Cremation Ashed to Diamonds

Have a diamond created from the ashes of a loved one and keep them with you forever. As cremation grows in popularity many people are faced with what to do with the ashes. Scattering them in a significant place is an option. However, some family members are reluctant to do so because they will then have nothing left. Using part of the ashes to create a diamond is the perfect solution.

Companies such as LifeGem and Cremation Solutions only need a small portion of the ashes to make the diamond. They use the carbon from them for the process. More than one can be made if you wish. The cremation diamonds can also be made in colors. The gems produced are molecularly the same as natural diamonds and have the same properties.

Wear your loved one next to your heart or on your hand as a daily reminder of their love.

Types of Cemeteries

When it comes time to make the choice of a burial location there are different types of cemeteries to choose from. There are primarily four types of cemeteries found in the United Sates. Each one has different considerations.

• District Cemeteries - These cemeteries are owned and run by local governments such as cities or counties. They are usually open to all residents of the area who can afford to pay the fees for a plot. There may be restrictions on how many plots can be owned by one person or family.


• Religious Cemeteries - Religious organizations often own and run cemeteries. These are usually open to members of the specific religion. Many times they are adjacent to a church or other religious facility but do not have to be.


• Private Cemeteries - Private individual or corporations run many cemeteries. They generally have no religious affiliation and are open to anyone. They may have sections devoted to different religious denominations. These are run as for profit businesses.


• Veterans' Cemeteries - Veterans cemeteries are run specifically by the government for the burial of veterans and sometimes their families. There are restrictions on who can be buried in which cemetery. For more information on the specifics please refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Before You Buy a Headstone or Marker, Know the Rules

Before you buy a headstone or marker there are some things that you need to know. Almost every cemetery has restrictions on the type of memorial monuments allowed.

• Do not purchase any type of headstone or marker without first checking with the cemetery where it will be placed. Cemeteries can and will refuse to allow installation of items that do not fall within their guidelines.


• Ask the cemetery for a written copy of the rules. It is a good idea to take these rules with you when shopping. If you are shopping online have them in front of you.


• It is common for cemeteries to specify whether headstones or markers or both are allowed.


• They will also specify things such as size, color, material and whether vases are acceptable. It is possible that there will be provisions covering double markers and which side the husband and wife should be on. These are only a few of the items that may be governed by the policy.


• Read the rules carefully to avoid an expensive mistake. Once carved a headstone cannot be returned.

Memorial Space Flights

Your loved one may have always dreamed of going into space. He may have watched every space launch with wonder and excitement. Now you can launch part of their cremated remains into space.

Celestis, based in Houston, TX, is a private sector company specializing in space missions. They offer a service where a small portion of cremated remains are encapsulated and taken aboard a vehicle bound for space. Usually they are placed on satellites. The remains stay with the satellite in orbit around the earth.

They have plans to launch remains to the moon in the near future as well as plans to take them into deep space. Another service that they offer is called an Earth Rise Service. The remains go into orbit around the earth and then are returned to earth.

A gathering for family members is held at the launch site any time that remains are going into orbit. If you cannot attend in person they can arrange for the launch to be viewed via web cast.

Notifying Family and Friends

Notifiying everyone of a loved one's death can be a daunting task. Close family members and friends will need to be notified in a personal manner such as a telephone call.  Don't be afraid to reach out to the first few people that you notify and ask them to help you inform other members of the family.

Once your family and close friends have been notified, you can notify other friends and acquaintances through e-mail. This method may be easier than trying to get in touch with everyone by phone. It also will save you from the task of re-telling the story over and over. If you are the closest relative to the deceased, it is appropriate to delegate this task to another family member or friend.

Green Funerals, A Growing Trend

The funeral industry is following the interests of the general public and offering green funerals.  Traditional funerals can consume a large amount of resources. These resources can range from the gas used in transporation, to the land used for a grave to the materials used to construct the vault and casket. There are also a number of  harmful chemicals used in the embalming process. People are now questioning the long accepted methods commonly used and looking for green funeral alternatives.

Some families choose to take small steps such as using recycled paper for programs or the use of locally grown flowers for the funeral floral arrangements. Others make a point of having people carpool to and from the funeral and burial. There is also the option of a small gathering in an outdoor setting. Requesting the use of formaldyhyde free embalming fluids is another option.

Beyond the small things, there are larger things that can be done in the name of a green funeral. Some of the alternative methods of burial and disposition that are considered more green than a tradtional burial are discussed in other tips.

Sympathy Etiquette for Major Religions

Each of the prominent religions has its own funeral etiquette. When you wish to show your sympathy it is helpful to know what is accepted in that religion. Some of the most common ones are covered here.

Protestant, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian

The funeral service is usually lead by a minister and is most often held at a funeral home. There will be visiting hours at the funeral home before the service where you can pay your condolences. It is appropriate to send flowers, cards or make a donation to charity as a show of sympathy.

Roman Catholic

There is usually a viewing or wake at a funeral home that starts shortly after death. The funeral itself is held in church with a mass 3 days after the death. You can attend the wake and the mass. Appropriate expressions of sympathy are flowers. Food gifts for the family can be sent to their house.

Judaism

Jewish law dictates burial within 24 hours. The service is officiated by a rabbi and is only attended by the immediate family.  After the burial the family will sit in Shiva at home. This lasts seven days. It is appropriate to stop and pay a condolence call within that time frame. Flowers are not accepted. It is customary to bring sweet treats and food. Check to see if the family observes Kosher food laws, if so the food needs to be Kosher.

Muslim

Services are held in a Mosque and are held shortly after death with a quick burial. When attending, note that men and women are segregated on different sides of the Mosque. Women's heads are covered. You may show your sympathy with a gift of food but do no give funeral flowers.

How to Write Sympathy Cards

Sending sympathy cards to the family of someone who has died can serve two purposes. The first and obvious one is that it lets you extend your condolences to the family that is left behind. The second, often unrealized, purpose is a chance to express your feelings about the death.

It is acceptable to send sympathy cards with a simple short message such as "With deep sadness".The family will know that you have them in your thoughts. However, taking the time to write a paragraph or two to include with your sympathy card can be even more healing.

Writing your thoughts down is not as difficult as it seems. You can tell a fond story about the individual, say what it was about them that you liked or explain why you are going to miss them. It is often much easier to express your feelings in writing than in person to the bereaved family.

Begin by writing a rough draft. Once you have your thoughts organized write it in the card that you have selected.

Mail the sympathy card in a timely manner. You should send it as soon as you hear about the death.

Selecting Funeral Flowers

Funeral flowers are selected by the people in charge of the funeral arrangements. They traditionally include a casket spray and perhaps an easel arrangement. This arrangement stands next to the casket. Sympathy flowers sent by friends and family are usually displayed to the side.

Selecting funeral flower arrangements for a loved one’s funeral is an important part of the process. The flowers chosen will be one of the most eye catching aspects of the viewing and funeral ceremony.

To determine the size of the casket spray, consider whether the casket will be viewed opened or closed. If it will be open, the spray should be able to fit on the bottom half of the casket.

There are many flowers that are traditionally used at funerals. These flowers are considered to have meanings. Roses are very symbolic. White roses mean innocence, yellow ones stand for friendship. Carnations are often used at funerals and have their symbolism as well. White carnations symbolize love. Pink carnations stand for the undying love of a mother.

A professional florist will be able to guide you in the selection of funeral flowers. Search for one that has experience with funeral flower arrangements.