Couple couldn't afford burial plot, buried son at home. Town will allow grave to remain

[Liberal_in_LA]

back story

He said the couple's financial problems are caused by medical bills exceeding $30,000 for their son, Jesse Alexander Dodson, who was diagnosed with a liver condition at birth. The child died in August, and Dodson said the family didn't have enough money to bury him in a cemetery. http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5007710/financial-problems-grief-behind-colebrookdale-home-burial

Eastern Pa. township won’t fine couple in dispute over 10-month-old son buried at home

BERNVILLE, Pa. — A township in eastern Pennsylvania has reversed its stance and won’t cite a couple who buried their 10-month-old son at home because they couldn’t afford a burial plot.

Commissioners in Colebrookdale Township, about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia, announced Monday they will pay James and Chantal Dodson’s expenses for resolving legal questions over the burial of their son, Jesse. The couple won’t have to pay for a grave-site zoning permit and the announcement removes the threat of a citation that could have cost the Dodsons up to $500 a day, the Reading Eagle newspaper reported.

A surveyor has volunteered to survey and permanently mark the baby’s grave site and create a legal description of it, the commissioners said in a statement. “The township and the Dodsons have agreed that Jesse’s grave will remain undisturbed,” township Solicitor Jeffrey Karver said in a statement.
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The couple also agreed to create an access easement that would ensure their right to visit the grave if they ever sell the property, officials said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/eastern-pa-township-wont-fine-couple-in-dispute-over-10-month-old-son-buried-at-home/2011/04/05/AFbfgykC_story.html

[LongTomH]

1. "Such things would make the angels weep!"

I forget where I heard that quotation; but, it seems so apt now!:cry:

[cali]

3. actually, this story makes me feel good. not that they didn't have the money

but that local gov't can be so compassionate. Oh, and I'm all for home burials if it's appropriate. My friend's husband, a grandchild, my dog and several other beloved pets are all buried together in a little home plot.

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. Seems like the local govt took a hardline first. The public & internet outcry made 'em change

[MadMaddie]

2. This is the Republican America where healthcare

leaves nothing for the family to live or bury the dead.

Make no mistake this is what they want. Healthcare costs remain unchecked.

For the commision to actually consider fining this couple is ammoral and inhumane.

The U.S decline to 3rd world status continues.....