Cremation – A Way to Keep Your Loved One Near
Planning how to say good-bye to people we love is not an easy thing, whether you have lost a loved one or are making arrangements for your own farewell. There are two main options to consider after death – burial and cremation. Though traditional burial has been the more popular choice for Americans over the last several decades, cremation is becoming more popular each year.
Many believe the body is a gateway to the soul. When the body is gone, the soul remains. Cremation is a way for people to feel they are still close with their loved one. It allows you to bring your loved one home with you. There is no “goodbye” at a graveside service. There is no concern over moving away from your local cemetery – leaving you with worry over “leaving them behind”.
Cremation has many benefits, among them are:
- It’s Economical ~ Cremations are generally five times less expensive than traditional funeral burials. There is no need for an expensive casket, no headstone, no cemetery plot and a much reduced cost for the optional funeral services.
- It’s “Green” ~ America is becoming more ecologically conscious and we've started to realize that placing coffins designed to last decades in the ground is not super earth-friendly. Also, less burials leave more land available for other uses.
- It’s Simpler ~ Many people do not like the pomp and circumstance associated with a normal funeral and prefer something simpler. Cremations are simple and the level of ceremony is up to you.
What about after the cremation?
Once a cremation is complete you have several options as to what you wish to do with the ashes.
- Scatter them: Many choose to scatter the ashes in a place that held special meaning to the deceased, a mountaintop, at sea, on family property or at another location that is convenient place for survivors to visit.
- Decorative Cremation Urn: Another choice is to preserve the ashes in a decorative cremation urn. Cremation urns can be made of glass, wood, metal or ceramics and often become treasured art pieces for the home.
- Memorial/Keepsake Jewelry: A custom made piece of jewelry is a perfect way to hold the memory of your loved one close to you at all times. Pins, necklaces, and bracelets can be made in a variety of materials and can include a small amount of the ashes of your loved one. They’re tasteful and inconspicuous; and, in most cases, are literally filled and given to you prior to the memorial service.
Pia Parris is the Owner, Operator and Manager of Optima Cremation Service. For-more information call Pia at 336-279-1000 or visit her at www.optimacremationservice.com.
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