Monday, March 19, 2007

My Funeral....

I don't really know why, but I've been thinking about what I'd like my funeral to be like. I know that's a bit morbid, but I always feel bad for families who aren't left a clear plan for such and have to figure it out amongst grief and shock. The last funeral I attended was in June, and my great-aunt had left clear instructions. We knew who would speak at her funeral, where she wanted it to be, where she wanted to be buried, and all of that good stuff. And it was an excellent funeral and incredibly inspirational.

As for my funeral, I don't know who I'd like to do the service. I am not close to any practicing pastors as a result of having attended large churches since I became a Christian. I think stories are always good, so maybe some friends and family members could speak. Of course, I think that would be really hard to do, so perhaps that's an unreasonable request. I know I want to be cremated, so no casket purchase is necessary. Not sure where I want my ashes dumped though. I definitely don't want them kept in an urn somewhere. And I'd prefer if people didn't all wear black to the funeral; that's so...funeral. And I'd like a happy song or two, like the ones they sing at the churches I attend.

For sure, I would want an awesome meal afterwards. The meal after my Aunt Jean's funeral was ridiculously delicious. The First Baptist Church in Woodland totally out-did itself. And having all of that food at the church makes a lot more sense than my parents getting a zillion buckets of fried chicken at their house, although I am sure my dad wouldn't mind. And I definitely want petit fours and the frog cupcakes from the Donut Castle to be served after the funeral. A sugar high in the midst of grief can't hurt. Plus there's something celebratory about cupcakes, and as much as it could be (since I'm so much fun here on earth and all), I'd like it to be a celebration of God's grace in giving me eternal life. After all, what could be a bigger cause for celebration?

11 comments:

ReadItDaddy said...

I've already worked it all out..

The Funeral - I want it to be like the start of "Live and Let Die" - a sombre procession through the streets of New Orleans...all sombre and sad - then there's a RUDE-arsed top note on a cornet, and a rude arsed version of "When the saints go marching in" played at top volume while people dance down the street.

The wake - Has to be like the splurge gun fight in Bugsy Malone.

The coffin - Should be dispatched to "Baby got back" by Sir Mixalot.

The tombstone. Should be etched with the quote "Never Ever Bloody Anything Ever!"

I want people smiling at my funeral or better still roaring with laughter while covered in custard pies. And no one had better wear a suit.

Peej
x

Aaron said...

I agree with you, Ally. It sounds kinda trite, but I don't want anyone pouting on my behalf. Happy food, happy music and happy speaches all the way around!

Douglas said...

Let's put the FUN back in FUNeral!

anne said...

Wow Ally I am so impressed - it takes a lot (at least for me) to go through a mental exercise like this.

Ally said...

e.b.: It's weird but has just been floating through my head lately.

Allbilly: Exactly!

Aaron: Sounds good to me.

Peej: A food fight? That's a novel idea.

Clearlykels said...

Oh please, I think it is very important to know what everyone wants for their funeral. I finally talked my dad into cremation. He only agreed to it if we could shoot his remains from a potato gun into his plot. Whatever you want, Daddy!

brandy said...

I started thinking about mine and all I've got so far is that I want "Come Together" by Aerosmith to play. It just seems to fit perfectly! And I'm down with the cupcakes, a great idea.

megabrooke said...

ally, i agree with eb, this is hard for me to wrap my mind around. you did a great job with it.

Kimberly said...

I can't even think about what my wedding might be like someday, much less my funeral. The more I think, the more I would edit. I guess I would just ask someone I love to do it for me. Sorry, I know that's selfish.

Anonymous said...

What a great post. I guess that sounds just as morbid but I really think you should think about these things and have it all planned out. I'm anal like that tho. Bat wants to be cremated. I don't like the idea but whatever makes ya happy!!! Besides, you'll have a new body "over there"....

Ally said...

FC&F: I'm with Bat on the cremation...eventually we're going to run out of space for coffins, tombs, and the like!

Kimberly: I guess that for me the difference between a wedding and funeral is that I'm certain one will occur:)

brookem: Thanks!

Brandy: The music is at least a 1/3 of the battle, so you've got a good start.

Clearlykels: Your dad's wish made me laugh. Very creative. Kudos to your dad.