He refuses to state any preferences. He knows that someone else will have to pick up the tab for whatever is done. Knowing him as I do, he probably feels that "he who pays the piper calls the tune." In his heart, he would imagine his funeral and burial to be like those of his parents and of every funeral he has ever been to in his life. But he is humble about the fact that he leaves nothing behind to cover the expense. He has even told me not to ever be burdened by this. He has said, "Just walk away and let the VA do whatever they do."

I looked it up, and the Dept. Of Veterans Affairs will provide burial of a body that is not claimed by anyone. But neither I nor his children would leave his remains unclaimed.

Something has just come to me a little while ago. My impression is that his children would not even be planning a church ceremony. I think that is maybe what bothers me more than the cremation. I think I know what I will do. I will have him brought to my church in a rented casket for a funeral Mass. Then the remains can be cremated and shipped to his children. And they can then do whatever they like.

Though I be the only one at the Mass, I will be content. He will be blessed and prayed over in the way that his and my ancestors have been for 15 centuries. That's really all I need worry about. I think I can manage to pay for that. I will manage it. Now, though in tears, I am at peace.