Cremation, a Beginning to a Meaningful Future!

There have been several thoughtful articles on this site suggesting cremation was an ecologically-friendly and feasible solution to increasingly scarce burial space (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/396633/cremation_vs_burial_how_do_you_choose.html) and (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/42870/micro_homes_cremation_green_funerals.html)

I personally had a difficult time in characterizing this article. Is it a serious attempt to address serious issues regarding the best utilization of real estate? In many countries, notably in the United Kingdom, burial space has been so limited that more than one casket has been interred in the same grave, necessitating disturbing a previous burial. Is it, on the other hand an attempt to bring levity to a very serious family event? You decide.

The concept of placing the residue of cremation in an hourglass began in a series of conversations with friends. Actually, the conversations were between my friend, Mal, and me. We continued our talks over a year or so, much to the disparagement of our wives.

While there is controversy as to certain aspects of cremation and some religious groups are opposed to the concept, some things are beyond dispute. First, cremation is becoming more and more acceptable and popular; many people consider traditional funerals and burial an unneeded expense to be, ultimately, paid by the survivors. Second there is a belief among many faiths that future generations should remember the deceased and that continued memory is to be cherished.

Disposition of the ashes after cremation has become more and more creative. Dispersing them from an airplane or spreading them over water are two traditional ways of disposing of the ashes. Or, using a fancy urn to be buried in a typical grave or tomb will allow the family a place to visit each year to remember the good times.

But there is an alternative suggestion

The concept of placing the "cremains" in an hourglass-timer serves these ends and one more. It is a commonplace to note that many of us have a wish to exert our wills after death. This may be a matter of control, Leona Helmsley's conditioning a bequest upon the recipient's visiting a mausoleum and signing a ledger is illustrative. More often, and far more noble, is a desire to have children and grandchildren and future generations succeed in business, education, and, even, personal hygiene.

Let us suppose one's cremains were placed in an hourglass, or hourglasses and these were distributed to the children. One could remain a functioning member of the family, helping to time various family behaviors. Parents could regulate study times for schoolwork, practice time for a musical instrument, time for cleaning up a messy child's bedroom. A parent might say to a child, "Brush your teeth until Grandpa is finished" and then turn the hourglass over.

Can you envision the following dialogue between parent and child?

"Come on, Johnny, time for bed. Shut off the TV."

"Aw, Mom, just ten more minutes . . . please".

"OK, but just until Grandpa gets down to the bottom", turning the hourglass over.

"Thanks, Grandpa, take your time. There's no hurry. I love you."

For a full exposition of this concept and a website where comments may be made, go to www.hourglassurn.com.