Funerals

I went to a funeral yesterday. It wasn’t someone I was close to – just a long-time acquaintance. I attended more out of respect for his wife and family. I dislike funerals and usually try to avoid them if at all possible. I don’t view bodies because it creeps me out. Irrational, I know, but that’s me. However, this was only a memorial service. He was cremated a couple of weeks ago so the major mourning was done.

It was a wonderful opportunity to observe people. He was a good person and hard worker and there were probably 200 people at the service. He had been ill for quite a while before he died, so there was plenty of time to prepare and therefore no weeping.

At the last few memorial services I attended they asked for people to share their memories of the deceased. Thankfully, they didn’t do that. A man spoke about his life, a couple of groups performed funeral services and then it was over. Simple and short.

Everyone stood around talking for a while, although none of the people I observed talked about him. It was just another social event. Ho hum and we’re done. Now on to the next thing.

When I die, I will be cremated (got that Kid). I have ashes from my past dogs and want my dogs and I to be thrown into some beautiful spot. I want a memorial service with a ritual funeral service from my cult, then I want everyone to tell only funny stories about me – and there are plenty of those because I’ve done some pretty silly things. I may even prepare a PowerPoint presentation of some of my crazier moments complete with pictures before I die. No seriousness, no crying, and no testimonials – just happiness and laughter. That’s how I want to go out. Then everyone can socialize and head home. Ho hum and I’m done. Back to the living.

How do you want to go out?