In recent years, many families have chosen cremation as a final option. However, let’s not deny that it is a confusing process. As you deal with grieving, suddenly a bombardment of choices is thrust upon you. You’d be left spinning your wheels. Let’s read more about cremation services.
Let’s begin by discussing why people choose to be cremated. Others choose it as it’s less expensive than a traditional burial. Others choose cremation due to its ease or benefits for the environment. Betty is my next-door neighbor and she chose cremation to honor her minimalist husband. “He was a minimalist at heart,” said Betty with a longing smile.
Here’s the real deal: what exactly happens during cremation. The body will be placed into a chamber at high temperatures, until the ashes are formed. After being reduced to smaller pieces, these remains can be placed in urns or other containers of your choosing.
What size and shape urns can you find? The options range from traditional vases, to those that are biodegradable and turn into plants – yes, even trees! Tim, my uncle, decided to buy one of these vases that will grow into an Oak tree in the backyard. “I just want Dad to have a connection with nature,” he said.
One element that’s often missed is the service of memorialization. Even though the service will be cremated, it is still possible to hold a traditional ceremony with hymns and other eulogies. Maybe you’d like to do something completely different. What about having a beachside event where everybody shares their stories in front of a bonfire. It’s up to you.
What’s that? What happens to the ashes once you’ve done this? If you want to scatter the ashes, then it is possible. You can keep them in a vase at home. Many companies can turn ashes in diamonds or integrate them with fireworks. Imagine sending your loved-one off with an actual bang.
Choose between several providers is also a daunting task. If you have 50 types of cereal on your grocery shelves, it’s hard to choose. It’s important to look at the transparency of pricing and services. Nobody wants unexpected hidden charges.
Also, don’t forget the pre-planning possibilities! Many people, including my aunt Sally, plan in advance. As opposed to discussing her end-of-life wishes, my Aunt Sally gave us brochures one Sunday afternoon as though she was hosting a Tupperware gathering.
As she handed out the cookies, her quip was “Better you know than to be left guessing later.”
As you consider pre-planning for your future, take into consideration what legacy you wish to leave–not only financially but also emotionally. This doesn’t only involve logistics. You also want to provide your loved ones with peace of minds during trying times.
Communicating openly and honestly with all family members is essential. That way everyone can be on the same page with any decisions that are made. Jake was forced to learn the lesson of how not to do this when his siblings disagreed on what they should have done in honoring their mother’s memory, after she had passed unexpectedly.
The local coffee shop has offered this advice to anyone interested every Saturday at that point.
It’s a quick look at everything you need to know about cremation, including some of the less important details. Remember, whether you make decisions in the heat of the moment or plan ahead – it’s important that you honor your deceased loved ones according to how they feel rather than what traditions may dictate.
Say goodbye to the crowd and see you all next time! Keep smiling, enjoying life at its maximum.