Serious Shopping

by Lobber

When I was 16 years old, I had the unpleasant task of having to be the decision maker in purchasing my father’s coffin.

A few days earlier, just before Christmas, I had found my father's dead body. He had been ice fishing off our dock and had fallen into the cold water. He was a tragic victim of frigid water and unforgivable ice.

I called the police and they gave me the unpleasant task of informing my mother of this and unfortunate death. It was not a pleasant scene! It ended with my mother unrelentlessly looking out the widow, waiting for my father to return.

Eventually we had to purchase a coffin. Since my mother did not drive, she leaned on me when it came to organizing my father's burial. This required a visit to a showroom where coffins could be viewed and selected. This task was an eye opener for both of us. In a way it was like buying a new car, but without wheels.

The salesman was calm and professional, considering the fact that he worked all day in a dimly lit room full of coffins.

But what type of coffin to buy? My mother, unfortunately, was close to blubbering and offered me no assistance. It became clear to me that we were not shopping at Walmarts.

It was 1963. My parents did not have a credit card or a checkbook. In our house major purchases were made in cash and in full. They did not believe in loans or monthly payments. If they wanted a new car, they would not purchase one until they had saved enough money to buy one in cash.

Buying a new coffin presented a challenge, both to my mother and myself. I knew, however, that a bronze or brass one was not an option.

The salesman quickly learned or realized that we were low-end shoppers and a wooden coffin would suffice.

He then moved us to the next showroom which contained various burial vaults designed to hold a coffin.

Not knowing much about vaults, I was puzzled as to their purpose. Somehow, I gathered it preserved the integrity of the coffin.

I asked, Do they keep moisture out?

Somehow I believed that the salesman felt he was dealing with a smart-ass kid. At least, that was the look in his eyes before he answered wisely, Yes, to some extent.

Then he added, And it's why most people purchase one.

I continued my innocent desire for more information. Does it keep bugs and insects out ?

There was a pause. I don't think so, he stoically replied.

I said, I think I need to talk to my mother.

He stepped back a few steps. Take your time.

I moved my mother to an area in the room that was better lit.

Mom, I don't think we can afford a vault. It doesn't serve much purpose.

Mom's eyes were glazed as she nodded her head in agreement.

We went to the front office where Mom signed the necessary papers, and the salesman gave me our copies. As we were leaving he said, Oh, can you provide us with one of your father's suits, as well as a shirt and tie, shoes and socks? I nodded my head as we shook hands.

In my later years I learned that coffin vaults are basically used for casket protection while in the ground. They have various names, including grave receptacles, rough boxes, grave liners, burial vaults, concrete boxes and others. Because some of the names are used interchangeably, there's a chance for misunderstanding, confusion and sometimes disappointment.

When it comes to casket protection, there are many different options. Each option, however, falls into one of two categories: burial vaults vs grave liners. Both are largely sold to protect the integrity of the cemetery and not the casket.

Write A Review

Nonfiction Writing Contest contest entry

Pays one point and 2 member cents.

You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.

A life and death experience.

Serious Shopping

by Lobber

Browse Now