What Will Be in Your Eulogy?

From that genius Chuck Lorre:

My eulogy. I know I’m not dead, I just thought it would be kinda cool to write it myself, while I’m alive and well, and stick it on the end of a TV show. Okay, first, I meant well. Despite all the things for which I need to be forgiven, in my heart I know I meant well. I believe that my sins were driven by fear — fear of being unloved, fear of poverty, fear of death, fear, fear, fear. What can I say? I was deeply influenced by a frightened mother. I’m not casting blame here; God knows what she dealt with as a little kid. Second, I tried hard. When it came to taking care of my children, I allowed nothing to get in my way — even a closer relationship with them. I attribute that sin to “fear of being a bad provider.” There’s so much more to say but as you can see, space is limited. I’ll continue eulogizing myself on future vanity cards. In the meantime, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself… and lethal diseases, random violence, and tragic accidents.

Ok, so admit it, you’ve thought about your funeral arrangements. I know I can’t possibly be the only 30-something that has pondered such macabre thoughts as life insurance policies, burial arrangements, and funeral plans. Especially with my position in the fire service, I have encountered these issues more than once. Our volunteer department even had to make an unofficial funeral SOP because of the sudden death of a 25-year old member. The loss of that wonderful young man brought into full clarity the important issue of how you want to be buried. It also reminded us all that every day could be your last – but that’s a topic for another day.

But have you thought about what you want people to say of you when you are departed? Have you ever thought about what your eulogy will sound like? What kinds of things do you want to be remembered for? I thought about that for a long time and here are some of the things I hope people will say:

• she was a great cook
• she cared about people and wanted to take care of them
• she loved animals
• she was kind and giving
• she was smart
• she shared herself, her mind, her opinions, and her strengths
• she was organized
• she hated to dust furniture, fold laundry, and scrub the bathroom
• she was independent
• she didn’t believe in revenge
• she loved her family and her friends
• she was loyal
• she was a good daughter and sister
• she didn’t get angry enough
• she liked to laugh
• she only wanted someone to love her

So, what do YOU want your eulogy to say? What kind words will people say when you’ve passed over? What good deeds, loving acts, and giving ways do you want people to remember you? What legacy will you leave behind?

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