I read obituaries. I know I am not alone. I don’t know when
I started but I do remember the first time I recognized someone I knew from his
obituary.
One of my Mother’s friends, who recently died of pneumonia
at the age of 92, had prepared her obit. She had outlived her husbands and
children and wrote it because she felt no one was still alive who knew her
story. I thought that a brilliant idea.
Here are portions of obits I question whether something else
could be said if the deceased wrote it:
“She was a hard worker”
“She was ridiculously honest”
“He overcame many troubles”
I like attempts to capture a person’s personality rather
than the resume approach or genealogical account of a person in an obituary.
Here are a few:
“If you feel sad or blue because you lost a good friend, be
assured he is laughing and telling stories”.
“She is in the hearts of all those she touched”
“She was an acquired taste”
I like to know what was the cause of death in an obituary.
Here are popular phrases that elude the cause of death:
“Fought a courageous fight”
“Died unexpectedly”
“Called home by the Lord”
“Died peacefully”
“Died Suddenly”
“Went to be with the Lord”
A memorable obituary I read does not have the cause of
death, but it read:
“1982-2014, Kind of young don’t you think?”
Are you writing your obituary? Are you making your wishes
known for your obituary? Have you embraced the high costs of publishing your obituary?
(Photos courtesy of my friend Deirdre, at shuttershaman)
18 comments:
Hi Haralee! Yes, I've heard that it can be an interesting self discovery technique to write your own obituary but I haven't done it yet. I did write both my mom and dad's when they passed and it was a great way for me to put closure on that. But of all the statements you shared I think I would enjoy having, "She was an acquired taste" on my own! Thanks for sharing! ~Kathy
Kathy that is a nice closure opportunity to write your parents' obituaries. The woman who had, "she was an acquired taste" lived to be in her late 80's and if her obituary was true,lead a very colorful life. Words to aspire to!
"Kinda young..." LOL. I hadn't considered writing my own but it's a good idea! Like the 'acquired taste' idea, too!
As well as you write Carol, you totally should pen it!
This is a really interesting idea. When my Dad passed away a couple of years ago, I was tasked with writing his obituary that was going to be in the program at his funeral. I remember thinking as I wrote it what someone might say about me. I guess I should write my own to make sure they get it right huh? LOL
Yes and then the task is ready and done! Thanks Karama
I think this is a great idea. It is more than a lot of people could tolerate however. I see moms and dads that are so afraid of something happening to them due to the responsibility of their children, they could not stomach such a concrete task that has to do with their death. So you would have to be pretty healthy!
It is funny Margaret how some people don't want to admit that they will die. For the benefit of the children not talking about no one leaves life alive is in no one's best interest.
Loved this blog. I've written both my obit and my will and updated them when necessary. Although now I see how the obit could be funnier, I may have another go at it!
Marcia you are well prepared! editing is always fun!
We were shocked last year when my mother-in-law died at how much it cost to publish her obituary! I like the idea of writing it ahead of time. My grandmother did this years ago - and she's still here at 95 so I still have it, waiting to be published someday!
Lana I know it is unreal how expensive an obit is to put in some papers. Good for your GrandMother!
Very thought-provoking, Haralee.
At first blush, I find it very hard to write about myself objectively. I'm the subject! Even after years of writing, this is one hard assignment!
I, too, am always curious about the cause of death. I think it's interesting how many euphemisms there are for dying.
I know what you mean Lori. It is always easier to write about someone else although from your last Kick ass post I think you could do it well!
I wrote both of my parents' obituaries and, then, tragically, my sister-in-law's. I was given that last task because it was known that I had experience. The process is healing in those days immediately after a loss.
I hadn't thought about writing my own but that's a very good idea. Obviously, no one in my family can do it better, since I'm the go-to person for that chore. Maybe I can have this: "She wrote good obituaries, including this one." LOL!
Joy that is a perfect obit!
Writing uk best essay or something else is good job but nobody can write about his death time because they do not know. The writer really very wisely and clearly discussed and explained this topic and i am much impressed to see it and i appreciate it.
It is not possible but some people like to write their own Obituary even they never can do it. The writing style of this writer is very helpful for best term paper. We should not wish to die even anything happen and should try to face the situation manly.
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