I would like to have my name carved in stone. Why not? It would be a record of my name and important dates for generations to remember me by. And that, my friends, is why we have tombstones.
I am a history buff, and, as such, I enjoy walking through cemeteries, whether they be in Washington, D.C., here in Des Moines or in my hometown of Algona. Reading the tombstones is a somber and serious walk down memory lane that brings tears and smiles, as well as an appropriate feeling of respect that you just can’t get by visiting an Internet page.
Whether or not your bones or ashes are buried in the ground is a discussion for another column, but there is no denying that a historical marker is important.
Despite this plea, my in-laws chose not to have tombstones. They both wanted to have their bodies cremated and their ashes spread in a place that was meaningful to them. My wife and her family respected their wishes but still chose to have a swing dedicated in their name at a park on Lake Panorama, where they lived for many years. That’s a good second choice.
As much as I believe in the reasons to have names and dates engraved on tombstones, I am sensitive to having it done too early — like when you are still alive. That’s creepy. And confusing. Although I appreciate the pre-planning, there will be plenty of years to have my name etched in stone after I’m dead.
I’m not in a hurry on this one.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and, as always, thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
