I said when I was a child that when I died I wanted to be cremated so I could be buried in the wall of my church. Yes, I was a strange child. (And, surprisingly, they are still putting folks in the walls; a couple who died in something like '02 or '03 are in there.) In reality, though, I'll likely be in the cemetary at Ft Sam Houston. I truly don't care what happens to my body (though I do like the idea of composting that's been suggested lately). My survivors may do as they wish, up to and including having me buried at sea by submarine (yes, they will do this with your ashes, but much to my disappointment Rob said they don't shoot them from the torpedo tubes). My only real desire is that there be no graveside service and no open-casket viewing. I've been to three funerals in my time, and I found both of those aspects to be ghoulish.

I have decided that I want to be cremated.
And I want ALL my ashes to be spread in Ozarks. I'm only 25 and I know this.
It is more natural than being embalmed. I wish to return to the earth. Does it have spiritual significance? Yes, because I am Pagan and it just makes sense to me. Preservation of a body does not seem natural to me.
I am the daughter of a former funeral director.... my dad hates it that I want to be cremated and refuses to listen to my reasoning.

Geeze - she sounds like such a peach of a person :rolleyes:

I don't blame you for sparing yourself and your daughter the drama and avoiding having such a selfish person involved in your lives. I really have to commend you for acting in loving way to your daughter. I also think it is a great idea for you to say goodbye in the manner you described - much more personal and poignant.

As for the cremation thing, my parents wanted to be cremated as they believe that the spirit transcends and the body is just a shell you live in while you spend your time here on earth. They also don't like the idea of an open casket funeral and a wake.

They just want something simple, a few words said and then I'm supposed to have an Irish wake style party (without the viewing) with friends - basically have some good food, good drink and swaping good stories to remember them by and celebrate their lives.