Labor of Love: A Casket for my Grandmother

[TX RamRod]

My grandmother passed away last Monday afternoon at the age of 89. She was an incredible woman who brought love and happiness to countless people throughout here lifetime. She began to show symptoms of Alzheimer's about 10 years ago, but was able to live at her home until 3 months ago when she moved into a nursing home. She was the mother of 8 (my dad being the youngest), had 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

My dad is a finish/trim carpenter and one of my uncle's is a cabinet maker. Two truly talented craftsmen in trade that is a dying art. Before we left the nursing home after she had passed they brought up the idea that they would like to give her one last gift, they wanted to build her casket. The thought of this may seem strange or even morbid to some, but it suits my family well and I know that my grandma would have loved it. Having a project during this tough time kept our minds busy and having a goal to accomplish seemed to keep spirits up. I figured that ya'll may appreciate the craftsmanship, so I'll post how the build came together.

Tuesday (after verifying with the funeral director that Texas law does allow this) they went and picked up the material and ordered a few specialty hardware items online. Wednesday morning they went to my uncles cabinet shop and got to work. Knotty Alder was the wood of choice.

 

[TX RamRod]

I can't take much credit, but I came by later that morning and they put me to work. As they were cutting out the trim I got busy nailing it in.

We got the bulk of it put together and they decided to call it a night.

 

[KRB52]

That is great looking, I'm sure she would / will love it.

 

[TX RamRod]

The next morning we installed the hardware, the remaining trim and finished it off with the brands of my dad and uncle's initials. We loaded it up and headed to the paint shop. Our good family friends had there shop warmed up and ready to go to work. They never intended to stain it, but rather just let the lacquer bring out the rich colors of the alder. They shot the first coat of lacquer and we got to work sanding on it.

My main contribution was the slats that lined the inside of the lid. Ripped them from a 2x12, planed the strips down and put a small round-over with a chamfer bit.

 

[ScooterCO]

Awesome! Great Family Heritage.

 

[mike93lx]

Sorry for your loss. What a great tribute to a loved one.

 

[TX RamRod]

Eight coats of lacquer and here it is all finished up. They used a quilt that she had made to line the bottom, it was quite beautiful and very fitting for her. The first time I saw it completed like this it was very breathtaking and emotional. Love went into every piece and several people got to contribute in one way or another. And with that, we brought it to the funeral home.

Nine of us grandsons carried her to her resting place Saturday afternoon. The time that we got to enjoy the finished piece of art was short, but the memory of creating such a special gift will carry on with me for the rest of my life.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Grandma will love it for eternity and the quilt bedding is perfect !

I want mine made out of 2x4 SPF, flat top and rope handles.

 

[941designs]

Very beautiful work.

 

[dlcwent]

I don't think I've ever read such a touching story. I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes. WELL DONE. Thank you for sharing and may she rest in peace. What a true act of love. Beautiful work.

 

[mv213]

That is a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. Your whole family should be proud.

 

[jhn9840]

She must have been a very special lady to have inspired this act of love.

jhn9840
John

 

[saceone]

I don't think I've ever read such a touching story. I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes. WELL DONE. Thank you for sharing and may she rest in peace. What a true act of love. Beautiful work.

my thoughts exactly. RIP and being a third generation carpenter / working with my dad your post makes so much sense

 

[1/2 Cup]

What an awesome tribute to your grandmother.

Regards

 

[Kevin54]

TX Ramrod.....absolutely touching story, and a beautiful piece of work. May your grandmother Rest In Peace.

 

[MisterMike]

Well, that is darned cool. It's something that most of us would not think to do, nor do many have the skills within your family.

God bless you and all who did this. My sincerely condolences.

 

[creativecars]

A labor of love can help you all grieve and grow.

It is Very nice and the speed and quality show when craftsmen get together.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[pepi]

Stunning ......

God bless her, she has a wonderful family

 

[CoopVA]

Condolences on your loss. Very awesome work and very touching... Well done.

 

[LAROKE]

I don't think I've ever read such a touching story. I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes. WELL DONE. Thank you for sharing and may she rest in peace. What a true act of love. Beautiful work.

Same here. I'm a cynical old ******* but this kind of thing turns me into quivering jelly. What a great addition to your family's history.

 

[zkling]

Beautiful work!!!

 

[killahog]

That Casket is much more than a wood box of alder. Just as your grandmother once cradled each of you in her loving arms, she is now resting in peace, Cradled in a work of art crafted by the arms of those who loved her.

 

[MemphisR32]

I'm sorry for your loss. I teared up a little reading this story. Im sure she loves the quality of work you have her.

 

[J king]

What a beautiful and touching story.Her soul is smiling and she is definitely proud.Very proud of her family. Beautiful!

 

[upndown]

That Casket is much more than a wood box of alder. Just as your grandmother once cradled each of you in her loving arms, she is now resting in peace, Cradled in a work of art crafted by the arms of those who loved her.

This says it all, Great sentiment! Even tho your hearts are heavy, they should be happy. My deepest condolences.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Beautiful work. And thank you for sharing the love you did as you celebrated her life.

 

[nine4gmc]

I don't think I've ever read such a touching story. I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes. WELL DONE. Thank you for sharing and may she rest in peace. What a true act of love. Beautiful work.

This^.

Same here. I'm a cynical old ******* but this kind of thing turns me into quivering jelly. What a great addition to your family's history.

And This^.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[geologist]

What a hell of a tribute! Alder is a good choice.

 

[38 Dodge Coupe]

What an incredible story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[rustyjames]

Thanks for sharing and my condolences. Fantastic workmanship on the casket, as well as the quilt your Grandmother made.

 

[willymakeit]

Great tribute.
Something that isn't very common.
May she RIP.

 

[MattVette89]

Very sorry for your loss, but that it a beautiful thing to do for your grandmother.

 

[johnoutdoors]

Prayers for you and your family. What a thoughtful and loving tribute. I showed my wife and we are both moved beyond words at the effort and values shown by your family in such a hard time. A wonderful tribute to a lady who I'm sure would have loved it even if it were just a rough box. I bet she is smiling down on you.

 

[NUTTSGT]

This project is so touching, thoughtful, respectful and loving of a past family member, I'd hate to see it get buried and not be seen but by a few. I'm going to make this a sticky for 30 days.

 

[Ironhorse74]

What a beautiful tribute. I am sure she would be proud.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Metalousically]

Very nice,,on all points.

 

[Bdgjr215]

Thank you for sharing this with us.Condolences to you and your loved ones.

 

[Daily Driver]

My condolences to you all for the loss of your grandmother, the casket is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to her.

 

[rrudd2]

That Casket is much more than a wood box of alder. Just as your grandmother once cradled each of you in her loving arms, she is now resting in peace, Cradled in a work of art crafted by the arms of those who loved her.

There is no better way to say what I'm feeling than to quote this. Killahog said it all.

 

[TX RamRod]

Thank ya'll so much for all of the outpouring of compliments and kind words, I never expected such great feedback. You never know what you're going to get when you put such a personal story out there for everyone to see.