A disturbing number of cemetery vandalism incidences has been splashing across print and online news sources lately. Desecration and destruction of headstones, theft of personalized memorials, and hateful racial attacks seem to be happening on too often of an occurrence. Add to this the emerging trend of cemetery operators being absolutely derelict in their duty of upkeep of the cemetery grounds and it is not difficult to understand why the trend toward cremation has been on a steady trajectory upward over the past few decades.

Cremation does not take the place of a funeral. It is, instead, an alternate means of preparing the body for its final disposition. Unlike traditional burial, those who opt for cremation are afforded multiple options for how, when, and where they will spend the hereafter. Whether choosing consecration in an urn or opting for one of multiple forms of scattering service, cremation is the end-of-life option for those who value choice.

Of course, aiding in the trend toward the acceptance of cremation as an end-of-life option is also the fact that we, as a society, are far more mobile than we were even a generation ago. People leave the towns and cities they grew up in for myriad reasons. Many who relocate due to college are likely to find and accept career opportunities that don’t have them returning to their family homestead. Families move across the country for new jobs. Retirees, noticing their families are dispersed across the country, leave home for warmer, more active climes. 

While the above could lead to an interesting conversation on modern anthropology, it is the first point made that strikes one as a far more compelling argument for cremation. No family ever wants to learn that the sacred ground they have committed a loved one to has been defaced by individuals for seemingly no reason at all. With cremation, the likelihood of this scenario is significantly diminished.

With cremation, the family can opt for burial of the cremated remains and a headstone erected. But interment in a columbarium or retention of your loved one in an urn at home are options as well. Additionally, the scattering of a loved one’s ashes limits the possibility of future distress at the hands of vandals. Whether at sea, in a favorite park or garden, or launched into the stratosphere or beyond, cremation allows a family to enjoy the last memories of their loved one while understanding that they have now been returned to the Earth or the cosmos.

In a recent survey, it was found that a stark majority of residents of the west coast of the United States kept the cremated remains of their loved ones in an urn at home. While many stated they selected this option for sentimental reasons, even more admitted they were not fully aware of all of the disposition options available to them. Preplanning your cremation is perhaps the best way to learn about the many ways you can be remembered after you’ve passed on.

As the taboo around cremation dissipates ever faster, one may have questions about the practice, cost, and options for final disposition. That is why the caring and compassionate staff at Smart Cremation is here to assist you. If you are ready to preplan your cremation or have very recently lost someone, call Smart Cremation today to learn more about why cremation is the right option for you and your family: (503) 402-2578.