Speaking of Death...UPDATED LINK (for real)

PhillieG
PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
Not that anyone was, but it is something that will happen to all of us at some point or another, cancer or no cancer, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Agnostic, fill in the blank .

I happened to catch the last 10 minutes of a show on the History Channel (Modern Marvels) that dealt with the Death Industry for lack of a better phrase. Many people choose burial, cremation, mausoleums, and I'm sure I'm leaving some out. One thing they dealt with that I happened to see was "Natural Burial". I did a search and found this place: Natural Burial Resource.

I was planning on cremation but after seeing part of the show and looking at some of this site I am re-thinking it. This seems so much better all around, no pollution, takes up less space, gives back to the Earth...

I'm not taking a survey or anything, I just wanted to share this.
Comments welcome but not necessary.
-phil
PS: I'm not going YET!
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Comments

  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    Interesting
    I read the site in Canada and noticed that they had the wrong province for Halifax next to the location, hoping that was a typo and not something else. Later they did have the right province listed in full addresses so it must have been a typo but raises questions and doubts when something is as new and debatable as this type of burial. It is interesting though I must admit.

    Thanks for the info Phil and glad you aren't going YET. lol.

    Blessings,

    Bluerose
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    bluerose said:

    Interesting
    I read the site in Canada and noticed that they had the wrong province for Halifax next to the location, hoping that was a typo and not something else. Later they did have the right province listed in full addresses so it must have been a typo but raises questions and doubts when something is as new and debatable as this type of burial. It is interesting though I must admit.

    Thanks for the info Phil and glad you aren't going YET. lol.

    Blessings,

    Bluerose

    People make mistakes
    that's why they invented the "backspace" key on computers!
    When you think of it, this is really old and how they did it before they figured out how to grab a few more bucks out of while you "chill"...
    Much less pollution all around, and very biblical sounding too
    ;-)
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    berry tasty
    I looked at that website and I don't think I'd want to end up in a berry a bird eats. You know where it goes from there! :>) Of course it is no longer me anyway.

    I question the part where they say thousands don't pick up the cremated remains. I also wonder what would happen if a thousand years from now they say here's some wooded prime real estate and forget what it was originally. HA!

    They spin it all positively cause they want to be chosen. Besides woods have ticks and poison ivy. I decided a long time ago that people weren't meant to live in the woods so I don't want to be buried there. After I'm gone I don't suppose I'll care tho.

    I'm always the one to let someone else try the new idea and work the bugs out first. Like buying a car-never buy one the first year that model is out.

    Glad you aren't ready YET!
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
    Interesting. I have always
    Interesting. I have always wanted (since I was a child) to give back something to the earth since I have benefited so much from it. I just wanted someone to dig a hole and dump my body in it however since I have had chemo and radiation and can no longer donate organs, I wonder if it would be giving back or just poisioning the earth. Don't know!
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    Glad to hear you're not going yet.
    Interesting you mention this. A while back, I noticed a business went up by my house called "The Neptune Society", so I just assumed it was a store specializing in scuba diving equipment and the like. Then a friend of mine informed me that it was a service that offered a "different" type of cremation. Here's a bit of info from the web site:

    Located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida – GPS coordinates N25º 42.036', W80º 05.409' – Neptune Memorial ReefTM is the largest man-made reef ever conceived and, when complete, will have transformed over 16 acres of barren ocean floor. The Neptune Memorial Reef project is environmentally sound and meets the strict guidelines and permitting of the EPA, DERM, NOAA, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers. The Neptune Memorial Reef is also a member of the Green Burial Council.

    Not that I would want to be part of a reef, I just found that interesting.
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    hmmm
    I advised my wife to just put me in a garbage can (cuts down on required pallbearers). I suppose, after reading your post, that I was ahead of my time with respect to the idea of giving back to the earth :).

    Take care,

    Joe
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    I Did It My Way...
    Thanks Joe, now it's become sort of a fun game to try to find song lyrics whenever I'm exchanging posts with you ;-)

    Many cool responses, what I love to see! Marcia, I think I'd love to be a berry or maybe a nut. As far as the burial ground being used for a development in the future, wasn't that the premise of the movie Poltergeist? "They're here......" I used to really shy away from traditional burials, not a fan of the embalming. It creeps me out. I've wondered too Marianne about my "toxic body" and if they would accept someone like me. I also have an HAI pump in me that I imagine THEY would want back, maybe there's a deposit on it!

