Many people choose cremation over traditional burial when a loved one passes on. Once the cremation process is complete, families have the option to do many things with the ashes, so take a look at this guide to learn more about how you can honor the memory of your loved one.
Bury the ashes in a special place.
If you choose to bury the ashes, there are a few things you need to do first. You’ll need to find a place to bury the ashes. You may want to consider burying the ashes in a cemetery or special memorial park, or you may want to choose your loved one’s favorite place. If you choose to bury them on private property, make sure you get permission from the owner. Next, purchase a burial container for the ashes. This can be anything from an urn-shaped grave marker to a simple wooden box. You can also add a personal note inside the urn. Be sure to search “cremation services near me” and contact your local funeral director to schedule a time for them to help you bury the ashes.
Keep the ashes at home in an urn.
Some people choose to keep the ashes at home in a beautiful urn. There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to do this. Maybe they want to keep a physical reminder of their loved one close by, or they may feel that the ashes are a part of their loved one, and they want to keep them safe. Or maybe they simply don’t want to part with their loved one’s ashes. Whichever reason resonates with you, be sure to pick an urn that well-represents the memory of your loved one. You could pick an urn with a design your loved one adored, or you could place their photo next to the urn.
If you choose to keep the ashes at home, you should keep a few things in mind. You should make sure that the ashes are in a safe place. They should be kept where they will not be disturbed and where pets and children cannot get to them. You’ll want to ensure the urn you choose is durable and kept away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the sight of the urn doesn’t upset you. If you feel that you’re too early in the grieving process to see the ashes, don’t hesitate to keep the urn in a safe place until you’re ready to display it.
Scatter the ashes.
Scattering ashes has become more popular over the years. This option allows the deceased to rest in a place that is special to them or has personal meaning. You can scatter ashes in a local forest or even a national park like Yellowstone. However, it can be challenging to find a suitable spot, and some families worry about the ashes becoming scattered in the wind or washing away. The best way to sidestep any issues is to pick a spot your loved one spent a lot of time in. For example, if they loved the ocean, spread the ashes in the water. To prevent any mishaps, consider the direction of the wind and be sure to scatter the ashes away from other people. You may also want to spread the ashes in several different places. As long as you feel the areas are a good reflection of your loved one, then the scattering process will help you grieve.
Cremation offers many ways for you to honor your loved ones. Remember what your loved one would have wanted to be done with their ashes, and take some time to reflect on the impact they had on your life as you memorialize them.
