When your loved one is cremated, you may wonder what the best way to honor them is, especially if they didn't leave any instructions behind on what they would like you to do with their ashes. While it may be vexing at first, there are some great ways that you can give your loved one's remains the honor they deserve. Here are four great options on how to best memorialize your loved one.
Spread their ashes at a favorite location
If there is a place that your loved one was always enamored with, what better way to honor them then to leave their remains there? Before you consider this option, make sure that you get clearance from any requisite authorities, because there are rules and regulations that may need to be observed when spreading your loved one's ashes.
Purchase a space in a mausoleum
A more traditional route can be to purchase a space in a mausoleum. While this may seem less personal, it can provide a great place to visit and remember your loved one. If they've served in the military, look for a mausoleum that accommodates veterans and their families.
Create a monument to them
Instead of leaving their ashes in an urn on your mantle that may be tipped over or just gather dust, consider turning their ashes into a statue, bench, or other reminder of their life and their contributions. This could be placed on your mantle, placed in a memory garden, or used in another way to remind people of your loved one.
Use their ashes to nourish a tree
Plant a young tree in dirt mixed with their ashes to complete the cycle of life. Their remains will nourish the tree and you can use it as a quiet and peaceful reminder of your loved one. You could also put a bench or other accoutrement there to make it friendly to those who come around.
As you do these things, you'll be able to give to your posterity and others lasting memories of the positive contributions that your loved one gave to the world.
Share11 June 2015
When my father passed away a year ago, my mother didn't have any problems with the funeral or burial. My father planned his funeral in advance. He didn't want to burden my mom with any problems during her time of grieving. That hit me. I realized that I didn't have any plans for my own future, which would make it even harder on my wife and kids. So, I contacted a funeral home online and requested information about burial services. The funeral home provided me with many options that I could afford to pay over time or upfront. My wife also helped select burial plots for us because we didn't want to be separated — even after death. I encourage you to read through my blog. It offers great tips and advice on how to plan for your own future. Don't wait. You never know what life holds for you.