The Cherry Plank

I am making a box for Diana’s ashes. Being a long time woodworker and craftsman, and having made many boxes in the past, I thought I would do for her the service of constructing her crematory box myself. Oh, the funeral home had many nice ones, and you can find numerous types on the Internet. But none of these impersonal products would be good enough for her. I want to make one that was just for her, and for me when it is my time to join her in eternity. One box, one love, together forever.

So I went to my workshop and looked at my stock of wood. When you make a project, many times there are scraps left over. So you save them because you never know when you might need them again. I have collected quite a horde. Sifting through the piles, I suddenly came upon a board that I had forgotten I had. It was a cherry wood plank, 5 feet long, 7 inches wide, and 8/4 or 2 inches in thickness. Not some leftover, this board was perfect for my box. As I dug it out of the pile, it suddenly came to me. I remembered exactly where and under what circumstances I had bought it.

It was 1985. I was at a woodworker’s store called Diversified Equipment and Diana was with me. She often indulged me when I wanted to go look at the tools and hardware and lumber. She would tag along and try not to look bored. I knew she really was, but she was a sweetheart and would act interested when I picked something up. I browsed over to the lumber and there I saw it, this beautiful cherry wood plank, in dressed condition, quarter sawn, and planed on one side. This wood had soul, a spirit that beckoned to me. We woodworkers can get really excited sometimes about inherent possibilities in a metaphysical sort of way. I had no idea what I wanted to make from it, but it was too beautiful to pass up. I had to have it. I glanced at her sheepishly. She just smiled and handed me the checkbook.

And so the plank took up residence in my shop, and proceeded to collect dust for 25 years. I have built scores of projects over that time, but never did just the right project come along. Until now. Now that special project is before me and crystal clear in my mind. Now I will painstakingly and lovingly craft this beautiful cherry wood into a piece befitting its purpose. How little did I know those many years ago that in that simple giddy purchase of which she lovingly approved, I was buying for Diana her last resting place on earth.