    Sea60, Now being part of a reef would be cool, I know I have enough reefer in me. I know they have a process where the launch your remains into space but I think that Patrick Doonan (Scottie from Star Trek) tried that and the rocket malfunctioned or something. Marcia, something tells me you're a fan. Did you hear that too?
    Joe, they way they are around here with being so selective about what is garbage and what is recycling and when each goes out I doubt I could pull that one off...

    Well, no one goes without the consent of the others. Agreed?
    -phil
  • AussieMaddie
    AussieMaddie Member Posts: 345 Member

    hmmm
    I advised my wife to just put me in a garbage can (cuts down on required pallbearers). I suppose, after reading your post, that I was ahead of my time with respect to the idea of giving back to the earth :).

    Take care,

    Joe

    :D
    My grandad used to say that he wanted just to be dropped into the incinerator out the backyard - in the days long ago when eveyone had an incinerator, usually made of bricks, in which rubbish would be thrown to be disposed of. That was in the days before we were supplied with council recycling bins.
  • AussieMaddie
    AussieMaddie Member Posts: 345 Member
    PhillieG said:

    I Did It My Way...
    Thanks Joe, now it's become sort of a fun game to try to find song lyrics whenever I'm exchanging posts with you ;-)

    Many cool responses, what I love to see! Marcia, I think I'd love to be a berry or maybe a nut. As far as the burial ground being used for a development in the future, wasn't that the premise of the movie Poltergeist? "They're here......" I used to really shy away from traditional burials, not a fan of the embalming. It creeps me out. I've wondered too Marianne about my "toxic body" and if they would accept someone like me. I also have an HAI pump in me that I imagine THEY would want back, maybe there's a deposit on it!

    Sea60, Now being part of a reef would be cool, I know I have enough reefer in me. I know they have a process where the launch your remains into space but I think that Patrick Doonan (Scottie from Star Trek) tried that and the rocket malfunctioned or something. Marcia, something tells me you're a fan. Did you hear that too?
    Joe, they way they are around here with being so selective about what is garbage and what is recycling and when each goes out I doubt I could pull that one off...

    Well, no one goes without the consent of the others. Agreed?
    -phil

    ".. no one goes without.. "
    No one goes without us first holding a party in which the deceased-to-be joins everyone else in a big bash-up. Someone can bring the bubbly, another the snacks and hot food. I'll need my Lady Grey tea and lots of lovely sweets. And only when we're all too drunk on wine (or, in my case, too bombed out on food) and no-one is conscious at all, can anyone go - and then so much without pain that we'll all wonder if they got lost in the carpark :)
  • AussieMaddie
    AussieMaddie Member Posts: 345 Member
    "Natural Burial"
    I soooo like this idea, and I would have it in a flash, but it's not an option here. Damn it!

    I'm just in the process of arranging, and paying for my funeral service (because it's a lot easier for me than it will be for my family). Originally, I had a burial plot lined up for myself, but over time realized that my family would prefer me to be close to where the cremated remains of our parents are interred, so I sold my plot to buy a place next to them.

    I *still* much prefer burial. Said that I wanted a cardboard coffin, but that too isn't an option. I actually like the idea of worms and all natural life taking what was me and fertilizing the earth. Family's feeling took precedence. I also hate the idea of fire. I believe in spirit. There's no way that I'm going to be around when my body gets near that thing!

    No, anyone who does the "natural burial" thing has totally got my vote.

    By the way Phil, I *really* like such very practical topics such as this. I know that they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I like dealing with the practtical issues. My table is full of paperwork, lists of things to do, to ask and arrangements to make. But then, not everyone is so at peace with their mortality as I am. A lifetime of mental illness made my prognosis a relief - finally! If I question whether I would have preferred to have had more peace throughout life, or more peace as I face death, I'd have to say that I'd prefer to have had more peace throughout life and, when facing death, could find the resources and the spiritual strength - which I believe I have - that I would *also* find peace at the prospect of death.

    I am most sorry for those who have nothing to hold onto in the midst of pain. Yet, I can't hep but think that, even for those who have no faith or belief in the meaningfulness of life, that comfort might be found if they could only have the love and support of others. Such forums as these helpe to create that, and are especially valuable for that.

    My heart goes out to all ((((( )))))

    AussieMaddie
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613

    "Natural Burial"
    I soooo like this idea, and I would have it in a flash, but it's not an option here. Damn it!

