First ok it’s kind? Or just first for me?

Either way, I was nervous the entire time.
I dated the customer way back in High School and we've stayed friends ever since.
Her mother passed earlier this year and I attended the funeral because she was a great woman. She asked me a few months back if I could incorporate a pen in memory of her mother, so I asked her if I could use some ashes. This is the end result. I'm pretty happy with the outcome for sentimental reasons and apparently the photo brought her to tears.
The ashes are in the two banded inlays.
Sorry, the tile was supposed to say "First of its kind, or just first for me".

Yep, that's a first as far as I can tell. I'm not sure how I would feel about it personally, nor do I think I could work with ashes like that (I'm not saying it is wrong or inappropriate or anything, more so that I couldn't handle the responsibility). It's a very pretty pen, I hope it brings her good memories of her mother.

Darrin... Excellent.

I have read and reread your initial comments. I believe you did well with the ash bands. I have had similar experiences.

That's a beautiful pen! I really like the bands in there. It does seem like it would feel weird working with someone's ashes, but it's a nice idea and remembrance item for sure.

I could not do it myself. But it did come out looking well. I am sure it was well received. I have been asked a few times to make urns for ashes and refuse to do it. Just something about that stuff. Many turners do them though. I was asked to scrollsaw a few.

I did a duck call this summer for a guy who wanted his dog's ashes in it. It was tough for me to do just because of what they were. I couldn't imagine doing a persons ashes.