A Nice Bone
Daddy, when we burn people what's that stuff that's left?
Inquired the Little Lady solemnly.
It had been just another day and I was taking advantage of the Little Boom's nap-time to chill with some coffee and Steemit browsing.
The Little Lady had been sitting quietly doing art at the table but had gotten up and came over and sat beside me to ask about burning people.
I suspected that this was related to the recent death of my Dad who, according to his wishes was cremated.
We believe in being honest with our kids and I had been doing my best to answer all of the Little Lady's questions despite some of them being a bit painful.
What do you mean lass? Do you mean the ashes. Like when someone is cremated? Like my Dad?
I asked, the memory of picking up my Dad's ashes fresh in my mind.
They are a lot smaller and a lot heavier than you would think.
That's it, yes. When we burn people why do they keep the ashes?
She asked. Her eyes wide with innocence.
Well, you don't have to keep them. But, some people like to get them and do something special with them.
The Little Lady pondered for a moment.
I don't get it.
She said finally.
Don't get what, lass?
I asked, hoping that the conversation would change to unicorns or dinosaurs soon.
I just don't understand why they would give you back the ashes!?
She seemed a little perturbed.
Well, people like to...
No Daddy.
She interrupted me.
I don't understand why they would give you back dirty ashes. Why don't they give you a nice bone?
Her eyes gleamed.
A nice bone?
I raised an eyebrow at her.
Yes, Daddy. Wouldn't you like a nice bone instead. If they cleaned it and stuff?
A vision of being handed my Dad's thigh bone with a ribbon tied around it flashed through my mind.
I wouldn't like a bone, little one. In fact I think that would be a bit horrible.
She tilted her head to one side and gazed at me as if adults and Daddy's in particular were the stupidest people in the world.
When you die. I will ask them for a nice bone.
She said happily.
I raised my eyes skywards.
You do that, lass. You do that.
I'd be more worried about what she plans to do with that bone!
That's true, something nefarious no doubt!
Oh, turn him into a dazzling diamond!!
Or, Vinyly, a UK-based company, give you the opportunity to immortalize your loved ones by having their ashes pressed into vinyl records that are actually playable.
They can use voice recordings or a custom made with his favorite music. The album cover's artwork can be something of your own choosing.
Then again, scattering it to a place that meant something to him.
Le Sigh...
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Wow. I didn't know there was such a thing it even demand for such a thing. Whilst I think it sounds kinda cool I bet my mum would think it was mental!!
My Grandfather used to maintain the local cemetery. Every once in a while, someone would dig up a grave. One particular time, he found the grave was dug up, called the police and they noticed that only the head was missing. That seemed to be the end of the story...
A few years later, the police were able to find the head (using DNA matching).
What the thieves were doing was digging up the head, then cleaning and polishing the bone. Then they would carve it. Then sell it as if it were an archeological mystery.
The funny thing was... after they had finishing returning the skull to the grave (with the rest of the body). My Grandpa said that he didn't think he'd mind too much if someone ever dug him up and turned his head into a piece of art.
Maybe the Little Lady is on to something!
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I think that's an awesome piece of art! I don't think I wouldMind that either!!!
But ... can you imagine if the executor of the estate informed a relative of the deceased ...
It was <name of deceased> will to have his/her skull cleaned/polished/carved and to be given to you.
Um ... Would that look good on the mantle? Perhaps on the shelf in the bedroom. :-)
She might have your teeth turned into a necklace.
Nah, she likes pretty things :0D
That makes sense. The UK isn't known for pretty teeth.
You should see Scotland, it's like the land of the yellow snaggleteeth.
Still, it is handy for hunting the haggis ;o)
I am so sorry for your loss......xx
Cheers Lass
O the innocence of a child. I am very emotional during this stupid menopause so believe it or not this brought a tear to my eyes. So very sweet.
Well, I can truly say that I am very emotional these days and typing it bought a tear to my eye despite it amusing me at the same time!
Kids are hilarious ;) Are you going to spread the ashes? We were supposed to do that with my dad's but we couldn't figure out how to open the stone thing my mom had them put in! So now they sit in her closet and she wants it put in her casket when it's her time.
That's quite sweet! We haven't figured out what to do with them yet. We are bandying around options. A long walk up Scottish mountain might be in order!
Your funny bone maybe!?
Now there's a thought!! Might be worth something! ;0D
Aww..bless the innocence of youth lol. Remind her of that when she's grown.
Condolences on your father's passing, I know that the sting lasts a good long while.
It is a sting, thank you.
She is funny with her stuff, it made me laugh outlandishly :0)
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