Those of you who have followed my “what to do with a body” blog series may wonder what we finally decided to do and why.
So here it is.
We wish to donate all organs and tissues possible.
We would like the rest of the body cremated.
We would like the cremains placed in biodegradable containers.
We would like them planted in the earth, fulfilling what Solomon said,
“The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God Who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7
We have purchased the rights to use burial plots at a beautiful memorial garden. It is near trees by a lake, thus calling to mind what Jeremiah said,
“Blessed is the one who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
The garden is located near where we and our family live. It is near the road that had the greatest significance to us while living here.
For me, the decision in part was a symbolic surrender to the land that became my home for most of my life.
I was not born in Kentucky, but at this writing I have been here for almost 50 years. The rolling hills of The Bluegrass have become home.
I have the joy of living in this land now with The Love of My Life, our daughter, son in law and grandson. They are my people.
It comforts me to think what is left of my physical body will be returned to the ground in a family “launch site.” In due time, our bones will be together as we were in life.
We would like the biodegradable containers buried directly in the ground, not in some concrete vault. Thus when the container degrades, our remains will be released directly into the ground. Dust to dust.
We plan to add a marker that will include our life verse as our message to the world.
In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy!
Psalm 16:11
There is one more important part to our plan. Now that we have a designated spot, we hope to visit it frequently and enjoy life in that place.
We hope to enjoy the lakes and the waterfowl there. We hope to sit on the benches and enjoy the places where the green grass and sky seem to connect.
Perhaps we will have the opportunity to meet other people who come there. Perhaps there will be opportunities to comfort those who mourn. Memorial Gardens can create communities.
Some people do come to mourn or reflect.
But others come to walk or jog for the joy of living.
We hope to teach our children and grandson that the contemplation of death is not something to be feared or avoided. It is simply another doorway opened into a wonderful new world.
Already we have taken some family pictures in the garden. When any of us have transitioned out of our bodies, it will be nice for those who are left behind to have the pictures and remember when we were in that place together.
As to how or when the next steps happen, only our Creator knows. We can only plan so far. He is in charge of The Total Plan, including the steps we are taking now.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
This we do know, God’s Plans are perfect. We look forward to seeing what He has in mind.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
