The Reports of My Death have been Greatly Exaggerated
By Amber
@AmbiePam (121136)
United States
November 24, 2012 12:55pm CST
Well, this is in the category of life only because I don't have death in any of my own categories. 
My dad has been getting calls today that range from curious to panicked. Apparently, someone with the same name as him, and near the same age, is in the obituaries. Mostly people he hasn't seen or talked to in a while are calling. One guy was more curious because he didn't think it was my dad, but wanted to make sure. Another caller was panicked because someone had just called her and told her about the obit and that my dad must be dead.
I've seen this happening in sitcoms. Someone's obituary mistakenly gets printed and laughter ensues or whatever. The people closest to him won't be worried because they know they would have been notified if my dad had died. I did tell my dad to please not sound so excited when he talks about death to the people who called. My dad is a Christian so he believes in Heaven. And a lot of you know my mom has dementia and is currently, and not on purpose, making his life miserable. So I hear my dad on the phone say to the callers, "And don't worry about me when I do die. You should be celebrating because I'll be so much better off!"
I told him that really isn't what people want to hear - that you'd look forward to death. 
And don't scold me all you who take things too seriously. I wasn't really getting on to him. It was more like affectionate teasing.
Have you ever been subject to a premature rumor of your demise? Or have you ever been reading the obits and suddenly you see someone you know, but wasn't aware they actually died?
My dad has been getting calls today that range from curious to panicked. Apparently, someone with the same name as him, and near the same age, is in the obituaries. Mostly people he hasn't seen or talked to in a while are calling. One guy was more curious because he didn't think it was my dad, but wanted to make sure. Another caller was panicked because someone had just called her and told her about the obit and that my dad must be dead.
I've seen this happening in sitcoms. Someone's obituary mistakenly gets printed and laughter ensues or whatever. The people closest to him won't be worried because they know they would have been notified if my dad had died. I did tell my dad to please not sound so excited when he talks about death to the people who called. My dad is a Christian so he believes in Heaven. And a lot of you know my mom has dementia and is currently, and not on purpose, making his life miserable. So I hear my dad on the phone say to the callers, "And don't worry about me when I do die. You should be celebrating because I'll be so much better off!"
I told him that really isn't what people want to hear - that you'd look forward to death. And don't scold me all you who take things too seriously. I wasn't really getting on to him. It was more like affectionate teasing.
Have you ever been subject to a premature rumor of your demise? Or have you ever been reading the obits and suddenly you see someone you know, but wasn't aware they actually died?5 people like this
7 responses
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
27 Nov 12
Many, many years ago, just waking up and listening to the news on the clock radio and heard a report about a murder. Sounded like the announcer said the name of a friend. Had to listen to the next news cast to find out, indeed it was that friend. I don't think they ever found the murderer.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Actually, a lady passed away a couple years ago in the same city as I was living in and her name was the same as mine. You can't image what happened when I called one of my neighbors, as she dropped the phone and yelled to her husband thinking it was a prank. I ran down the street to assure them its me and her face was white as a sheet. She was sitting on the sidewalk by the time I arrived and really didn't look well. She stood up and hugged me so tight thought it was my time to go.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
24 Nov 12
That is almost kind of funny in a way. Not for the people who are worrying about him though.
I have never been in such a situation.. and I don't think I'd want to be.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
24 Nov 12
oh how scarey. yes the kids also grip at me for saying things like i'll be wanting them to celebrate, etc. after we get a certain age and feel we have suffered a lot, we often wonder why we are still here.
@MandaLee (3804)
• United States
24 Nov 12
Dear Ambie,
I had a similiar situation. I was told that a close friend had passed away. I was very upset about it. Thankfully, I came to find out later that it was only a rumor that her cousin made up to get back at his crazy ex girlfriend. Many people were extremely hurt by ONE foolish person starting a terrible rumor.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169585)
• United States
24 Nov 12
I have not really every been in either of those situations, but I did have a thought. You know, God knows that your dad needs some encouragement, and I believe God has a sense of humor so. . . He is allowing all this hubbub to happen to remind people to contact your dad and visit with him, because in his situation it could be a very stressful holiday. I hope your dad has some wonderful and heart felt visigts with people and had his spirit lifted by all the calls.
1 person likes this
