It was a perfectly ordinary Tuesday in late autumn, when I
heard the doorbell ring. On the porch
stood a wild-eyed woman, a casual acquaintance, who was shouting
something. Over the din of two barking
dogs, I could just make out, “I-want-you-to-make-me-a-burial-shroud!” Should I slam the door and call 911, sic the
dogs on her, or grab a bottle of Chardonnay and invite her in? I went with the wine option, and so began a
great adventure with Sara Williams, Certified Home Funeral Guide and Green Burial
advocate. A couple of glasses later, I
was persuaded, converted, intrigued, and totally on board. Here’s how it went:
A shroud, I thought, innocently, should be simpler to create
than a garment. There would be no need
for pesky sleeves, collars, and the like.
However, there were some....
unique design requirements. Besides
being simple and dignified, it must:
-
~ Cover a
variety of body types
-
~ Be easily
and neatly secured in place
-
~ Be easily
carried by the pallbearers
-
~ Be biodegradable,
and of organic fabric
I was used to creating all sorts of garments using my
dressmaker’s mannequin, but realized that I now needed something different – a
full body model. At the local Goodwill,
I was able to recruit two: Mabel and
Deceased Barbie (see earlier posts). Finding a supplier of
organic cotton fabric willing to sell me less than 100 yards came next.
An internet search turned up three basic types of shroud:
bed sheet, sack, and burrito. All left
a lot to be desired, design-wise. My two
models were infinitely patient while I
worked out and refined the details of an ideal shroud. The final design is expandable, without
being bulky at the head and feet, and
the ties and carrying handles are elegantly integrated. If needed, a back board
may be easily added. Sara was
thrilled! Mabel and Deceased Barbie had
no comment.
The body drape provides an ideal place for custom
decoration. Sara, who sees life as a
journey, requested a personalized map and a pocket for her fresh lavender and rosemary. The sheer silk veil was my
idea, in part because I can’t sleep unless my face is covered. More importantly, it allows the vigilers
(vigilantes?) to have their loved one be emphatically present and unveiled, or
veiled and at a slight symbolic remove.
I am proud to be part of the emerging movement to simplify
and personalize burial. The name of my
business? REMAINS TO BE SEEN! (Sara snorted and choked on her Chardonnay.)
Pat's business card
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