Way to Go
I know some of you were aware that a part of my recent visit to my Mums was to for her to share her wishes regarding her funeral. At 93 she is in amazingly good health and has never wanted this discussion. However in the past year it has been creeping into conversation. But more along the lines of what she doesn’t want’. No religious service….no graves….no hoards of people she never sees… So what do you want was the question?
Mum being Mum, now has a very simple, characterful and fairly private plan in place.
Private cremation, her own letters to her important people. Her ashes along with her late husband/my stepdad to be sent out to sea together on a burning Viking Long Boat. Very few, immediate family only, present. A beautiful local beach, the site of many family occasions/holidays the venue. Timing can be as flexible as her important people need. Maybe a last family holiday at her cottage by the sea, before we all move on once more.
The boat is beautiful, engraved with her choice of words.
‘We wont cry because it ended, we’ll smile because it happened’
Its great to have something so beautiful and perfect planned. Now we can get on with living life to the full. Mum comes out to Croatia, where we have our next extended family holiday in May. They will congregate in 2 chalets whilst we anchor off the beach. I hope her boat stays high and dry for a long time yet.
Tjay, I am sure that you and she can be calmer now. I would like a send off like your Mother’s and I think I can lay claim to some Viking blood and/or some Viking spirit.I hope your mother is not feeling like her time is near. My mother told me her plans and in 3 months she died and she was 65 and I was not ready for any of it. My mother was as she always was and no sign of age or sickness. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Rose. Yes we are both pleased to have a mutually comfortable plan. But yes I also worry about her putting her affairs in order. Then to resist until 93 years of age is impressive. ❤️
It’s never an easy thing and we’ve had the same difficult conversations with our folks too, but it’s good to reach nice agreements with everything.
Yes its been the ‘white elephant’ in the room for years. Skirted around and not discussed. Then suddenly Mum was up for making plans. Feels good but I do hope it now fades into the background and we get on with life again. ❤️
Thanks for sharing this with us. I really appreciate it.
You are very welcome Gent. Thanks for your response. I think helps to discuss some of the difficult issues now and again. 🙏