User:AnniePresley/sandbox

Selfie-Obit: Why You Should Write Your Own Obituary Before You Die

1. because it is a national trend 2. so you can choose your photo 3. it is a walk down memory lane 4. your friends and family won't have to do it 5.  because anyone else who writes it will get it wrong!

A National Trend

More and more people are choosing to write their own obituaries. This is a significant change underway as the "death industry" undergoes a major shift from quiet, somber, sad burial events to happy, celebratory, rowdy occasions with our without a body. This is demonstrated by the burial v. cremation statistics referenced below. The shift is toward cremation and is now slightly more than half of all Americans. It only stands to reason that the person who creates their own earthly departure ceremony will include at least a draft of their life on paper for family and friends to utilize. No more may we rely on the local newspaper to write and print the basic details of our lives. With the onset of the selfie-obit, you may add a selfie-photo and include all the details, stories and anecdotes that you wish to include. NFDA statistics reflect cremation at an all-time high. See http://www.nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/2511/nfda-cremation-and-burial-report-shows-rate-of-cremation-at-all-time-high

Choose Your Own Photo'''

The traditional head shot is slowly becoming old news. Now you may use a selfie from your own phone or use a photo of something entirely different that is near and dear to you. My pal who wanted to be a better golfer, but loved playing regardless, used a photo of himself on a gorgeous golf course suggesting that his cremains would be scattered there as well. Clever! You may use a family photo, a coat of arms, a favorite logo...just about anything you want that says something about who you are and what made you tick!

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

Sure, why not? What memories, occasions, people meant the most to you? This is your opportunity to tell it all. I love telling the story of our 10th wedding anniversary. It was my idea to hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim. At some point, I was convinced I would spend the rest of my life down there because I just couldn't find the right pace to walk out! How about a shout out to a favorite teacher, a precious memory, a valued tschotke. There is no need to make this anything but happy and fun. It was our life's goal, yes?

Your Family and Friends Won't Have to Write It

My father fought cancer for 16 years. With four biological kids from two different mothers and three step children, trying to get his funeral planned was an absolute circus. Let's just say this exercise did not make for a meaningful event heading toward the funeral. It was excruciatingly difficult as never before had we, as one family, discussed our understanding of the "hereafter" he was gone. Another 8 years had passed and the fences remain unmended. Just not necessary. Do your people a favor and knock it out. Email me (annie@readthis.guru) for some basic documents to get you started.

Because Anyone Else Who Writes It, Will Get It Wrong!

Nobody knows what's really important to you unless you have been very specific or dropping hints or dictating ideas to someone. You know it, so just write it down. The obit and photo selection are early tasks in the funeral run up. The obit includes the service information and needs to be sent out with at least three days notice. Think about what people would say about you, what you loved, who you loved, how your lived your life. If you think any of it might be incorrect, it probably will be. Do they know your all time favorite anything; book, movie, restaurant, etc. This is how living begin to fight and dead actually allowed the fights to ensue. Ugh.

Finally, enjoy this journey. It is an adventure and a gift to your people. ---

''Annie Presley is a wife, grandmother, dog lover and a very practical thinker. She has written four guided journals with her friend Christy Howard and just released her first book for children about the dog their family rescued.'' See her books at www.SamGetsAdopted.com.