Last night, my husband and I had a much-needed “Veg Fest.” If you know us well, you know we work hard and play hard, but rarely just veg! So we caught some of a new TV series called “Three Rivers.” It’s on CBS, and it focuses on a medical team that harvests organs from gracious donors who have passed, and find “homes” for them in very sick and needy patients, some of whom have been waiting for a long time. I enjoyed it, and it sparked some discussion between Nate and I.
I’ve had the organ donor box checked on my driver’s license since I was 16, and I’ve always thought I wanted everything possible to be donated except for my skin and eyes. Many people don’t even know that these can be donated, and I’ve kind of thought of it as “icky.” However, donating these organs would make a world of difference in the lives of a blind person or burn victim, so I’ve given it some more thought. Now, if you’re on top of things, you’re realizing that this extensive donation could make for an unsightly open casket. Enter my next preference: cremation.
Now, before you start thinking this will be a morbid blog post, be assured that you’re probably going to laugh very soon 
.
Cremation… the alternative to slowly becoming worm food over the course of many years. I’m rather fond of it. But, what do your loved ones DO with your remains? There’s the sprinkling into the ocean, off of a mountainside, and resting in the somewhat typical urn on the mantle which could be creepy for your home’s visitors or housekeeper.
I want something different. I am an artist. When I die and become ashes, I’d like to become art. (What?)
I think I'd feel eternally comfy in any of these shapes.
You heard me! I want my ashes to be given to a skilled and open-minded potter who will then mix me into clay and form a number of beautiful pieces of pottery for each of my loved ones to cherish for a lifetime. I fancy them choosing the design or have something inscribed on their work of art.
I LOVE IT. I have made my wishes known to Nate, and in the event of our simultaneous demise, we’d like to both be incorporated into a separate vase. There you have it!
How do you want to spend your “after years?” Please comment! I want to know. Oh, and please check your donor box if you haven’t already. It’s your final chance to save lives.
For my Dad’s hilarious run-down of his post-demise options, click here! He’s a trip.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Kelly, How thoughtful of you. I’ve also had “the box” checked forever. Working in the medical field, I see many benefits of the gift of life. I will not need any of my organs with my brand spanking new perfect body through Jesus!!!
The thought of you wanting the cremation and then incorporated into pottery for your family is a very loving thought, in my opinion. I’ve had friends who had the urn just sitting around-awkward conversation piece. This would allow your beauty and love to continue through yet another artistic gift. I think it is an awesome idea!
I don’t know Kelly–that’s still a little creepy! Ha! But I’ll give it to ya, it is a unique idea! …And I’m wth you on the donation and cremation thing. I’ll have to think some about being turned into pottery when I die! =)