Interesting reading what everyone has to say about this topic.
When my grandmother was ill, and she knew it was her final illness, she set aside one dress and the complete outfit for it - including her prettiest underwear, slip, hosiery, and shoes, and told my mom "This is for my funeral. Take care of it and make sure the funeral home gets it."
My mom agreed. During the next few months, every so often Grandma would ask "Is my dress still in the closet?" Mom assured her that it was. Finally, when she passed on, the complete outfit was given to the funeral home, and that's what they dressed her in. So we know she went to Eternity in her pretty slip and nicest Sunday-go-to-meetin' dress! It was nice that we knew what she wanted and we could respect it.
Most people in my family opted for traditional burial, but my mom very strongly preferred cremation. Her ashes were buried in the family plot alonside my grandmother, aunt, brother, and other relatives. My older brother also was cremated; some of his ashes were buried, but the rest of them were scattered in the ocean, which he dearly loved, and on a favorite beach. Kind of spooked me out a bit knowing that his remains were in several different places, but that's what he wanted. (He also had a long illness before he died, so he had time to think about it.)
For me, I want this: Eternal Reefs, A Cremation Memorial Option The remains go toward creating a reef that creates a home for sea-life. I like it; no space is taken up on earth, you can still have a plaque, and something productive comes out of what's left of you.
Beyond that, my husband and I will endow certain memorials, a scholarship fund, and a park bench at our favorite beach, so that will be our lasting tribute.
