The Cremain Journey
With the cost of funerals on the rise, more and more people are considering cremation services for their dearly departed. After the Cremation arrangements are made, you must then decide what should be done with the cremains.
It is always important to consider the wishes of the deceased when deciding what your next step will be. My sister passed away from complications from Diabetes at 32 years old. We knew her departure was nearing and she expressed her desire to be cremated instead of having a burial service. In the days that led up to her becoming so ill, we forgot to ask her where she would like her final resting place to be. The decision became my Mother’s and oddly enough, I had not thought to even ask what she had decided to do with the cremains. Living 3,000 miles away from home, I don’t return often. While I was visiting home last year I noticed a beautiful piece of artwork on a living room shelf. I asked Mom where she picked it up from and she simply said…”That’s Kim’s Cremation Urn.” I was taken a back for a moment and then we both smiled. I told her that I thought Kim loved sitting on that shelf watching over everyone in the household. If nothing else, Kim had a fabulous sense of humor and would love the fact that Mom was keeping her under her always watchful eye.
While some people find comfort with their dearly departed returning home with them, others look for other alternatives for their cremains. Cemeteries usually offer Mausoleums that are designed for keeping Cremation Urns. Many cemeteries even have a special place that you are allowed to scatter cremains, if that is your choice.
It is important to follow the laws imposed by each State before you make any decisions. Some United States National Parks allow for the disposal of cremains and some do not. If it is allowed, you must purchase a permit for that Park prior to any burial or scattering.
Some people prefer to have the cremains scattered at sea. This can be accomplished with a nice ceremony on a boat that is at least three miles out at sea. Some people decide to have an individual ceremony on the boat for their dearly departed with clergy, flowers and friends present. Others find it most cost effective to have a combined scattering with several deceased being released at one time together. There are various types of scattering urns available. All containers are handmade and biodegradable. Cremation scattering urns/bowls are also a popular choice for sea burials. These sculptures float for one to five minutes before descending into the ocean water.
Whatever your ultimate choice is, it is important that you are comfortable with the options that you have chosen.