5/11/09

Burial? Cremation? Or What?


I’ve always figured I’d be buried when I die.
(I guess adding “when I die” wasn’t really necessary, was it? After all, most folks don’t plan to be buried before they die!)
Anyway, when I was growing up, that was what happened when people died. There was visitation at the funeral home, then a funeral (usually in the church), and then burial (usually in the cemetery behind our church – at least from my perspective.)
For the last several years I’ve been around folks talking about whether to be buried or cremated. Typically, this has led to discussions about the high costs involved in burial.
I’ve always shuddered at the thought of being cremated but also have been turned off by the costs of burials.
After much deliberation, I finally made up my mind. I’ve decided to donate my body to the Medical University of South Carolina. (Quit laughing. Yes, I know; they might have to be paid to take it!)

So, having made this decision, I e-mailed my thoughts and plans to family members (The Dawg, both daughters, my son, Mom, my siblings.)
Now, I didn’t intend to alarm them by doing this. It’s just that a person can’t wait until he or she is dead to let loved ones know such things, right?
Both daughters responded immediately. They wanted to know what was wrong. Had I gotten bad news? Was I trying to tell them something? Oh, they were so concerned!
Not everyone was alarmed, though. I heard from Mom. She didn’t ask if I was sick or had gotten bad news or anything like that.
Instead, she e-mailed the following: “Hey, while you’re at it, why don’t you go ahead and write up your obituary?”

12 comments:

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

LOL! Great sense of humor.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Your mother is hilarious. I see where you got your sense of humor.

Sarah visited the Med. college at USC and was so impressed with the respect given to the donated bodies. I think you'll be in good hands. What a gift to the university!

Sarge Charlie said...

wisdom comes with maturity

Changes in the wind said...

Your Mom is the best!

Sandee said...

I love your mom. Just saying.

Have a terrific day. :)

Syd said...

My mother did write up hers as well as the service. She was quite specific.

Patricia Rockwell said...

Our mothers obviously think alike. Mine considers writing her obituary one of her most enjoyable activities.

Anonymous said...

I just love your Mom! She's SO not my Mom, though. I had a terrible headache one day last week when I got home from the office. She was all "But you never get headaches. You need to go see a doctor right away."

Rayne said...

I love your mom's response! Very funny.

Skunkfeathers said...

Nuthin' wrong with plannin' ahead, so's the family has an idea what your inclinations about perpetual repose are.

Your ma's gotta point: design your own obit. When I get around to doin' mine, it'll be classic "me", all the way ;)

Rick said...

Having nearly died from heart problems, I had the hard talk with my wife after being cremated and where I wanted my ashes scattered. She didn't want to talk about the subject for years, but shortly before they wheeled me away for the big surgery, she agreed. People hate talking about this subject out of their own fears, but you really need to make loved ones know what you want.

yourfuneralguy said...

From a person who helps folks with these types of things. Your mom was hilarious and astute.
Did you rough draft your obituary?:)

Your Funeral Guy

 
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