I heard a Moth podcast story about a man going home to care for his mother who was dying of cancer and they came up with the idea of a huge fancy party before she died to say goodbye to everyone. Clearly this was a positive thing for them, but it didn’t sound like anything I would want…sorry you’re feeling physically very poorly, here’s a big crowd of dressed up people to make small talk with in a noisy environment!
Would you like that sort of party?
Actually I can’t even imagine a non-dying scenario in which I would like a big party, even “We’ve All Decided You’re the Most Beloved Person on Earth, Here is a Prize For That!” I don’t mind being the center of attention but I hate noise and crowds and wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes.
If I knew I was dying I would love to get together with friends and family, but one-on-one or in very small groups.
I would want a party as long as everyone can agree to be upbeat and celebratory. Folks can cry and display grief at the funeral, but I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to have to comfort anyone, and I don’t want to feel guilty for trying to enjoy my last moments on Earth.
I’ll try to provide a variety of illicit substances to help everyone get in the mood.
The pre-wake. Sign me up. I’d likely go for something themed by an activity so it’s not just all “look at the dying person and think about missing them.” It’s not like I’d actually need to worry about being dressed wrong or putting up with silly BS.
“Are you going to wear THAT?!?”
“Nope I plan to strip down to the Speedo underneath and put on clown shoes.”
I’d love it. I always said I wanted champagne and chocolate covered strawberries at my funeral reception, I guess they’d be even better if I could have some!
Sounds good. Make it a lifetime achievement award celebration /slash/ roast. At the end of it I still have to get carried out by pallbearers, only due to being too sloshed to stand.
Would have it at a fancy Gentlemen’s Club except a bunch of people in my life are in politics and it would be hard to get them there (or maybe get them out)…
I would rather go quiet and kind of pick and choose my moments as the time drew closer. Of course my Dad did it that way (none of us knew he was dieing) so its not original thinking in any way but I always thought it showed a certain class and a type of faith in us.
My funeral is where I want the fun and party; hopefully with a lot of jokes at my expense. But I’m a little odder than most folks.
Yeah, I would. I will provide the booze and weed and blow. Hookers, if you want them, are your own lookout. Couple of folks might want to consider that I will pull you into that muddy hole in the ground with me, if I can.
When my time is near, I want the doctors to give me a lifetime supply of industrial strength pain-killers, and then for someone to take me way out deep into a forested wilderness (preferably redwoods) and then just drop me off in a hollow tree and leave me there with some bottled water and the pain pills.
I know, I’d certainly question the motives of such a party. Maybe they are partying because I’m dying!
Given a choice in the matter I’d much rather opt for private personal individual interactions with loved ones rather than having everyone there at once.
Sure, if I’m up for it physically.
I have never in my life equated going to a party with wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes. Wear your most comfy duds to my party.