Image: ©Scout’s Snapshots: used with permission.
They say death is the final place in which tranquillity can and should be achieved. I hope this is correct and that the fires of hell are another of religions control mechanisms.
As my death is approaching I have been urged to plan my final days and in doing so give some consideration to making my funeral the perfect funeral.
Apart from the expected grief of the occasion, I hope it is more celebration that grief.
I’d like time after my death for people to be informed and given the opportunity to come and celebrate with me. I’ll be there in spirit.
As I am a face book person my executor has been given instructions to place a small but tasteful obituary on my page. This is one way of informing the 90 followers that I have indeed passed on. There will also be a short announcement on my WP to the same effect.
I want a week as I have said before the funeral to take place.
I have informed my executor as to whom I would like to be my funeral celebrant.
I guess it will have to take place in a church and that aspect doesn’t worry me so I guess if it has to be a church my local one where I grew up will do the job.
I would like my schools clarinet choir to play. They are the classiest group and play the coolest stuff and I have informed them that they will be called on to play in my entry and departure. They can play ‘Gentle on my mind’ for an entry and ‘ You are my Sunshine’ as you carry me out.
It is highly likely the church folk will be upset by this but its my funeral and if they have issues tell them to come and talk to me about it
I have written letters to be read during my service.
One to my children and grandchildren telling them how proud I am of them, how amazed I am at the beautiful people they have each become, how remarkable they are as human beings and that I will be with them always.
To my family and friends I have written my thanks for sticking with me all these years, for being there when I was down, for picking me up and dusting me off and pushing me forward, I will never be able to repay the love they showered on me. Being part of a family has been important to me.
To my former partners I have written a letter in which I discuss my life with them. Of the misery they afforded me, of the pain and humiliations they laid at my feet for so many years. I will thank them for all of that as it led me to be the man I am now, that despite their best efforts to dismantle me, tear me limb from limb and make me realise the worthlessness they worked so hard to promote I did rise from their fires to see life and myself as the person you knew, a man of integrity and love.
Finally to my one true love I will express eternal love, remind her that always is always.
For in my darkest moments she was there, her hand to hold, her shoulder to cry on, her love and care undying. I have treasured every second I have had with her being in my life and even though we travelled a challenging path we did it together, two mates, two lovers.
I will remind you that today you come to say farewell to me. That I want you to recall the moments we had fun, those times that are important to you.
After when I am reduced to ashes don’t worry about an expensive urn; a brown paper bag will do, as I want to be spread around my garden and my yard. Not too much over the ferns as the fairies, like us, don’t like their air polluted, even if it is me providing it.
Raise your glasses my loved ones, here’s to me.
Tranquillity awaits.
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/tale-weaver-29-tranquility/
Morpethroad 
Oh Michael, this is most distressing news…I hardly know anything intelligent to say. Perhaps we’ll meet in passing…I am grateful for knowing you, even from a distance. xxoo, Val
I don’t think I need the band just yet Val, but one should be prepared don’t you think? I expect you to be part of the celebration….
I’ve just been so consumed with Death. I seem to view others’ leaving as tragedy and loss, but not my own. And I form such quick attachments with strangers…I want to beg you not to go (weeping now). But it’s not up to me…
I have no plans to shuffle off this mortal coil just yet Val……all is good.
Oh I do hope not, Michael.
A beautifully written post, Michael, and I’m so pleased that it isn’t a personal piece.
Thank you Lyn, well no but there’s no harm in planning a few things…..
I’ve told my kids the same…cardboard box or paper bag will do me.
yes, wont matter to us will it…..they’ll never hear us complain…..lol
A wonderful plan of action. The rituals of death should include celebration. To let others know your wishes. Eulogy to friends, companions, family, lovers, the one. Death is a step along the continuum of life. Many believe it is just the beginning. A tranquility for all.
As my mother’s caregiver, I knew her wishes re dying and death. Some small concessions. Locally made cherry wood box so she could be beside my father, and near her best friend. Flowers. A friend’s farewell read at the cemetery.
Better to let others know before it is too late.
An interesting way to express tranquility. An interesting tale to weave. And fairies were included.
Thank you for that comment. Yes I had to include fairies at some juncture. Now days lots of people go about the celebration of life.
Eulogies are so hard to formulate and recite. Letters to all that you hold dear, or did you harm is a reassurance of yourself. Statements made by you, for them, for when.. . .
My wife has given me rather explicit foul mouthed instructions not to die…. ever.
I wish I had the guts to write this. Very well written and mournfully tranquil.
Good wives can be like that…..
It caught at my heart a bit there, Michael…but you work in mysterious ways with your words…it reminds me to set things in my life…my list of songs were yet not given to my children, I have put off even choosing an executor…facebook is a good idea…that is how i informed friends about my mom …yep, it is a time of peace isn’t it…there are moments before getting there however…I think I may write about that.
Thanks Oliana. It took me a while to decide on the direction I would take but once I saw a path and use it in the way I did I felt good as there are things in my life I have to address and ex partners is one. For me tranquility is about a state of peace, of achieving it after a lifetime of experiences during which there are a multitude of ups and downs but the ups for me will always win.
It IS a state of mind…absolutely and I`m pleased for you that you have found that in this lifetime as well.
I guess it has a lot to do with the way I roll…..lol……