Should people have the right to ask that after death, their ashes be scattered at special places?

Yes

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by GRANMOUN

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Yes, people should have the right to ask that after death their ashes be scattered at special places. Growing up in a Christian family, I remembered that in the story of Israel Jacob asked that his body be returned from Egypt to his native country after death. Back then in my childhood this probably was not so important to me perhaps confusing. Now having grown up, I understand. It is a last leap for happiness. It does not mean that the wish of the particular individual would be honored. Plus, certain controversial issues may come forth. Yet, it remains the liberty of the person to make his final request.

The ultimate goal of the human being is to attain happiness. The human is born in a state of helplessness. The child is in general carefully protected throughout what we may call the age of innocence until reaching adulthood, where in most cases he or she is taking the liberty to search his or her own mode of happiness. Yet, from birth to adulthood and beyond, most of what we do is for some type of satisfaction. Often the results of our undertaken do not end as we may wish. Nevertheless, our ultimate goal remains "happiness."

A request by certain individuals that their ashes be scattered at particular places is a final leap to maintain that trend of happiness to the very end. There must be a particular reason for which a person would wish to end at a certain place. It could be the result of some memorable moments achieved or wanted to accomplish at that place, for which a certain continuation is wished. People have asked to be scattered at various and peculiar places, such as public parks, rivers, oceans, and even in outer spaces. Those are places that the particular individuals may have cherished during their existences. Those people might have been to such places and fall in love with them. They might have heard about the places and never had a chance to make it there but would like to end there anyway to fulfill their fantasies. Or, they might simply want to make a statement. In any case, they have exercised their final rights.

Of course there may be certain conflicts to consider. For instance, some people would raise the issue of sanitation. Many people would not like the ashes of dead people be thrown into their parks, their waters, or their air spaces. They may think that it would pollute their environments. Obviously, this could lead to major confrontations. Also, there are cultural and religious values. Some cultures and or religions do not even accept cremation. For instance, some Christians believe that a person must be buried in whole in order to rise up when Jesus Christ returns. So, they would not even consider the scattering of ashes. In many cases, major divisions have sprung forth among family members who are often unable to find a compromise on what to do with the remains of the decease.

Further, in many cases the individuals' wishes may not be able to be implemented at all. There may be those issues raised above; plus, it may not be feasible for a multitude of other reasons. One, the chosen destinations may not be accessible. Two, they may be too far and difficult to reach. Three, the financial ability may not be available. Those are a few among the many reasons that may prevent the implementation of the last wish.

Still, does that defeat the purpose? No, the person should still enjoy the liberty to ask that his or her ashes be scattered where wished. It is said that the remains of Jacob were laid in Egypt for some hundred of years, but they were carried out during the exit of the children of Israel. Today, having grown up and been an immigrant, I understand the desire to end at a certain place. Personally, I have a great desire to die in my native land. Of course I do not wish to be carried there dead. But, if I could make it there alive, it would be the end of happiness for me. So, of course one's wish may not be carried out, but it is any body's liberty to go for a final leap of happiness.

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