Hey Humble Readers...
I know, I know. That title doesn't really inspire happy thoughts, does it? But since GG (my grandma) passed earlier this month, there have been a lot of conversations in my immediate connection about death, and more specifically on final wishes.
So, here are my thoughts...
When I go, I want to be cremated. I think caskets are just odd. Why would I want to look at someone's body when they've died? The only way I can picture my great-grandparents is how they looked in their coffins. (And don't even get me started on people who take pictures of the dearly departed!) And of course, the cost is obscene.
I don't want a fancy urn, put me in a coffee can. I don't want to be on the mantle or in a columbarium somewhere. I don't want a headstone, or any other sort of place that my family will feel guilty for not visiting. I want to be dumped somewhere meaningful to my Beloved or the wee-lings, or heck, dump me on a rose bush somewhere. I would rather my loved ones remember me as I was in life, not as my remains will be in death. And because of my beliefs, my remains will be just that... all that remains. So what happens to them after the fact really doesn't matter to me.
At my memorial service, just because I'm contrary, I want to have all the hymns and worship songs that I can't stand, and I want it noted in the bulletin that I really can't stand them. Earth and All Stars, Shine Jesus Shine, and Sent Forth By God's Blessing. All are songs that have either been sung all too often in my worship-life or I just really don't like the lyrics.
Memorial services and funerals aren't for the dead, but for the living. I want there to be a sense of fun, possibly even goofiness apparent in my service. I want it to be a celebration rather than a mournful solemn occasion.
Have you ever given any thought to what you want for your 'final wishes'?
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I'm a tad bit behind on my ICLW (and regular) blog reading and commenting. I will get caught up when we are back home again in a couple of days. I will be checking in with all of you soon!
Hi from ICLW - I have not given much thought to what my final wishes would be, but my husband is on the same wavelength as you. Cremation, no fancy urn. I'm sorry to hear about your grandma.
ReplyDeleteHappy ICLW! I am definitely doing cremation. That, or, donating my body. This post made me laugh. Such an odd post, but it really makes you think! Sorry to hear about your grandma.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about this topic, and I know exactly what I want as well. I want to be cremated and then at the height of a really big winter storm, I want my family to release my ashes at the top of the mountain I grew up on!
ReplyDeleteYour plan sounds great (as great as this sort of thing can be....).
Much love and hugs to you!!
Yes! I have very specific plans. I want to be cremated, like you, and then I want my ashes to chill in a funky, colorful container until someone travels somewhere. THEN I want them to take a portion of my ashes with them and scatter them wherever they end up traveling. This way I can "go" to places that I maybe wasn't able to travel to while alive. As far as memorial service..I guess I would just want whoever was left behind to do whatever gave them comfort. And if that happen to involve pina coladas, karaoke, and a dance party, well, fine by me!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from ICLW and I love your style, here and in other posts. I'll be following along.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother, but I agree so much with what you said. My grandfather passed away five years ago and was cremated. His memorial service was about celebrating him instead of mourning him. Yes, we did cry, but we also laughed and remembered the good things.
My grandmother ended up splitting his ashes between herself and their five kids with the promise that they would follow his wishes. They all did and planted trees in their yards, mixing his ashes with the soil.
Forgot to add my own plans. Cremation and ashes either used to grow trees like my grandfather or spread somewhere that means something to my loved ones.
DeleteOk I just saw a post on FB that I'm going to have to email you! It's a thing you put your ashes in and then you plant it and a tree will grow. Sounds up your alley! I'm with you on being cremated. My mother forced me to see my grandmother dead in get coffin and kiss her. Horrible. :( Not how I want to be remembered. And Shine Jesus Shine - why the hate lol?! It brings back fond memories of youth group in jr high! Haha!
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