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56 Getting Outfitted for a Casket When he took one look at the somber inventory of caskets in the basement of the mortuary, he said he wanted a sportier model. Maybe something in firebird red. To which the undertaker responded by clearing his throat. And when my friend asked if he could take one for a joy ride, the salesman said, Joy ride? And because he was dying of cancer, and because he was alone in the world, I did not hesitate when he asked me to give him a boost so he could lie face up in a casket to get the lay of the land. And when he asked me to close the lid, the undertaker told us that was not allowed. And when he held the price list in hand, he asked if for that kind of money you only get one way or the full round trip. ...

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