I'm sure most of you know my Dad passed away recently Feb 11. When we went to the Funeral home,
one task was to pick out an urn. After looking at what was available, I had a thought to make one myself.
The box is African Mahogany, and will contain his ashes to be interred alongside my mother.
My Dad loved hunting, ducks in particular, so I carved him one of his favorite ducks, the wood duck drake.
Inside the duck is a recessed pocket for a small amount of his ashes, which will be ceremoniously taken to one of his favorite duck hunting honey holes. He always spoke of the woods as the Cathedral of the Great Outdoors, and he taught me respect and reverence for all things in nature, so I think he would be pleased.
As a society in general we are somewhat reticent to speak of death and dying, but it is as natural a process as birth. I had a near death experience once and I can tell you there is a greater experience of reality than the one we are experiencing now. I was allowed to come back and finish my work, (I was given a choice). Having had that experience, I know my Mom and Dad are reunited and have some peace over it.
For that past couple of years, I haven't dared leave the farm or get too far from the phone too much due to the need for my Dad's constant care, and he was constantly falling and in a lot of pain. Work, social life etc. has taken a back seat to caring for his needs, and my older brother and sister gave him around the clock support. I hope you all understand, thanks for bearing with me. Dave
