I had always thought things like headstones were a bit of earthly nonsense, but after some wise person told me that it helps to plan some type of memorial I began turning the idea over in my mind.
This is what I’ve settled on. It’s a Cobalt Celtic Urn Pendant. I decided on the Celtic Knotwork because it symbolises the entertwined nature of things and journey through eternity. The Cobalt Blue symbolises tears, but it also symbolises the river of life in Ezekiel 47:9
Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. … so where the river flows everything will live.
In the urn I plan to place a lock of Casey’s hair, a small amount of his ashes and one bud from Lily Of The Valley. Since I was born in May, that’s my birth month flower, and it has always been special to me. I had some in my bridal bouquet and sewn into my bridal headpiece. I have always had a sprig from my grandparents’ farm pressed in my Bible as a keepsake.
In legend the flower sprang from Mary’s tears at the cross where her son was crucified. Not that my dog is Jesus, but since I shed many tears over his death on Good Friday, I figured this was extra appropriate.
It’s also extra appropriate, because Lily of the Valley also signals the return to happiness. I believe that I’ll see Casey again, but I also believe I will know happiness again in this lifetime. The Lily of the Valley speaks to that hope.
All in all I think it’s a nice way to remember him fondly.
Just Another Pretty Farce 
Appropriate, sentimental, AND beautiful.
It is beautiful and a great way to keep him with you. And that much closer to your heart.
That’s a nice choice. You might want to google “reliquary” for a few more ideas. They go a little beyond the traditional urn display and tend to really capture the personality of the person they represent. It’s one of my dream retirement hobby ideas to build these for people.
Relquaries are usually for relics with some spiritual meaning, but they can just as easily serve as a home for ashes. It’s also an alternative to something people might not want to wear around their necks.
Kat,
That’s so beautiful.
Kat, I think that’s a lovely way to remember him. I wish I had something like that for all of mine that have gone.
My 16 year old cat that was my baby & everyone’s favorite, I kept a whisker but haven’t done anything with it. I think at the time I had some crazy thought about DNA & if they could ever bring one back, or clone it (I guess that’s possible these days) or something silly like that, but I could never do that, I know.
I am just so sorry about Casey, I read the first entry the other day but didn’t get back ’til now, sorry. Your post about the day, I just cried & cried, but you so very well hit the nail on the head better than I ever could have described what it’s like.
Hope your good memories of him will keep you comforted for a long time to come, will be keeping you & hubby & other baby in thoughts & prayers, my friend.
I think that is a wonderful idea, Kat; the necklace is beautiful. Both the object and the memories associated with it will bring you many poignant smiles. Good choice!
Grieving with you,
Andrea-Elena
Beautiful and well thought out.