    I'm just in the process of arranging, and paying for my funeral service (because it's a lot easier for me than it will be for my family). Originally, I had a burial plot lined up for myself, but over time realized that my family would prefer me to be close to where the cremated remains of our parents are interred, so I sold my plot to buy a place next to them.

    I *still* much prefer burial. Said that I wanted a cardboard coffin, but that too isn't an option. I actually like the idea of worms and all natural life taking what was me and fertilizing the earth. Family's feeling took precedence. I also hate the idea of fire. I believe in spirit. There's no way that I'm going to be around when my body gets near that thing!

    No, anyone who does the "natural burial" thing has totally got my vote.

    By the way Phil, I *really* like such very practical topics such as this. I know that they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I like dealing with the practtical issues. My table is full of paperwork, lists of things to do, to ask and arrangements to make. But then, not everyone is so at peace with their mortality as I am. A lifetime of mental illness made my prognosis a relief - finally! If I question whether I would have preferred to have had more peace throughout life, or more peace as I face death, I'd have to say that I'd prefer to have had more peace throughout life and, when facing death, could find the resources and the spiritual strength - which I believe I have - that I would *also* find peace at the prospect of death.

    I am most sorry for those who have nothing to hold onto in the midst of pain. Yet, I can't hep but think that, even for those who have no faith or belief in the meaningfulness of life, that comfort might be found if they could only have the love and support of others. Such forums as these helpe to create that, and are especially valuable for that.

    My heart goes out to all ((((( )))))

    AussieMaddie

    I'm with you Aussie,
    My Spirit's outta here anyway, Adios, gone like the wind!

    It would be nice if the plan would be, in about 40 years, to throw my cremation farewell party "Down on the Corner" (that's for you Joe) complete with goodie bags (don't ask what's in them), a spread of my famous Texas-sized chocolate chip cookies (I ran a cookie business), and wine. I'll choose my favorite uplifting spiritual music along with my beloved CCR music. I think that sounds fun. I really do want people to have fun.

    I think I ponder not so much on what's gonna happen to my body since I believe it'll be part of the earth somehow, but what I'm going to tell loved ones when I know the time is really near. You always see those dramatic scenes in the movies. I'm really trying to not wait since we really don't know when or how our end will be so I'm getting good at the "I love you", "I really appreciate you", "I'm sorry..." It feels good.
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    sea60 said:

    I'm with you Aussie,
    My Spirit's outta here anyway, Adios, gone like the wind!

    It would be nice if the plan would be, in about 40 years, to throw my cremation farewell party "Down on the Corner" (that's for you Joe) complete with goodie bags (don't ask what's in them), a spread of my famous Texas-sized chocolate chip cookies (I ran a cookie business), and wine. I'll choose my favorite uplifting spiritual music along with my beloved CCR music. I think that sounds fun. I really do want people to have fun.

    I think I ponder not so much on what's gonna happen to my body since I believe it'll be part of the earth somehow, but what I'm going to tell loved ones when I know the time is really near. You always see those dramatic scenes in the movies. I'm really trying to not wait since we really don't know when or how our end will be so I'm getting good at the "I love you", "I really appreciate you", "I'm sorry..." It feels good.

    There's a bathroom on the right
    (Common misinterpretation of "Bad moon on the rise" for the unaware)

    I suspect I'll be singing in my sleep, sea, no memorable words, maybe, "Oh, Lord, stuck in a Lodi again".

    Take care,

    Joe
  • scuttlebug11
    scuttlebug11 Member Posts: 175

    There's a bathroom on the right
    (Common misinterpretation of "Bad moon on the rise" for the unaware)

    I suspect I'll be singing in my sleep, sea, no memorable words, maybe, "Oh, Lord, stuck in a Lodi again".

    Take care,

    Joe

    Phil
    I don't get what your talking about,but i reaaly hate the thought of being under all of that dirt and in the dark so please explain.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Phil

    Not a bad idea at all, in my will I give directions to my wife and children to put me in the ground as is and plant an Avocado tree right over me. If they can’t get me home in time then they can cremate me and just put the ashes on the tree. Either way I am dead and will never know the different.

    Good post
    Hondo
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    PhillieG said:

    I Did It My Way...
    Thanks Joe, now it's become sort of a fun game to try to find song lyrics whenever I'm exchanging posts with you ;-)

    Many cool responses, what I love to see! Marcia, I think I'd love to be a berry or maybe a nut. As far as the burial ground being used for a development in the future, wasn't that the premise of the movie Poltergeist? "They're here......" I used to really shy away from traditional burials, not a fan of the embalming. It creeps me out. I've wondered too Marianne about my "toxic body" and if they would accept someone like me. I also have an HAI pump in me that I imagine THEY would want back, maybe there's a deposit on it!

