Most people think about death and dying; some more often than others. But not to delve into the psychological impact which the bare thought of our own mortality has on an average earthling, I would like to ask: have you ever thought about what will happen to your remains?

Recently, I discovered that there are quite a few extremely creative ways to go; lots of impressive stuff you can do with your cremation remains. Considering the  global crises, it might be timely to review these options.

1. Life Gem

   LifeGem is a certified diamond created from the carbon of your loved one as a memorial to their life, or as a symbol of your personal and precious bond with them. What is appealing in the LifeGem concept is the parallel between the diamonds and the memories. In that sense, it provides a lasting memory that endures just as a diamond does, forever.

   Personally, I am not into diamonds or jewelery, but I am a sucker for all kinds of  little memory keepsakes that hold tons of personal value. In that sense, I wouldn’t mind being passed on as an engagement ring from generation to generation, as long as I stay in the family.

   Life Gem

2. Angel’s Flight

   Angel’s Flight offers a highly creative alternative: they will turn the ashes of your loved ones into fireworks. I must say, this is the perfect option for those who want to go out with a bang.

   At sunset, family and friends board a luxury yacht and are transported to the  Service site. As the moon and stars begin to appear, the music starts. Family or friends might say a few words, or if desired, the Captain of the yacht or a Minister can provide a more formal service. As the music plays, the family looks skyward over the beautiful ocean waters, watching the fireworks carry their loved one’s cremains into the air. Bursting over the ocean in exquisite patterns and colors, the cremains are scattered into the sea.

   Angel’s Flight

3. Celestis

   If you are looking for something out of this world, look no further. Memorial flights are as far as you can get. Celestis makes it possible to honor the dream and memory of your departed loved one by launching a symbolic portion of cremated remains into Earth orbit, onto the lunar surface or into deep space. Missions into space that return the cremated remains to Earth are also available.

   Spaceflight with return to Earth can be arranged starting from $695, while the launch into deep space costs from $12,500. If you want to send your loved one to the Moon, that will be around $10,000.

   Celestis

4. Eternal Reefs

   An Eternal Reef combines a cremation urn, ash scattering and burial at sea into one meaningful permanent environmental tribute to life.An Eternal Reefs “Memorial Reef” is a designed reef made of environmentally safe cast concrete that is used to create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life. Eternal Reefs takes the cremated remains or “cremains” of an individual and incorporates them into an environmentally safe cement mixture designed to create artificial reef formations. The memorial reefs are taken to a curing area and then placed in the permitted ocean location selected by the individual, friend or family member.

   For families and individuals that choose cremation rather than burial, Eternal Reefs offers a new memorial option that replaces cremation urns and ash scattering with a permanent environmental living legacy. Expected to last 500 years, over 300 Memorial Reefs have been placed off the coasts of Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.

   Eternal Reefs

5. Memory Glass

   Memory Glass provides a unique method of memorializing your loved ones. By suspending a small amount of cremated remains within solid glass globes and pendants, every member of the family can have their own tangible keepsake that will last forever.

   

   Memory Glass

6. My Crystal Companion

   Here you can have a cremation keepsake created by infusing your loved one’s cremated remains in crystal glass. The process used to create your personalized memorial keepsake is patented, and results in a truly unique work of art.

   No two jewels or memorials are alike just as no two people are exactly alike, no two crystals are identical. The keepsake is created in its own crucible from your loved one’s remains. Then the crucible is destroyed, insuring that your memorial is yours alone.

   

   My Crystal Companion

7. Art in Ashes

   This is another new memorial concept that turns precious family memories directly into beautiful family heirloom. They require about a teaspoon of your loved-one’s ashes, and their artist mix the ashes into paint and add one last, all-important, accent to the painting you have selected.

   Art in Ashes

8. Eternal Ascent

   If you’ve chosen cremation over burial, then the Eternal Ascent Society can provide a memorable form of closure. Your loved one or pet can now be safely transported to the heavens in a giant helium-filled balloon, only from the Eternal Ascent Society.

   Eternal Ascent

9. Butterfly Memorials

   Butterfly Memorials specializes in funeral and memorial services by providing live Monarch butterflies to be released as a memory and celebration of your loved ones life. Many people believe that butterflies symbolize spirit, representing freedom and beauty as they take flight. When we experience the vital connection between butterflies and nature, we tend to instinctively feel that peace and harmony are truly around us. Butterfly Memorials can even provide tips to help you create the perfect butterfly release for a beautiful, spiritual memorial service.

   Butterfly Memorials

10. Tree Givers

    Here is another creative way to honor the loved one… While flowers will fade, the thought of a young tree being planted for someone will last a lifetime. The memorial planting is a remembrance of the past and at the same time a renewing of life.

    The customized package consisting of a Sympathy Letter, Sympathy Card, and The Official Certificate of Planting that is sent on your behalf is a very personal way of recognizing the deceased. TreeGivers trees are planted on public lands all across the country. They are a living, growing legacy, benefiting the environment for years to come.

    
    

    Tree Givers

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