Funerals, wakes and viewings for the NON religious

Tweet

I went to my cousins funeral last week, and it got me thinking, what do I want and what do I absolutely NOT want at my "service". Why do we continue with this morbid curiosity of a viewing? Its gross, and lets face it, while cousin Ned "looks so peaceful" he's still FREAKIN DEAD! Also, the cost of these things is crazy!... caskets, make up, clothes, cooling, chemicals, air freshners... The box that one must be encased in for cremation is a corrugated box. I looked at some packaging companies web sites and they were alot cheaper than any being touted by the funeral directors ($750 a box? WTH????). I'd like some one to run down to the Acme and get an old pampers case out of the recycling bin, maybe a little duct tape to seal it up well.$750 for a box.....gtfoh! I want NO RELIGION, (NONE NADA ZIP ZILCH) at my service. Laugh, tell stories at my expense (since I wont be able to deny any of it). The only religion I want at my last shindig is Dave Mathews playing the entire time, Deep intense love is my religion, DMB embodies that for me. My S.I.L. says funerals are for the living...well I disagree. Funerals are for paying respects, making amends, sharing pieces of us, good or bad, with the dead and their families. mass card? I'm handing out dance cards! I'd rather be "roasted" then lamented. Funerals have always seemed to me a brainwashing of sorts, with all the heaven/hell and angels/demons and whatnots, a way of keeping the living inline, in control. Bereavement knows no control, IMO. The mere thought of losing my spouse or any of my kid is enough to make me cry, I'm sure I will be certifiable (loony tunes) when those times come (hope I go 1st). "Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow will die...." DMB "religion is for those who fear death" (glad I'm not scared of my own!) G. Vidal