    Sea60, Now being part of a reef would be cool, I know I have enough reefer in me. I know they have a process where the launch your remains into space but I think that Patrick Doonan (Scottie from Star Trek) tried that and the rocket malfunctioned or something. Marcia, something tells me you're a fan. Did you hear that too?
    Joe, they way they are around here with being so selective about what is garbage and what is recycling and when each goes out I doubt I could pull that one off...

    Well, no one goes without the consent of the others. Agreed?
    -phil

    I sorta remembered Scottie going into space...
    but had to look it up. He only made it to space briefly and only 7 grams of ashes. The first rocket was designed to come back. The second one failed two minutes after launch (I felt like using 'lunch' instead and say that they should have not eaten so much-hehe). Didn't say what they did with the 7 grams. The rest were scattered over Puget Sound in Washington. I'm really not a 'fan' type but do like Star Trek.
  • AussieMaddie
    AussieMaddie Member Posts: 345 Member
    Hondo said:

    Hi Phil

    Not a bad idea at all, in my will I give directions to my wife and children to put me in the ground as is and plant an Avocado tree right over me. If they can’t get me home in time then they can cremate me and just put the ashes on the tree. Either way I am dead and will never know the different.

    Good post
    Hondo

    Hi Hondo
    I know that our beliefs are different, but I have it written on the cover of the music CD I created for my funeral that, while I absolutely believe in spirit, if it turns out that I'm wrong, that's ok because I'm not hanging around for anyone to say 'I told you so!'

    So I'm happy either way.

    AussieMaddie
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613

    There's a bathroom on the right
    (Common misinterpretation of "Bad moon on the rise" for the unaware)

    I suspect I'll be singing in my sleep, sea, no memorable words, maybe, "Oh, Lord, stuck in a Lodi again".

    Take care,

    Joe

    Hilarious Joe!
    Love to read your posts relating to music!

    Hope all is well,

    Sylvia
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member

    Phil
    I don't get what your talking about,but i reaaly hate the thought of being under all of that dirt and in the dark so please explain.

    Scuttlebug
    I am talking about being put in the ground very soon after death and not having the usual formaldehyde embalming fluids pumped into my corpse. Also, the overkill (pardon the expression) of having a casket that is metal lined placed in a concrete vault and buried so it will sit there and basically not rot the way that everything other life form has done for billions of years. We're organic matter, the concept is that our bodies will decay and become part of the whole circle of life. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust...

    I don't think once one is dead that being under the dirt would matter. At least if you weren't dead you'd still have blood in your body and maybe you could tap someone on the shoulder when they lower you down or say "I'm not quite dead yet..."
    ;-)
    -phil
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member

    Hi Hondo
    I know that our beliefs are different, but I have it written on the cover of the music CD I created for my funeral that, while I absolutely believe in spirit, if it turns out that I'm wrong, that's ok because I'm not hanging around for anyone to say 'I told you so!'

    So I'm happy either way.

    AussieMaddie

    Hi Aussie Maddie
    I am with you on the not hanging around part and like you said if I am wrong then it is only me.

    Thanks for posting
    Hondo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    PhillieG said:

    Scuttlebug
    I am talking about being put in the ground very soon after death and not having the usual formaldehyde embalming fluids pumped into my corpse. Also, the overkill (pardon the expression) of having a casket that is metal lined placed in a concrete vault and buried so it will sit there and basically not rot the way that everything other life form has done for billions of years. We're organic matter, the concept is that our bodies will decay and become part of the whole circle of life. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust...

    I don't think once one is dead that being under the dirt would matter. At least if you weren't dead you'd still have blood in your body and maybe you could tap someone on the shoulder when they lower you down or say "I'm not quite dead yet..."
    ;-)
    -phil

    Phil
    Did you say that we return to Dust? That is a very religious statement and I do mean it in a spiritual way.

    One day while looking for some equipment that I put up on a shelf I could not believe what I was seeing, as I got to the top of the ladder. I yelled for my wife to come and bring me the rinse & vac fast because someone was coming or going and I did not want them to do that on my shelf. Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust. lol

    Have a great day
    Hondo