Almost done with my gardening and besides having a bad back, I am doing OK.
Admit it, one of the first three things you read in the newspaper is the obituaries. We look to see who younger than us has died, what they died of (wondering if we have any of the symptoms of that disease), and possibly in these days of high unemployment, a new job opening.
Some obits are just the bare facts, some are lovingly written, and others detail all the wonderful things the deceased has experienced in their lives. Then there is this trend of showing a picture of the dearly departed that was taken decades before. I like that and am thinking I would want to have a head shot of myself when I was 21 photo-shopped on the bikini clad body of Marilyn Monroe for my memorial. I think that might generate more interest in reading about my rather ordinary life. This would be my last hurrah and why not go out leaving that memory behind.
Last week our local newspaper printed a rather long obituary about a man who lived to be 80, had contributed much to society, and was quite an interesting character. However, it was the first paragraph that got me.
"Joe Smith (not real name) departed this earthly cathedral for his last trip on June 6, 2012. The mode of transportation was unannounced by the Lord, but it is hoped it was by air to meet St Peter, though it may have been a short cruise across the River Styx to meet the horned fellow."
I wonder if his ex-wife had anything to do with this. My feeling though is that this was the work of the late gentleman who had a sense of humor.
It is always good to leave them laughing.
Mine's going to read:
ReplyDeleteShe was here
Now she's gone
Take some time
To say so long.
Hello Arleen:
ReplyDeleteYour bad back from the gardening has given you a somewhat black touch of humour today, Arleen!
In a particular English newspaper, the obituaries are now so famous in the annals of English literature that, from time to time, collections of them are published in book form.
Perhaps this post is a reminder to us all that should we wish to exert control beyond the grave, at least as far as our obituaries are concerned, we had best write them ourselves since, leaving them to chance could be a risky business!!
Definitely want to leave on a high note!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I just had to call my Mom and Dad and read it to them. They got a good chuckle too. Hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteGood to be remembered this way!
ReplyDeleteNow THAT is an obituary! I may copy it down for myself.
ReplyDeleteI am saving it for my hubby.
DeleteThat's why I read obits- every now and then you read one that's hilarious. It's sad when an obit says little of who the person was, and a whole life boils down to some facts and dates. People are personalities and some of that should be in the obit they get.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree!
DeleteDon't know him, but see the late fellows print all over this. Some locals have given us magnificant obits; one so good we swore she paid the Beacon Journal's expenses with paper sales the day it was published.
ReplyDeleteIn our town, most of the obits are quite long and tell great stories. Sophie (who is 7 years old) likes to read them. I let her as it is good for her reading and math skills (she likes to figure out how old the people are based on their birthday).
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find the great graphic at the top of the blog? Love the wine glass!
This is cute :)
ReplyDeleteMy mom had always said she wanted to be wearing a size 6 red dress split down the back when she passed away. To honor her, a family friend wore a red dress to her Memorial Service. Most people would frown but I loved it!
I have an award that will be posted for you in tomorrow's post. Enjoy!
As long as they don't say anything TOO nasty, I shall be happy. But out here in darkest rural France we don't have a local newspaper anyway!
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, was it Donald O'Connor in "Singing in the Rain" who sang that song about leaving people laughing? Oh, no, it was "make them laugh." Well that first paragraph for the obituary made me laugh! I haven't thought about my obituary, but I suppose it's time. Something simple and I think I'd like of picture of what I look like toward the end. A picture of a face that is a map of my life. Yes. That would suit me. Peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful obit! Hope your back feels better! Julie
ReplyDeleteOh my, stopped reading the obituaries and perhaps double checking I'm not on the list.
ReplyDeleteNo, these days, with modern technology, I've now got this fascination with Google Maps. And of course, the first place I checked was my own home. How weird, considering I see it everyday :)
A touch of humour over ones ending. Although, most probably in my case, nobody will realise I'm gone. Just put me in a bag and drop me off at the local refuse site :)
I agree I suspect "John" wrote his own obit and good for him! He sounds like he was a man with a great sense of humor. Yes I do read the obits. Bonnie
ReplyDelete