Spreading the Ashes and Saying Goodbye

I would like to say that it was a lovely moment when my grandfather spread Nana’s ashes. But a more accurate description would be awkward and borderline funny.

Imagine, if you will, a frail old man in his 70s. He loved his wife dearly, and he misses her so much. He has kept her ashes in their bedroom for 2 years. Now, it is time to say goodbye.

His kids could not make it, but he is surrounded by the love of his granddaughter, great-granddaughter, a good friend, and pets.

He says a few words, then walks out to the middle of the yard and slowly pours the ashes. When he is almost finished, the wind picks up and blows ashes all over him!

The old man spits, dusts himself off, and informs his wife that she tastes “awful” before walking back to join the others.

He thanks his friend and family for being there and escorts them back into the house. He gives the yard one last look as he closes the door and begins to laugh. – The dogs are having a great time, running through the spot where he just spread his wife.

A note from the author: This is a true story. At the time I didn’t know what to do. It was my dogs running through Nana’s ashes! In hindsight, I know that Nana was no longer with us physically. Those ashes were merely what she left behind. I am glad my grandfather found humor in the situation. I grin a bit every time I think of that situation – reminded that life does not always have to be so serious.

The image in this post was created with AI. I did not realize that spreading Nana’s ashes would be a photo-worthy event.