They happen in 3's

Last week my mom and I had 3 funerals to attend in one week. These funerals were very different from one another...parts were in Spanish or Chinese, honoring the different cultures. One included symbolic mementos from a Yaqui Indian heritage, another had the USC fight song played as part of the tribute. It was beautiful to see the different ways my friends paid tribute to their dads/grandpa. It was moving to hear the relatives speak with love, respect and honor about the wonderful man in their life they had lost. It was tear jerking to see the reaction of the guests when they saw the many photos of loved ones in happier times. But the funerals were also a dose of reality, reminding me that any of us could go at anytime and we must cherish each and every day we are given. And I am reminded what a big part "death" is in our lives. It's something we all face and must deal with at some point in our lives. And it's something we should all think about and discuss with our friends and loved ones. No one should die without some kind of plan. I'm not talking about a pre-paid entire funeral plan with burial plot chosen...I'm talking about what would you want your final resting place to be? How do you want people to pay tribute to you? How do you want to be remembered? I already know where I am going to be...Rose Hills, with the rest of my family. I want something simple...no need for a big service....some pretty flowers : springy, colorful and cheery. Some cool music : just pop on my ipod, it would be the best bet. The most important part would be friends...lots and lots of friends. And not to sit or stand around crying...but smiling, laughing and sharing stories with one another. I don't want people talking about a life full of regrets. I try my best to do the things I want to do that make me happy, and would want that reflected at my funeral.