Sending our Son’s ashes with my Father-In-Law in his casket….
Hi Katie,
First, we are very sorry for the loss of your husband’s father and friend, as well as your baby just a few short years ago. That’s a lot to handle in just a few years time.
You absolutely can include your son’s ashes in the casket with his grandpa. That is a wonderful idea that I think it will be very comforting to you and your husband. Just let the funeral director know that this is what you wish to do so they know not to close the casket until you have tucked your son’s ashes inside.
I also think that waiting until the graveside service is the right time to honor your son. You should also let the funeral director know of this as well so the service is not concluded before you have your time to celebrate and honor your son.
As for suggested readings for the service, we have some that might feel right on this page: https://www.funeralwise.com/celebration-of-life/readings/poetry/
Scroll to the bottom of the page for “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein and “Death is Nothing at All” by Canon Henry Scott-Holland. One of both of those might strike you as appropriate for your son and his grandpa.
I also encourage you to simply speak from the heart for your son – there is no greater poem or quote to properly memorialize him than for you and your husband to speak of what he meant to you and how precious his too short life was. You can also state that you commit him into your father-in-law’s care for the journey home. That would be a very lovely way to end the service.
