Since 1997, I had been approached by family, friends, and friends of friends, to scatter loved one’s ashes off of my sailboat, Hakuna Matata.

I had a terrible experience a few years prior, when arranging for my father’s burial and working with a funeral home. He was cremated per his wishes, and interned in a wall at the Cemetary. I knew then it could have been handled so much better.

The first scattering was for folks I didn’t know, friends of a friend of mine. They had a terrible tragedy happen to their adult son, and he was taken too soon. I was absolutely honored to say yes after I heard their story. They were all flying out from the Chicago area, and I had never met anyone until the day of the ceremony. I did my research, had some words prepared to say, and had my route planned. We had 6 family members, myself, and a deckhand. I was nervous to say the least, to make sure this was going to be an incredible day for honoring their loved one.

We had a beautiful day, the water was calm all the way out past the 3 mile mark where you’re allowed to scatter ashes. I slowed the boat to a stop, and told everybody we had arrived at the spot. I had offered to say something about this young man I never knew, but last minute, I suggested they share some stories, disperse the ashes over the leeward Side of the boat, throw in their flowers, and we could take in all the beauty while getting pics of the flowers on the water. There were lots of tears during the sharing of stories, and I really started to get a sense of this young man and his family. It was moving to say the least, and I had tears in my eyes as well. I then explained how they want to open the container and get as low to the waterline as possible to release the ashes to the sea. Well, as the sister of the deceased was almost done emptying the ashes, a little vortex wind came up and blew ashes back up and over the family gathered at the port bow of the boat. I saw it all in slow motion from the helm about 25 feet away.

I froze and was absolutely mortified! What had I done?! There was a short silence with everyone looking at each other, and before I could utter a sound, the most amazing laughter broke out amongst the whole family! I was stunned, amazed, and not sure what was happening. The mother was the first to say something when the laughter settled down a bit. She uttered between deep laughs, “He got us one more time!” and then the infectious laughter picked up again for the longest time. What they would soon explain to me, to not think they had all lost their mind, was that the son was an extreme practical joker with everyone in the family and had lovingly terrorized them since he was a child with gags and pranks.

It was the perfect thing at the perfect moment when the last of the ashes blew up into the air. I went from being mortified to seeing the most magical moment I could have hoped for this family. From that moment on, we were all tears and laughter while I took them on a cruise to see dolphins and sea lions.

The idea for A2O was born out of this first ceremony, and then many more experiences over the years helping people celebrate a loved one’s life. EVERY single one has had something magical happen! Things unexplainable have happened, where I was just speechless in awe. This is what drives me to make our service a different and special experience for the people that lost a loved one. It’s really been my greatest honor to serve in this capacity, and we are going to continue treating clients like extended family to make sure their day is special and memorable.

In appreciation, we would like to give thanks and express gratitude to some, this definitely is not all, of the folks that helped us formulate the idea and business model for A2O. This was years in the making:

My much better half, and love of my life, Ginger, for being my daily muse and inspiration. She has been an amazing supporter and partner in this great adventure we get to live.

Barbara S., an angel that shepherded me to and through numerous life changing events.
She helped me develop my very own Your True North concept, and to focus on this heart centered effort and cause, to bring it to fruition.

Tianna C., this amazing woman I’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching grow up, for her patience in working with this ADD Neanderthal of tech by translating my concept and ideas into visual images that speak from our heart to yours, to convey the honor and importance we put on this service.

Troy T., my Aussie buddy whose guidance and business acumen was crucial and incremental at A2O’s inception through today.

Dyce McG., my dearest friend and mentor over the last 30+ years of laughter, travels, and all around fun. I wouldn’t be here without your camaraderie, and definitely wouldn’t have had as much fun!

And last, but definitely not least, my parents.

My mother and stepfather, Anna and David D., for a lifetime of their unwavering love and support.

My father and stepmother, Paul and Sally., for giving me the tools and survival skills that would lead me to this heartfelt venture.

1% of all A2O proceeds will be donated to The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU. They are quietly changing millions of lives, and making the world into a better place with the work they do. Please look them up and help them bring more hope and healing to children suffering from trauma based issues.