Life and death= an infinite well of thoughts. This week I went to the funeral of my great aunt. She lead a happy and healthy life and lived to the ripe old age of 90. Of course, when someone passes, they will (hopefully) be missed. However, there is so much more to be thankful for when someone goes in a peaceful way and at the seemingly ‘right’ time.
So, armed with those thoughts, I have been sorting through my feelings about the event that is a funeral/memorial service/burial when someone passes. I have been to three very different interpretations of the end of life events recently and I am truly wondering what is it really all about? Is it about the grieving? Is it about the dead? Is it about traditions? Is it about an end? Is it about a beginning? Or is it about remembering the past? What about a celebration of life? I’m not sure if it is just my nature, but I always tend to lean toward a good old party.
Of course, the answer on some level is “to each his own.” But I do find myself pondering if the deceased are looking down at their loved ones who are sitting there in stiff outfits, listening to worn out old songs and hearing stories about the deceased from a preacher that sometimes barely remembers the name of the person he is eulogizing. In my mind, the guest of honor is dancing about, perhaps even shouting at their families saying “Stop this train! Stop this awful music! Get my body out of that hideous looking, cold, metal casket! Get up! Get out of here! CELEBRATE MY LIFE!”
Although the level of celebration will always be determined by the circumstances, I am taking a vow to celebrate the people that I love when they pass (before that too=) It just makes sense to have a party, to share stories and to toast to a life well lived.
And also, a good party dress always makes a girl feel better!
This haunts me too….
did you hear that in parts of japan they have this tradition to celebrate the life of a person prior to their death. it is not very common but it does happen. thats different, isnt it. imagine having a funeral before you die!
all the best
agron
Hmm, there is something so cool about a celebration before you die. I like the idea. Perhaps that is what each birthday should truly be about- celebrating every year of life.