[Lothar]

My parents wanted to be buried in PA. I live in NC. I had to arrange everything for my Mom's grave, since my Dad was not able to. That was in 2007. Dad passed last year. I had the marker revised to add his passing date. I have relatives in PA that seem to expect me to visit anytime I am in the area.

I personally don't want to take up real estate. I also don't believe that one sits in the ground for all eternity. So, I have a problem with the idea that visiting a grave site is necessary. I have 40-some years of memories of my parents. I really don't want to add standing in a cemetery to all the positive memories of them. I think of them often and I don;t find any more of a connection to them when I am at their grave site than I do thinking of them while I mow my lawn.

MThomas58, I am very sorry for your loss. I don't think that people really understand that loss, until they have experienced it. So, we have something in common. Stay strong, my friend.