“I need your help.”
Kathy’s voice quavered on the phone – not unusual for a woman whose husband recently died.
I arrived at her home to find her holding a silver bracelet with a hidden compartment for ashes, a filling kit and a tiny screwdriver. Her hands shook.
Following the cremation of a loved one, many people like Kathy aren’t sure of the best way to store the ashes. Rather than placing all of the cremains in one large urn, cremation jewelry is a way to share the ashes with family (who may want to keep a small portion) or simply to keep a loved one close. [See: “Remembering Mom,” May 4, 2014]
My sister opted for a glass pendant that was made using a small amount of our mother’s ashes. I chose a gold teardrop charm, which I’ve worn to weddings, graduations and birthday celebrations. (My mother loved a good party.)
No one knows who/what I am wearing, just as no one admiring Kathy’s bracelet will suspect its contents. Yet, the simple act of wearing these items helps us cope with the loss of someone we loved.
Indeed, jewelry offers such a splendid form of therapy.
nicely done, very thoughtful piece, you are a good friend!
Thank you!
As always, you were there to help. I remember that day and what a mess I was. I couldn’t see what I was doing through my tears. Yes, having Ron’s ashes with me has given me great comfort but so has my dear friend -my Florida sister, my Framily. I couldn’t have gotten through these past 7 months without your support, your hugs, your checking on me everyday, your wonderful sense of humor and compassion, and your sharing family time with me many evenings when you knew I was having a bad day (and evenings are the hardest). Your friendship is a very special gift which I will always cherish !
Life changes every single day and so can we. I’m so happy that I could help you through a dark period. There are blessings hidden in every struggle we face, but we have to be willing to open our hearts and minds to see them.