What do you think of my digs for eternity? Tom and I finally did what we have been talking about for ages. After all of the deaths in our family in what feels like just a few weeks we knew it was time. Of course I wanted to be at Spring Grove. I spend so much time there and it is such an alive place. We will be cremated and then enurned (I learned a new word) in #77 Lakeside - I guess I have an address! This is black granite and I really had no idea that my head would show up right in our "drawer" with Tom over at the side. When we are both gone they will comingle the ashes. The cool part is that the dogs can also be mingled with us - but we can't put "Giggles" on the drawer.......
It was an emotional experience. Not only because we had just lost folks but because it makes your own mortality look you a little closer in the eyes. I firmly believe that just the ashes of this body will reside in that box - I will be long gone and meeting my maker, rejoicing in heaven - or that's the plan. This old church secretary used to collect Affirmations of Faith. Week to week they spoke to me. I so remember sitting at my father's bedside as he was doing the hard work of dying. I couldn't even think how to pray - and that is when I feel that the Holy Spirit does it for me. But I could remember this and have always found comfort here.
In life and in death we belong to God. What could be better?
When I had lunch with my 2 oldest friends a few weeks ago, we had this same conversation.Subjects you skirt when you are younger become important to meet head on. I guess you could say you can check this off your "to-do" list.
Cathy, this evokes all sorts of emotions, but all of them good and natural. Thank you for posting such a personal image, I'm sure that it will help others on here take some needed decisions.
Good for you that you took care of it. I did mine several years ago and my family knows where the papers are. I don't want them to have to go through as I did to go and do it a few hours my husband died. It's something I don't want anybody to do; and on top there was raining with storm, the electricity went off, and I had to choose the casket with a flash light.
Well Cathie I know I have talked about leaving instructions & discussing with my kids how I would like to be buried etc but when I saw this it really brings it home how very sensible you both are. You have been & gone & actuall done it...bought your last place on this earth. It almost freaked me out thinking about it. Ok being prepared & writing stuff in a book which is what I have done but to actually choose the exact spot...you are a gutsy woman! I have changed my mind several times since I wrote in my book & after the last funeral I went to last week in his own orchard I said to my daughter that she had to do as she wished but to give me a good send off!
I shan't be there so whatever is best for them to chose & pay for your own place though, now that is very helpful to all. Well done & it looks a beautiful place you both chose.
@happypat I freely admit that during the process I ended up in tears. When Tom and I met in the parking lot we both admitted to being a bit on edge and nervous. We were blessed with a lady that made us laugh and a location that I positively love. I spend so much time there and know how it is cared for and is very alive.
Wonderful "selfie" and such a smart and brave thing to do. We have plots at Marvin's home church cemetery where our ashes will rest with a large number of those in the Wigen family, including our stillborn son. Our kids know what we want, but I guess we should talk to the folks at the church and also put down our wishes in writing. I am very bad at doing the planning thing in most areas of my life so I guess it's no surprise that I'm not doing so well planning for my death.
@squamloon The best part of this project for me is the support we give to one another. This was a tough day for me and I needed to add the laughter. Tom lost his brother on 11/30 and we lost our SIL on 12/24
Love that you got your place set up in one of your favorite places. It is so beautiful this time of year. Do you go to visit there much? Just checking the Spring Grove tags and this was the only other one besides mine. You have so many great shots from there.
@amandal I go all the time. I love it there and it is so sacred and safe. I'd love to meet you there some day and take you to all of my favorite places.
I shan't be there so whatever is best for them to chose & pay for your own place though, now that is very helpful to all. Well done & it looks a beautiful place you both chose.
It takes me back to this day where your support meant so much to me. http://365project.org/squamloon/365/2013-08-14