Testing an amateur woodworker's skills

[mechmagcn]

As most of you know, my wife Donna has terminal cancer.
A while back Donna jokingly asked me to build her casket. At first I wasn't sure how to react, but I decided to do it. This has been a project done out of love and devotion with a healthy dose of tears thrown in for good measure.
I am still waiting on some of the handle hardware, but for the most part, it is complete.
After a project like this, I am not sure where my woodworking will go from here, Donna is afraid I will walk away from it entirely.
Here's a pic of the complete casket and a link to the build.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mechmagcn/DonnaSCasket#

[Juneaudave]

It's a beautiful casket built with love...I can't think of a more caring act.

[GregB]

Jeff,

Though I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you two, I think it is a beautiful tribute to your wife and, hopefully, some of the loss that you have felt while building it will go with it and spare you. So much of the joy of woodworking comes from putting your heart into a thing of beauty for one that you love, and this will be a wonderful expression of your feelings for Donna. I suspect that it will also be comforting to know that you were able to do this final thing for her. If you did nothing else with these skills, the casket would be a fitting use of them, but you will probably find other, worthy applications of them. Best of luck to you and Donna.

Greg

[Steve_Cox]

Jeff and Donna,

That is about the coolest thing I have ever seen. Really nice job Jeff.

I once built my wife a cabinet for her shot glass collection........

[Miriam C.]

Who says you can't take it with you! I just can't imagine going through this and I am very sure that being able to make a lasting tribute with my hands would help me. I hope it does you also.......

[tinksdad]

You are a stronger man than I am. I would not have been able to do it.

[Catoosa Grani]

Jeff, that was the sweetest thing you could do. Just think, you made her something that she will take with her. She must be really proud of it. It brings tears to my eyes and it is so beautiful. That was a wonderful thing you did for her. I do hope it is a long time before she needs it. I want so bad to see you guys at Bisteneau.

Grani

[Sam I am]

Jeff, that is an amazing feat you have done! I know I would not have the fortitude to do that. Congratulations on a wonderful act of love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Donna.
Sam

[CASHCOW]

Beautiful. I can relate in a way. When my mom finally accepted that she was not going to live "forever," she made a comment about wanting to be covered up with one of my quilts when she died. She was an avid quilter and I learned must of what I know about quilting from her. When she died, she was indeed covered with a quilt I had made for her. One inside the coffin and another one was laid over the outside of the coffin. It brought me not only peace and healing but even today, when I look at the quilt that was laid over her coffin, it brings sweet memories of learning quilting from her..... We all find peace and healing in many ways. I pray God has given you both through the building of this beautiful work of art. You are a very gifted man.... Hang in there.

[swissarmygirl]

Jeff, this is just amazing. A beautiful tribute to your wife and I'm sure very therapeutic for you as well. What an incredible act of love.

This reminds me a bit of a friend of mine. She cared for her grandmother in her final years. Gram was quite an amazing woman and I have many memories of being at her house with my friend when I was a kid. She always talked about how awful the make-up jobs were at the funeral homes and asked Samantha to "please don't let them make me look like that." When the time came, Samantha, who spent some time as a beautician, did Gram's make up herself.

Jeff.....you go in my awesome book right next to Samantha.

[madjack]

Jeff, your and Donna's story, on more than one occasion has left me speechless, with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye...what a beautiful tribute...I don't know, with all that has been going on with y'all if I would have been able to do such a thing...it sure puts life problems in perspective...I certainly fell honored to have met and camped with the two of you and sure hope to again...as I have said in the past...if you have any needs PLEASE let us know........
madjack

[S. Heisley]

That is beyond beautiful.

Just as a 'heads up', your state may have specific requirements for caskets. You'd want to know those now, not after the passing.

You two are being very strong through all this. But, please remember that even though you are strong now, it's going to be hardest on the spirit who is left in his body when the other departs this world. When this happens, if possible, don't make any major decisions for at least a year as your mind may not be as rational as it should be. Stay busy. It helps.

For now, enjoy every moment as fully as you can, whether it be basking in the love and kindness of a dear person, watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset or simply feeling cool water on your skin.

Please know that you are being thought of and cared about by many, many people.

[mechmagcn]

Just as a 'heads up', your state may have specific requirements for caskets.

Believe me, all of this was researched before the build even started. Actually there is very little restriction to do with burial in my state. If the family is willing, there is no law stating that a funeral director even has to be involved in the process. If the residence is in a rural area, home burial can be done just by permitting an area for a family cemetary through the county. Some cities are more strict in ordinances, but the permits are available in most places.

[planovet]

You are a stronger man than I am. I would not have been able to do it.

Same here, I could not do it. But I sure as heck admire you for doing it. It's beautiful.

[McTeardrops]

What the two of you have is truly amazing. You did a beautiful job!

Joanne