So...it seems that between Hospice and working with older volunteers, I have had the opportunity to attend many funerals over the past couple years...so I've had a lot of occasion to think about what I want mine to be...and lets face it, if it were left to my family I'd probably be chucked in the woods and then the fam would hit Outback...
At any rate, I feel if I post this here, my wishes will have to be met- I have you all as witnesses...
1-I want to be cremated. If I show up in a casket, I ask one of you to please haul me to the crematorium in the back of a pick-up if need be...I do NOT want a casket (even if it is the old toe pincher kind), and I especially do NOT want one that is open. After all, there is no one who can make my hair as big as I can- and I don't want to be remembered with a bad 'do! Now, I know a lot of people think cremation is wrong and I've heard a few mention the rapture and the dead rising and you have to have a body to do that- however, people die in fires and I'm sure they'll make their way to their new bodies as assuredly as I will if I am cremated. Subject closed.
2- I do NOT want a funeral service. I want a time of celebration. I would like to have a few of my better pictures with some flowers in the front of the church- and I would like to have a choir- preferably a black choir (African American- politically correct) because they sure know how to raise the roof and let the Spirit in! I attended the funeral of a dear friend- an African American gentleman and let me tell you- I'm not sure the angels coulda sung it better!!! That said, sing songs of praise and homecoming because I am in a much better place praising Jesus- so be happy for me!!
3- I do NOT want someone who doesn't know me talking about my life. If my pastor cannot be filled in on what an amazing person I am (haha- kidding), then have someone who knew me well either write down and give to him what should be said- OR- that someone should say it themselves...or perhaps a few people...I abhor attending a service where the person officiating obviously doesn't know the deceased, or worse, mispronounces their name. Really?? Wow...and make sure the program has no typos...I'm really anal about that too! And don't make me out to be a saint- I know I'm not one- point out my flaws...its ok- really. We all have them. And sometimes they are what make us as real and amazing as we are.
4- I want the pastor to (not and long and drawn out) share the path to salvation. I am a Christian. I will not force my beliefs on anyone else. However, please respect me enough if you don't believe to at least listen for a few minutes to what is most important to me and consider... God loves you, Christ died for you...there is more to it than this world. I would love to think that someone was saved because I died.
5- I don't want my ashes scattered...I think it would be kinda fun to have them in a sparkly purple container- and perhaps they could travel around with whoever is left in my family--- they could be part of a centerpiece at thanksgiving, or even a stocking stuffer at Christmas. But really, I would be ok with having them buried. Just not scattered...that kinda freaks me out and there is always the chance that someone might inhale me. That's just gross.
6- And when its all said and done, love on my family. That's my biggest wish. Don't try to be "polite" and not disturb them in their time of deep mourning and grief (I am quite sure they will be inconsolable when my time here is done)...be there, tell them Kristen stories, laugh with them, cry with them- whatever ya'll want to do- but be there for them. Oh- and my family likes to eat- just not casseroles...fried chicken would suffice- a nice roast- perhaps a couple of pizzas- but not casseroles...and please use disposable containers. We, as a family, stink at returning things.
I think that's about it for now...of course, when the time comes, if anyone feels like they need to fall out in the aisle wailing and crying for the loss that is my earthly life- that's ok- it would definitely make me feel loved...and please feel free to wear a tiara in my honor!!!
God is good...His heaven is my goal...I can't wait to hear the angels sing...I think it will be a glorious place!
Oh, and give me a call now while I'm still here and lets do lunch---that's the best place for this journey to begin!!!
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