why I do it YK.
My buddy brings the backhoe
I build the the box,
the wrangler handles the ropes.
Save people thousands of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Thousands or more. I've heard of simple funeral costs, all told, running above ten grand! Again, for simple funeral arrangements - not like a gold-plated casket or anything.

My FIL is in his 80's and made his own casket a couple years ago. It sits in his garage. Simple, traditional pine box. Not being morbid - he just doesn't want the family to have to worry about it (he already has the plot and marker next to his first wife, my wife's mother, who lost a battle with cancer 20 years ago). He's always been a hard worker and frugal, and the idea of spending money that would be better used by those he leaves behind on a fancy funeral just drives him nuts.

When I get up in years I'm doing the same thing - for anything left of me, because if the medical field can use anything to help someone or learn, I'm all for doing that!

[Doc Hudson]

When my Dad dies 7 1/2 years ago, the funeral cost about $6,000.00, And it was not an extravagant funeral. A 'Visitation" at the mortuary, Services at Dad's Church, a vault and the casket @ nearly $2,000.--. If my Mom had not been a tough, level-headed person the price tag could easily passed $10,000.00. ( I nearly gagged at the sight of a $32,000.00 mahogany and bronze casket!)

At best, Morticians take advantage of grief to make a profit. many are downright unscrupulous in the way they push people to spend lavishly, even when they can't afford it.

Mescalero, has it occured to you that in addition to showing great respect for your deceased friends, you have saved their families at least $30,000=40,000.00 combined? That is quite a sevice you are providing, I certainly hope it is appreciated as much by your neighbors as it is by the lever-Guns Community.

Well done old friend, well done!

I have some other thoughts on funerals, but I'll post them elsewhere rather than further hijack this thread.

[rjohns94]

I so appreciate the part of each one taking more out of you. I will pray for your restored spirit in peace and strength. The work you do is as it should be and the service you provide, the comfort you give, will benefit generations and will preceed you to your final resting place. blessings

[mescalero1]

I did not realize when I first posted that this would strike such a chord, it is just something I have always done.

[Blaine]

I don't worry about dying, but I detest the idea of anyone getting money off the deal. I told Daughter to not pay one red cent if she can help it. Take the cardboard box and the free cremation VA will do for me and if she wants, she can put me in the same jug that I got the dog ashes in There will be a little money and everyone should go somewhere and have a big party and tell stories about me. NO way do I want to be put in a drab, sorryazzed chapel for people to stand around and pretend to enjoy being there.....

Mescalero, you're a good man. I'd like to shake your hand someday.

[mescalero1]

I would like that as well.

[Boreman]

Bless you,Sir.In this instance some of those foot steps in the sand were yours.Your friends are truly fortunate..........

[mikld]

God bless you, Mescalero...

[Nath]

This is a highly commendable service, good on you M.

I would be perfectly happy under an oak just up the fields here instead of all that mumbo jumbo with fancy cars n' silly hats!

Nath.

[AJMD429]

This is a highly commendable service, good on you M.

I would be perfectly happy under an oak just up the fields here instead of all that mumbo jumbo with fancy cars n' silly hats!

Nath.

+1, only most places in this country, it's illegal to do that. Makes me mad.

[iceman]

As far as I know, we can't do that here. It makes alot of sense. Dead is dead, plant him (her) and get it over with. Why pay out alot of money just so that everybody left says "didn't he look like himself" my response is usally "no, he looked dead".
Good on you sir. We need better rules and better people everywhere.