After The Cremation Final Resting Place

Now that we've discussed Cremation from beginning to mid process, what happens after the cremation process has completed? Most people aren't aware because they are not physically present during the cremation process which typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

The urn which was provided by the family to contain the crematins is returned to the funeral home or the designed party on the authorization form. If you and other family members have not decided on a final resting place, you may wish to discuss it with a funeral director or other professional who can assit you on the many options that are available.

Some of these options include:

1. Placement of the urn containing the cremains in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium.

2. Interment of the urn containing the cremains in a family burial plot or in a special urn garden that many cemeteries provide specifically for this purpose

3. Scatter the cremains (cremated remains) in a cemetery garden especially for scattering of ashes

4. Scatter the cremains at sea or on land in accordance with your state laws. If you decide to scatter, you may wish to choose a site for a permanent memorial with a plaque. It provides a place for loved ones to go to and pay a memorial or visit during certain times.

5. Take the urn with cremains home temporarily until you can find an eventual permanent resting place.

I do know of a neighbor of mine who's husband recently passed away who keeps his cremains in an urn inside their home. Some families wish to do this and wait until the spouse is deceased to place both urns in a final resting place.

This is a good option but the urn should be placed on a shelf or somewhere it is not easily disturbed or agitated.

Understanding the cremation process is helpful for families considering this type of final disposition. Too often it is learned too late in the decision making process such as when a deceased has passed and emotions are high. Learning about the process can ease your mind and help you make more of an unbiased decision prior to death.