You want to know what scares me more than the thought of getting old? It’s the thought of NOT getting old. What the–? “Speaky English!” you say. Well, here’s the typical timeline: We race through our adventurous youth, then we endure the rites of passage into adulthood (i.e. career, education, settling down, securing our future). And then we stare down the menacing Graying Years. It’s just non-stop thrills.
But what happens if something goes tragically wrong? As in, (gulp) the Ratbastard Grim Reaper arrives uninvited and without a potluck dish. Ugh, he’s tacky, often poorly dressed, and with bad accessories to boot. (Come on, a scythe? That’s so last millenium.)
But really, does the thought ever cross your mind that you might not make it to those Golden Years? Yes, it’s frightening, but it’s all the more reasons that I implore you to live your life unleashed. Create your legacy and make your mark today. Give the world something to remember you by.
Being the self-appointed Spokesperson for Staying Young Forever (please – hold your applause), I know what I’m talking about. I can tell you, as I choke back tears, that too many of my wonderful friends have suddenly and prematurely taken their party elsewhere from this world; but yes, they will stay forever young in my memory.
So…On a much lighter note, have you planned your funeral? Stop laughing! I mean it. Did I not just say that tomorrow is not guaranteed? How do you want your life celebrated? How do you want to be remembered? What will your loved ones talk about when they’re up there at the podium eulogizing you?
I’ve attended alot of appropriately sad funerals; I’ve also been to a few irreverently hilarious funerals! I know it’s surprising, but the funny funerals were much more fun. My own plan is to have my memorial service on a huge party boat that will cruise the harbor. There will be stand-up comedians performing, lots of dancing and music of every genre. I’m totally dead-set on making sure that no one leaves my funeral sad.
So, knowing that Death lurks at every corner, be prepared to poke him in the eyes and kick him in the balls. Defeat Death by 1) Leaving something fantastic for your loved ones, and the blogosphere, to talk about, and 2) Arranging for a unique funeral experience, with value-added entertainment features, that will live on in everyone’s memory.
Related Post:
Getting Older – Yeah, It’s Like That…
6 kids playing along so far ↓
1 grannyann
// Mar 12, 2009 at 7:43 am
My brother died too young, 57, just a few years ago and his funeral was not typical. He wanted people to wear Hawaiian like bright shirts and tell funny stories. I think we laughed more than cried. He was a funny guy to start with.
2 ReformingGeek
// Mar 12, 2009 at 9:55 am
Yeah. You never know about the proverbial truck.
My passing should absolutely be a celebration either on the beach or in the mountains or even in a beautiful garden.
Take all my organs that can be used and cremate the rest.
ReformingGeek’s last blog post..Swinging for Spring
3 Old School
// Mar 12, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I was just reading someone else’s blog who was sharing some of their “life lessons” and one of them was:
You never know if tomorrow will come…so instead of saying “I’ll get to it” or “One of these days” you need to say “Let’s go” and “Right now”…
Kinda the same idea, I guess. Like Andy said in Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying.”
I am interested in joining your Staying Young Forever group, but I am afraid it might be too late for me. Let me know how that works.
I am a big fan of the Rod Stewart song “Forever Young” and there is an acoustic version he does that I particularly like a lot. Good stuff.
Old School’s last blog post..Back to the 80s: Flashback Videos – Edie Brickell ‘What I Am’ & Neneh Cherry ‘Buffalo Stance’ – Kickin’ it Old School
4 marissa
// Mar 12, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Grannyann: It sounds like your brother was my favorite kind of human being. To be able to laugh more than cry at a funeral is a beautiful tribute to someone who was funny.
ReformingGeek: YES – beautiful scenery! (I’ve always been creeped out by cemeteries.)
Anyone would be lucky to receive your donated organs. You are one fit specimen to be running those half-marathons.
Old School: You’re already a certified member of our Staying Young Forever crew, just by playing along on this blog.
It’s NEVER too late to decide to stay young. Once a kid, always a kid – at least inside! I like that Rod Stewart song alot too.
5 Chris
// Mar 14, 2009 at 12:14 am
I also want a bit of money to drop from the ceiling of my funeral … if I’m rich enough.
That way the little buggers won’t forget me too quickly. And let it never be said I wasn’t generous!
Chris’s last blog post..Steak and blow job day
6 marissa
// Mar 14, 2009 at 9:25 am
Hi Chris: Now THAT would be memorable! I’d laugh to see people tripping over themselves (and possible even opportunistically groping each other in the melee) for the Mighty Dollar, or even better – Euros.
Hey – I gotta get over to your site. I am VERY intrigued by that post title. I wonder if it’s related to the Hump Day post.
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