Those are my instructions. And I fully realize that, when the time comes, I will have no control over this decision. However, my hope is that by saying it enough times and even, as for instance now, by setting these words in writing, my wish will be honored.
And that wish is that it will be seen as forbidden. At least by me, forbidden. I do not, most definitely do not want even a slight consideration.
Even if someone tries to see it as a joke, a sort of expression of humor - please, when the time comes, honor the dead and hold fast to my wish. Do not make light of this wish.
And that wish of mine is that that phrase - A Celebration of the Life of . . ." will not in any way be used as a descriptive of any of the services connected with my death and/or my funeral.
My funeral is to be a funeral!
That is that!
It will not be, should not be, cannot be billed as some sort of "Celebration of Life"
I know that that phrase can be found with increasing frequency in obituaries these days. People are being invited to join in these Celebrations of Life.
My designated funeral directors (and, yes, I have met with, spoken with, provided detailed written instructions to chosen funeral directors. I firmly believe that one of the great acts of love shown to family and friends is to provide clear plans and directions for so sensitive a time. We do our loved ones no favors by leaving them to guess what we might have wanted or had in mind.)
Anyhow, my designated funeral directors have been firmly instructed to avoid at all costs that phrase - Celebration of Life.
And when I issued that directive, the question was immediately asked, "Why?"
My answer is easy, at least it is for me.
I believe.
I believe in the resurrection of the dead.
I believe in life everlasting.
I believe in Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, who has promised us that He has come that we might have life and have it to its fullest.
And with those beliefs firmly locked my deepest heart, when I hear words like "A Celebration of the Life of . . . " it sounds so final. It sounds like, well, that's all there is. Close the book. Story finished. Wasn't it just a great and touching story? And now - The End!
But I do not see the years, many though they may be, as the story.
I see them as a sort of prologue.
The years we are given until That Moment are a "getting ready time."
The Main Event, the whole reason why God chose to call our name and breath that life-giving Breath that got things started, is all about what happens when we close our eyes on this "prologue."
So, with that said, feel free to have a Celebration of Memories, or even a Gratitude for Blessings.
But if anyone feels compelled to drag out that phrase, Celebration of Life, then do it correctly.
When the time does come, have a Celebration of Entry into or Beginning of . . . Life!
Because Life isn't over.
It is just really getting started!
