Posted by: sara | March 25th, 2016
I am so inspired by Anne Weston, a recent acquaintance, who is hell-bent on establishing a green cemetery in this part of the state! A few weeks ago she had reached out to Jenny, my dear friend and home funeral guide mentor, to see if they could meet for lunch to discuss said green cemetery. Jenny then phoned me to ask if I could join them. Guess you figured out the answer to THAT question.... We had a very lively discussion for two hours, Anne all the while flipping through her 3-ring notebook where every sub-topic imaginable having to do with green burial was neatly arranged. She has an accountant, a realtor, and an attorney in her back pocket. We hear you, Anne, and we have your back! Let's get 'er done!
I finally had to ask what the inscription tattooed on her arm meant. See, back in high school, much to my parents' and principal's chagrin, I opted to take Home Economics rather than Latin. I still can't sew, although I can cook without following a recipe. But I need help with this classical language. "It means 'do not be afraid,'" Anne told me. "And this is something I strive to remember and practice because I'm an introvert. Doing this work takes courage. For me, it's like the 11th Commandment because I am trying to lead others to live more fearlessly regarding their death."
Amen, Sister. NOLI TIMERE. DO NOT BE AFRAID.
