We don't take American Express...

The day of Brandon's death...

I was sitting in the car "after". I'd talked to my sister-in-law and one of my own sisters for a little bit. Had some music playing, air conditioner running, trying to gather myself to make the drive home. It had to have been around 11:30 or so. I really don't remember the exact time. Everything was a bit of a blur at that point.

My phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but answered it. 

"Hi this is Eric from blah blah blah..." He went on to say that he was calling from the hospital and wanted to know if Brandon should be taken to a funeral home and if so, which one or was he to be taken directly to the University for the anatomical body donation. 

I was still in a bit of a daze but responded no, no funeral home, please take him straight to the University. 

Eric went on to say that he had a number he was going to give me. I needed to call the service that would be transporting his body and needed to pay them. 

Me to myself. WTAF. Thinking...Can't you bill me? 

Me to Eric, uhm, sure. Let me find a pen and a piece of paper or something to write on.

I dug around in my bag while tearing up again because seriously? WTF My husband JUST died. 

I called the number and talked to Terry.

Terry was very ebullient over the phone; I lost my mom and sister and we carried them through this service, too. We're all family here and your husband is now a part of our family. 

Me - uhh. That's kind of creepy.

She went on to say they'd take care of him, etc., etc. Then got down to business.

Our services cost two hundred and fifty dollars for transport and we don't take American Express. 

Me. Uhm...okay. Visa okay? 

She was chatty for a bit assuring me, reassuring me while she got my info after which I hung up and just sat there for a bit.  

Talk about a very bizarre transaction.