The Future of Dying
As we look back in history, the memorialization of the deceased have been very diverse among the cultures of our world. In the U.S., we see a mix of the different cultures based upon personal preferences as well as religious beliefs.
So, what is ahead in the future with regard to dying and memorialization of the dead? Taking into consideration that space for ground interment is becoming a concern, the rise in cremations and the building of mausoleums, what will be next? Cremations are very popular due to the reduced cost from a traditional funeral.
A recent article that I read stated that, thanks to technology, engineers can transform the carbon from human ashes into diamond gems that are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. Using one pound of ashes, the pure carbon elements are extracted and impurities are removed. Any remaining ashes are then returned to the family. With the use of heat at about 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure, diamonds are created.
Now, you are saying to yourself that these “memorial” diamonds can’t be the same as genuine diamonds, but it has been proven that they are identical down to the atomic level. Once created, the diamond can be kept in rough form or can be cut and polished the same as genuine diamonds. So, in about six months, your loved one can be turned into a diamond. Fascinating. The cost is based upon the size and cut of the diamond.
So, you say that you aren’t into diamonds. Here are a few other alternatives.
How about a custom-made vinyl record made from your loved one’s ashes?
Or, perhaps sending your loved one’s ashes into orbit, to the moon or even into deep space?
If your loved one liked the ocean, you could consider incorporating a loved one’s ashes into an artificial reef or marine habitat.
Or, if you are a little more down-to-earth, you could use some of the cremains to grow an indoor tree.
So, what would be your choice? Hmmmm.
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