Memorial Day is but one of a number
of yearly occasions that people set aside to honor
the memory of loved ones. Although it may not
be apparent to us all, there is good reason behind
the long-honored tradition of setting aside time
to visit the final resting place of family and
close friends. And this begins by first establishing
an easily accessible and permanent location at
which to do this.
Professionals in the field of psychology are
aware of the importance of establishing a permanent
memorial site for those who have passed on, be
it a traditional burial site, a columbarium in
which ashes are stored, or even a garden in a
local cemetery where ashes have been spread.
For one, it provides a focal point for our grief,
without which the trauma of bereavement may be
prolonged to an extraordinary and potentially
damaging degree. Providing a permanent resting
place for the deceased is a dignified treatment
for their mortal remains, and fulfills the natural
human desire for memorialization.
There is a somewhat common misconception about
cremation that suggests this practice is not conducive
to such a permanent memorial, or that it limits
one’s choices. However, both are far from
the truth. Cremation allows for many memorialization
options, and as it gains in popularity new doors
are opened to those who chose this route.
Those who say– whether in jest or seriously
– “Just cremate me and throw my ashes
to the wind” – probably don’t
realize the burden this places on family members.
As well, they may not know of the many options
available for memorializing those ashes.
Cremation has certainly gained in acceptance
and popularity in recent decades. Since 1973,
the number of cremations in North America has
more than tripled. Countries such as Japan (97%),
Great Britain (70%) and Scandinavia (over 65%)
continue to see it as a more desirable alternative
to traditional burial. These days it has, become
a perfectly acceptable option for some faiths
that traditionally disallowed it.
With the practice’s burgeoning popularity,
there is a growing number of available choices
of where to place cremated remains and to establish
a memorial location. A niche in a columbarium
is one of the more traditional options. In the
burial site of a loved one – even if they
have not chosen cremation themselves – means
that you will be close to them for all of eternity.
Today, it is common for cemeteries, including
White Chapel, to offer beautiful gardens where
ashes may be scattered. This may allow one to
personalize their memorialization with a tree,
a rose bush or other type of perennial plant.
The point is, cremation does allow one to establish
and even personalize a permanent memorial –
a focal point not only for present-day survivors,
but for future generations. And memorialization
in a cemetery is a logical choice.
While there is something undeniably poetic about
having one’s ashes strewn across a favorite
pond or tract of wilderness, there may be inherent
problems in choosing such a place as a memorial
site. First of all, while this may be legally
done in many areas, one must think hard about
what this means to their descendants. Should they
care to visit the site; can they do so easily,
conveniently, without a great expenditure of time
and or money? Can they do this whenever they care
to or, more importantly, feel a need to? And while
this site may be accessible to them now, can you
rest assured that it will not be developed for
other uses at some future time, or closed to the
public?
Memorialization at a site dedicated specifically
for that purpose helps ensure that you are always
there for your loved ones. It is, in every way,
the best way to ensure that those who chose cremation
will endure in memory, and with dignity.
Click here to visit our
Cremation Services Page and learn more about the
services offered by White Chapel Memorial Park
Cemetery |
