Fireworks: Going out with a bang

Several companies are offering to send your ashes up in fireworks and www.heavensabovefireworks.com is an example of once such company. Hunter S. Thompson's selected this method of scattering his ashes. These organizations split your ashes up into individual fireworks and when the fireworks explode your ashes are scattered everywhere. The intent of the display is to celebrate the life not the death. These fireworks can be shot over the ocean for a modified at sea scattering or anywhere you can receive permission to launch them. Some companies will even send you the fireworks for you to launch yourself.

Setting off fireworks isn’t exactly a green way to go but we list it here for those who choose this method of scattering. Disney has developed a greener method of fireworks launching. So if you are worried about the pollution, see if anyone is offering this method. It uses compressed air instead of gunpowder to launch the rockets. Check out DMDSystems. Their fireworks use nitrocellulose, which is inexpensive and plentiful, and they emit water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide instead of smoke and per chlorate. This has reduced the heavy metal content by 90%. They are not inexpensive and cost 10 times what normal fireworks cost.

Spirit Whisperer

You may be asked to actually light the fireworks and do the display. In then case, you should seek out someone who knows the best way to do it. Check into local ordinances before you select a place. If you pick this method, please select a place that will make it easy for your spirit whisperer to do the fireworks show. Don’t leave it to them to do all the legwork for you. Check into it yourself before you document your plans. A photo remembrance is always a good idea.

Wake

Of course, the wake should take place in the evening so when the party is over, the fireworks can begin. A fireworks display is to punctuate the celebration of a life well lived by the one recently passed away. The type of party can vary based upon what your guests might remember most about you. If you plan on music, the 1812 overture or God bless America would be appropriate selections to play during the fireworks. An alternative would be to just have silence and let them remember a life well lived. Either way, a beverage should be served so toasts can accompany the display.

Memorial

Consider planting a tree as a living memorial instead of a stone somewhere. Check out living memorials to see what others have done. Online memorials as always are a good idea. You should keep a backup of everything you submit there. The digital memorial, either online or using a digital picture frame will become more popular over time.