Ashes to Ashes

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust....how did we get to all of this fancy casket and vault stuff. I mean whatever happened to the pine box? And why don't we annoint our loved ones like they did in the biblical days. Why do we rely on perfect strangers at funeral homes to makeover our loved ones? Are we afraid to touch them after they die - um YES! I feel so guilty..leaving my husband alone after his final breath. I should have stayed with him and held his hand. I know it was still warm. But instead, I ran out of the room like the house was on fire. I should have stayed with him and held his hand. Instead, I grabbed the phone and called my children to tell them he was gone. I should have stayed with him and held his hand. Instead, I called the hospice nurse. I should have stayed with him and held his hand. Instead, I sat on the front porch and waited for I'm not really sure what. I should have stayed with him and held his hand. How I wish I could have that moment back. This time I would have stayed with him and held his hand.