A few months ago an article appeared in the local newspaper
describing the author’s decision to write her own obituary. This process is related to an ethical will
since the writer must delve deep into his/her own psyche and decide what is relevant
to discuss. The author had some funny
stories about her early life as well as stories about her professional
life. While she published it in a
newspaper, she also made a copy and put it with her important papers so that
her family would find it and use it when the time came. Note:
The author is probably middle aged and will have many years to rethink
her words.
She mentioned she did
not want a photo with her obit. While
pictures are eye catching when scanning the obits in the paper (yes, I still
read a hard copy of the newspaper) I have also indicated to my family that I do
not want a photo to appear. If I were to
select a picture of myself from BG (before grey), my grandchildren and maybe
someday, great grandchildren, would not recognize me. And if I were to select a picture AG (after
grey), I would look old and not the person I have in my mind as who I am.
The idea of writing one’s obituary is intriguing. I’ve heard the exercise is used in some
writing classes. It would be an
interesting conversation to sit down with family and friends and create
one. What do others remember or value
about you? Do I have the courage to do this? No, I don’t think so…yet. As I get older, I get more daring! What about you?
