Finding beauty in death

We are in a society that seems to fear death (with a few notable exceptions such as Mr. Buchwald, as we wrote about earlier this week). We try our hardest to stay young and live longer. We don't like speaking about death. We know it has to come sooner or later--- but we always hope it's later—much, much (MUCH) later, and as a result we put off thinking about it or planning (ie. would you like to be cremated or buried? If buried, where? Do you know what the wishes are of your spouse, parents, children?) .

We all focus on healthcare (which is VERY important) --- but how often do we think about death-care?

Perhaps it's time to pay some attention.

After all, every other industry has changed--- why not that?

For example, did you know that it is estimated by the year 2025, more than 50% of those in the US who die will be cremated? Cremation is on the rise. Who knows… perhaps, that'll be you or your spouse. But don't worry… your ashes won't have to reside in the typical somber urn.

Even your urn can be personalized! (In case you haven't noticed, personalization is key to everything. And Boomers, with their tendency to be slightly selfish -- which is not always a bad thing-- have encouraged this trend towards personalization).

Artists are now creating urns that are pieces of art which capture the person's character, style and aesthetic. According to The New York Times article, "In Death as in Life, a Personalized Space," sample works of art can be seen in a gallery, christened Art Honors Life, opening next week in Graton, CA.

For a slightly less conventional take, how about housing your ashes in "wind chimes with built-in cavities" or perhaps you may even consider "pencils made from cremated remains (roughly 250 pencils per person), diamonds made from ash carbon and birdfeeders designed to scatter ashes."

After all, as one person in the article said, "Once you're gone, you're gone. But at least art brings it one level up and blends in with your décor."