Parents' Urns

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When Mom died unexpectedly at the age of 98 a few years ago, Dad asked me to make her urn. I sized it to fit the plastic case which the crematorium used.

Never having had a great deal of success with long ripped miters, I decided to use contrasting corner posts. I laminated a photo of Mom wearing her wedding gown for their 75th anniversary invitations the previous year to insert into a groove I cut into the front pillars.

The sides are made of maple, corner posts are from walnut, and the top is bass (or maybe poplar, I don’t remember). The sentiment was “printed” using a laser printer and polycrylic.

When Dad passed away late last year less than a month from his 103rd birthday, the family asked me to make his urn. I used the same design I had used for Mom’s but used some sugar maple for the sides which Dad had cut for firewood a few years earlier. He thought it was too pretty to burn so he resawed it with his chainsaw and gave me a few pieces. I laminated two photos—one from a couple years ago and one when he was much younger—just 89. We used the “much younger one.”

I ended up resizing Dad’s urn since it didn’t fit into the waterproof container in which it was placed for burial. I was able to cut down the sides and bottom, but had to remake the top so the sentiment could be centered correctly.

It was a privilege and honor to be able to make my parents’ urns. They were blessed with long lives which is an affirmation of the promise made in Scripture: Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

These are all wonderful trubutes to your loved ones ,very well done.

woodworking classes, custom furniture maker

Thank you Jim.
L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

These are beautiful boxes. Good job and I hope you get the same longevity.

They both look very sprightly and youthful for their ages in those photos too. They (and you) were very blessed.

Losing fingers since 1969

Brian,

Thanks. Yes, my parents aged well. When we tried to guess the ages of people at the nursing home where we volunteer, I would always compare them with my parents and think they must be at least 150! LOL

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

What a blessing that your folks had such long lives! And how meaningful that you made these urns—A beautiful way to honor them. I bet you’ll be making beautiful things for a VERY long time…

Amor Vincit Omnia

Cindy,

Thanks for your encouraging remarks. My parents worked hard their whole lives and stayed in good shape. I can’t say the same for myself☹️. I should stay off this computer and work harder and maybe I’d live longer☺️. However, I am hoping for a few more years . . . unless the rapture comes first ? [which could be any moment given the condition of this world].

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin