Earth as in Heaven: Living with the dead

Cairo's City of the Dead (Photo by Rgoogin)

Some people long for the day when Earth is just a distant memory.  They can't wait to pass into Heaven and meet up with all of their "dearly departed" friends and family.

However, there are those who don't wish to wait that long.  One such enterprising soul has found a way to live with the dead right here on Earth.  He might seem homeless to those who sink into soft beds each night, but Bratislav Stojanovic isn't complaining (at least not to those who can hear him).  This Serbian "former construction worker" has been "grave squatting" for the past 15 years.

What does that mean exactly?  International Business Times offers this brief description of Stojanovic's inner sanctum:  Home for him is a garbage-filled concrete space, spanning only two square yards.  Given his choice of homestead, headroom is at a premium, with his dwelling just one yard high.

Talk about claustrophobic!  Plus, he can't even eat his troubles away.  Dietary options depend upon scraps foraged from garbage cans.  It's also incredibly lonely.  Even the names on Stojanovic's borrowed headstone have eroded beyond recognition.

Nevertheless, Stojanovic has found the silver (lead?) lining within this situation.  He states:  I was afraid in the beginning, but I got used to it in time.  Now I am more afraid of the living than of the dead.

Resources

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/434786/20130213/grave-zombie-tramp-nis.htm

Copyright March 11, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved