I wrote eariler about the death of the father of a friend. Today was the funeral. It was mostly an un-religous event, and a fairly good summary of this man’s life. I didn’t know the guy.
I couldn’t help but notice how people still think the dead watch over us. It’s a quaint notion, but very disturbing. Perhaps I’m taking it too literally, and they only watch over us when we cross the road? Is the afterlife so boring that all you can do is spend your time watching over those still living, waiting for them to join you? Doesn’t it get crowed around the view screen?
The other thing that was out of place was the Lord’s Prayer. I’m not sure why that was stuck in there, but I guess it gives someone comfort.
A nice touch today was the photo display, on the big plasma screen. We watched as this mans life faded in and out. Family photos that sum up his existence.
Apart from a few references to resting in peace and watching over us (and of course the prayer) this is what I’d like. But then, I don’t care. At the end of the day, the funeral is for those still living, and I won’t know about any ‘arrangements’, nor do I care. I won’t hear my favourite song, or see my images, or know who carries the casket out. My last wish will be that my family has a celebration of my life that they see is fitting. That sounds like a good idea.