Anything useful is to be donated to others in need, but my niece gets first crack, if she needs anything by then, as she is diabetic. Then cremated. I like the idea of the Tibetan sky burial, too, or burning in a Native American pyre, but both seem impractical and might be difficult for whomever is left to carry it out.

I want my ashes buried by the big HUDSON tombstone where my grandparents lie in an old cemetry in Colorado, up above the little ranch town they helped homestead. We buried my mom's ashes up there, next to her favourite brother and put a marker, so we can go *visit.* I've always loved going there to tidy up the sites and feel the peaceful solitude. There is always a slight breeze and a few crows who'll come for a chat and one in a while an eagle or two.

Morticia, thanks, I agree wholeheartedly with you and I know a tiny bit of how hard it was for you. The easier we can make it for those we leave behind, the better, imo. My 92 year old aunt is dying and still will not discuss it with anyone. My cousin has no idea of what she would prefer and I believe it is exacerbating an already very sad situation.

kat