What to make of the process of spreading ashes? We chose a few spots meaningful to our parents, but they were public and we didn’t want to spread large quantities. So my brother decanted their ashes from urns to Mason jars. When we met at his car, Mom was resting on the windshield and he’d forgotten Papa in the kitchen.

Two mason jars with metal lids labelled Mom and Papa rest in a stainless steel bowl.

After the fact, it occurred to me this could have been depressing, but the reality is, we were chuckling. We’d already honored them both properly with memorial services attended by friends and family. Honestly, I think Mom would have been amused to be measured into a Mason jar.

We spoke some more words, sang a hymn, and mused on the nature of life. Then my brother threw away the jars. “Single use,” he said.