What Should I Do With My Loved One's Ashes?

My father died about 5 years ago. After he died, I was the one chosen to hold on to his ashes.

For a while I just held on to the ashes, not really sure of what to do with them. I didn't really want to scatter them, he left so little behind I didn't want to get rid of the little piece of him I still had. I was already doing cremation jewelry and ashes keepsakes at this point, so then I thought it would be a nice tribute to make some paperweights for my brothers with his ashes, you can see that below. 

Cremation Glass Art

There are lots of options for what to do with the ashes, you could bury them, you could put them in an urn, you could scatter them. But I like the idea of cremation art because you can still see the ashes, so it feels like you still have them in a way, and in a piece of art that gives some meaning to it. If you were to put those ashes into a pendant you could carry them with you wherever you go. 

But What if I Lose The Pendant I Put Ashes Into?

 I've heard some people don't like this idea because they're worried they'll lose them, and that would be like losing their loved one a second time. That's understandable, and if you feel that way you might want something more permanent, like a burial plot. If you choose to go down that route you can read more about it here.

Ashes Into Paperweights

I've also heard some people are worried that if they buy a cremation pendant, for instance, they might one day not want to wear it and that might feel disrespectful. There are lots of options besides jewelry however, for example marbles or paperweights. 

Is It Creepy To Put Ashes into a Necklace?

Finally, I know some feel that cremation art is somehow creepy or morbid. But to me death is a part of life. I don't see death as some terrible event to be avoided. I see it as an inevitable part of the process, not some monster to be feared but rather an old friend welcoming us into our final rest. 

Whatever your feelings I encourage you to share them in the comments, by talking about the big events in our lives we help each other find meaning in them.