If the glove don't fit, you must acquit (Vince Bucci/Pool Photo via AP, File)
O.J. Simpson being laid to rest will not dampen his notoriety. However, it feels like a strange version of closure, at least on the topic of his death, to discuss where his remains lie. The former NFL player’s ashes could have gone many places—left at the crematorium, the ocean, someone’s garden soil, etc. But no, Simpson’s ashes have a different type of future. A place where he never will truly ‘rest’ anywhere, which some would say is fitting.
O.J. Simpson’s Ash Jewelry
Simpson’s final ‘resting’ place will actually be places. Each of his children, whether they want it or not, will have the option to choose a ‘sparkling’ piece of jewelry. The details on what that will look like are unclear. However, each child will have the option of a ash jewelry piece at a value just over $4000.
Something feels slightly narcissistic for an individual to request being a ‘sparkling’ piece of jewelry. Warn front and center on a person, a focal point that many people will notice. If that person were to be a controversial character, then the jewelry could almost feel like a weight on the wearer. A reminder of complicated feelings and the burden of constant reminders of tough emotions and memories. There is a certain level of audacity to assume that other people will want to ‘wear you’ in death.
Ash jewelry can and does bring comfort to many families and loved ones of a person who has passed. Often it is the wish of the people left behind to carry the person through their life. However, O.J. Simpson is not a typical person, and his relationship with his children is unusual at best. This feels like a strange move, all things considered. Hopefully it brings his children comfort and solace if they choose to take their own piece of ‘sparkling’ ash jewelry.
An Odd Farewell
A statement indicating that O.J. Simpson had passed away was released on his Twitter account. The statement said, “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
The statement paints a rather rosey picture of what his final moments looked like. However, the rules imposed for the children to visit him suggested something else. In reality, it allegedly was more like a formal meeting. His four children could not enter the room without signing a non-disclosure agreement and could not take their cell phones in the room.
Although each family is different, objectively, that doesn’t sound like his children escorting their father to the afterlife. Instead, it paints a picture of distrust and fear of betrayal. Possible paranoia could also be playing a part. However, a NDA and no cell phone are not the typical hospice rules at a loved one’s passing. Being concerned that your own children would take photos or tell people what they saw is unusual.
Conclusion
O.J. chose to have his legacy live on through ‘sparkling’ ash jewelry that each of his children would wear. It’s a sweet choice in some circumstances. However, he had a complicated relationship with his children that may make this an unappealing option for his offspring. It is a bit presumptuous in this situation. Will the children want the jewelry? Only time will tell.
