My Obituary

Acknowledging death of one of life's chapters, and embracing rebirth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was almost too difficult to keep a straight face

As I sat across from the editors desk

His face angled down

I could see the look of confusion

Deep cut lines across his brow

Wondering if he should call in some kind

Of professional help for this

 

It was rather amusing watching him

Try to figure out what to say

Reading and re-reading the words I had submitted

Along with a lovely picture

I sat quietly with my ankles crossed

Hands folded gently in my lap

 

He held the picture up

To compare it to me

It was me alright

 

"I don't know what to say"

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"No Sir" I replied

"But you are not dead" He recanted.

"Obituaries are for dead people"

"Why?" I challenged.

 

One word rendered him speechless- "Why?"

 

Not sure what he would do

Or if I would see my obituary in print

I quickly picked up my purse and left him sitting there

I smiled..

 

Friday's paper and there it was

My obituary

I read and re-read it

Feeling gratification unlike any I had ever experienced

A few brief words to describe a life once lived

A marriage or two that had died

Children and grandchildren that had been touched by

This life

 

The names of those that had gone on before me

Honored forever in a simple column

My picture at the top

Writing it myself meant no one really imortant to me

Was forgotten or misspelled

A celebration of a life in black and white

An outline of a life once lived

Final thoughts about the past

 

If there are new chapters

New characters

New paths taken

Then there must be deaths

Sorrow, devestation and endings

Yes, even obituaries.

 

Folding up the paper

I tucked it into my purse

Silently acknowledging personal rebirth

Author's Note

Was very sad about an imcomplete obituary that I recently read, the life of one man.. and who was important to him grossly misrepresented.

Reviews

[Wondering Mind]

Inspired, I'm sure. Life is a cycle of birth-death-rebirth..I think we have to let go so we can embrace what is to come...

[Tate Morgan]

That is a beautiful thought and a truth beyond words.Havent we all had a few rebirths?

[.]

what a excellent idea...and executed to such a skilled degree, giving the reaction of your editor was genius and probably how most people would react to that suggestion..although I agree it makes perfect sense, who knows your life better than the person who lived it..excellent

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

If there are new chapters

New characters

New paths taken

Then there must be deaths

Sorrow, devestation and endings

Yes, even obituaries.



indeed~this is the eternal balance that does not take personal human desires into account~ spiritually observant writing~ a human hand dips her quill into the shades of reality and paints something lovely from sorrow through poetic music~

[Robin]

an obituary that proves as a map to the future , one that offers many paths , one that recognizes the choices , one that recognizes you ...

[Brad]

very astute observations...this is a very philisophical peice, enjoyed

[mammabear]

I Love It! I have often thought of writing my own obituary, so I find the idea brilliant.

[lawrence bear]

wow, great story.