So many ways to go …
When Joe’s dad died, Joe called me from Florida and asked me to talk to the cremation parlor. He felt confused. I understood immediately when I asked the employee helping me what hours they were open, and she answered, “We are open 24/7, but never on the weekends and we are closed on all holidays.”
When Joe died, we had him cremated. The cremation parlor we chose was professional and the employees were compassionate. However, our conversation took a hard turn towards Odd when I was asked, “Mrs. Ruscitti, would you like ALL your husband’s ashes returned to you or just half?”
Half?
“Well, it’s an extra $200.00 if you want all your husband’s ashes.”
The death of a loved one certainly has its funny moments, and for me, this was one of them. The one thing I knew for absolute certainty was that Joe would want me to go for the added expense of having every single one of his ashes returned to me.
“I want all my husband’s ashes returned. All of them.”
“Wonderful! Now, you will need a larger urn or perhaps you will just use one of our cremation boxes. Of course, you can supply us with an urn from home, if you have one.”
Thinking … Not sure we have an urn. Would a pot work? Tupperware? Out of the question. My Tupperware is catalogued and checked in and out of its cabinet. I promised until death do we part. I did not promise he could take my Tupperware with him. He wouldn’t expect it.
My final decision was a box that we could open easily which offered easy access to Joe’s ashes for spreading. Included in the cremation package was a commemorative sealed box in gold or silver. I choice gold because silver was back-ordered and I was told it would make a lovely paper weight. Really.
Joe’s “urn” sits on my entertainment center, and we spread his ashes as the opportunities present themselves. It all worked out. I told Cole the gold box was his. It should make an interesting conversation piece in his college dorm.
This morning, I received an e-mail offering me the opportunity to keep Joe spinning for eternity. I can turn a few of his ashes into a vinyl record. Joe can live from beyond the grave.
Andvinyly, a UK-based company, has this offer: “After a love one dies, you can have some of their ashes pressed into a vinyl record.” A tagline on their website reads, “Pressed for Time.”
Here are a few of the details.
The company does not allow ashes to be sent by mail. It makes sense, they don’t want to be involved in the emotional minefield of people’s ashes being posted and pressed from around the world. I can travel to the UK, or choose a representative to be present during the “recording service” when the ashes are pressed and added to the vinyl record.
The record album can be customized with music Joe liked – Knocking On Heaven’s Door, perhaps? Cole can draw the album cover.
About one tablespoon of Joe’s ashes would be added to each album. The ash will, of course, compromise the sound quality of the record, but the company is quick to point out that pops and crackles are point and proof that Joe is in the groove.
The basic press and record package will cost about $5,700. You can add the following options to the basic package.
- Artist James Hague will paint your album cover from a photo, mixing ashes in with the acrylic paint. Cost $6,000.
- if you would like to show off your beloved, the company can arrange for the album to be stocked in stores around the world. Price varies.
Joe was pretty groovy. He would like the idea of being immortalized with his own album, but frankly, I think the $5,700 to start price tag would have him spinning in his urn. So, I believe I will scratch this idea.
I am curious though. What are your thoughts on audio immortality?
Glad you were in my Odd neighborhood. Feel free to hang around with us any time. Odd Loves Company and odd loves you and you and you!! I would love to hear from you in the comment section of this blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!
Katybeth
I would say they have an excellent marketing department. And you know how we love* good marketing…..
*read “fall for”
Well marketing does make the world go around!
😀
$5,700? Geddaheckouttahere!! It’s an awesome idea, but with that price tag?
I laughed when I read this, because when we had my grandfather cremated, we were STUNNED at how much ash a human body generates!
I was a little surprised…but then again our box is not bigger than a bread box….I mean its ash from a whole person…
Ok, yes, it does cost a lot a money!
I am in the market for ash spreading. Between my brother and I we have “shelved” spreading the ashes of now 4 dogs and our Dad. My Dad is actually sitting in a purple bag marked “Donnellen” (the funeral home) on the shelf of my bathroom closet off the kitchen next to the rolls of TP.
Three of the four dogs are between our two home and one is in process of being cremated this week. why don’t we take action on this? I know the answer, but it’s time.
Just wish I had a spare $5700 X 5=$28,500 to press them into vinyl. I think we will put them in Lake Delavan in WI where they all flourished.
Thanks Katybeth for getting me off the dime on this issue.
Nancy
Your welcome. We just spread Joe’s ash’s as inspired.
I suppose that is not keeping him all together, either but he doesn’t seem to mind. They also do pets-for the same price tag, tho. I don’t often think about my dogs ashes—someday I guess I will…but I like having them on a shelf.
I thought that cremation was cheaper than a coffin, plot of land, Headstone etc. What is it that would cost so much? I always thought about being cremated. My family wont give me their blessings. I think that it has to do with christianity and fire and brimestone or something. I just drive by cemetaries, and see grave after grave, some 100s of years old. Wondering who is here to keep the grave looking nice. Who will put flowers on them? Who is alive now that will know they even existed and what their lives were like. I would rather be out in the world, blown by the wind, I am not sure that my family would want to keep me, but I really dont like the idea of laying for 100s of years and for who or what. Thanks Katybeth for making me think. I think I should decide soon dont you think.
You have time. Cremation is far less expensive than a coffin which might help your family see it your way 😀 …by the way you can bury your remains in a traditional plot. Joe’s dad was buried next to his wife.
Scattering Joe has become an important way to continue to include him in the special moments of our life.
I would love to be pressed in an album! The idea is fresh and super cool, however, $5700.00 is crazy money to spend on something like this. I want to be cremated (like you want know my wishes) with my ashes spread in/near South Haven, Michigan. It’s a favorite place place of mine filled with amazing family memories full of love and laughter. Your story was so sweet and funny. Thanks for sharing it!
Well by the time you go…a long long time from now–the price might go down.
Its Odd but I like that you are willing to talk about your wishes–and I think the final resting place you have chosen to be scattered sounds perfect!
I had no idea they offered the option of half-ash remains! Honestly!
Can’t say that the vinyl option appeals to me. I’d have to buy a stereo. We got rid of ours.
Our Akita’s ashes are in a box on the the rec room fireplace grate. The fireplace has never been used, of course. The late Howard Lee used to love to lie in never-used fireplaces. It was a cool surface and large enough for his 135 body–an indoor doghouse, so I thought he’d like to be there. I’m not planning to do anything with his ashes. When I die, I want to be cremated and they can sprinkle the dog and me together. 🙂
This was a very illuminating post! Another public service from KB!!!!
That is one of those ideas that, if I’d thought of it, I’d immediately dismiss as something no one would ever do. Now that it is out there I’m sure there are people making the idea pay off.
I won’t be a record though. I’ve told my wife I want to be shot out of a circus cannon into the ocean.
“So, I believe I will scratch this idea.” I just love your sense of humor!
Not sure about the record album but my sister just received the jewelry she ordered, with a bit of her husband’s ashes in them. I think that is a lovely idea.
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