Jon and I don't always agree on everything. One topic we have differing opinions on is discussing death. I always want to plan and prepare for the worst. I think it's hard enough on the family once you die, I'd like to make it easier by having everything already discussed. This may be depressing and demented. But I feel that thinking about what might happen helps to appreciate life today and not take it for granted. And to make the most out of my life. It reminds me to never let an argument between us go on from one day to the next. And to always tell Jon that I love and appreciate him.
I enjoy reading obituaries. Not in a sick and twisted I'm-glad-to-read-they're-dead kind of way. But in a fascinated with their life way. I love reading about a person's life described by the ones that love them most. I'm intrigued by their word and detail choice. I like to imagine the type of person they were, how much their family adored them, and the choices they made in life.
In college I took a course one semester on hermeneutics. It dealt with the "understanding and interpreting of linguistic and non-linguistic expressions." In other words why it might be important or significant that certain words and details are included in written articles. I try to use some of what I learned in class when I read obituaries.
For the past few years I've been working on gathering information on my family tree. A distant cousin has done a lot of research and sends me info that she thinks will help me. Last week in the mail I received a HUGE binder stuff full of information. In it she had an obituary from my Grandma who died 10 months before I was born. It was really fascinating reading about her life and it made me think a lot. Today would have been my Grandpa's 78th birthday. He died when I was 11 but I got to see him every day for those 11 years. I have a copy of both their obituaries and were comparing them. It's a great feeling to know I come from people with such big hearts and caring personalities.
She died in a sudden accident and no one talks about her so I know next to nothing about who she was. I love that her obituary gives me a little glimpse into how amazing she was. In thinking of what may one day be written on my own obituary there is two sentences from her's that I hope is reflected in my life:
"{She} was very sensitive to the needs of her family and others. She always had a kind word for everybody no matter who it was."
oh wow this sounds very honorable what you are doing for your family tree!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of hermeneutics before, how interesting. I too enjoy reading the obituaries. Its surprising to read about the accomplishments of others durng thier lifetime, and you know they probably received very little recognition for all that they did while living.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you recieved (your g-ma's history). Sad it was kept tucked away so long, but better late than never.
I like to be prepared for the worst as well! I also like obituaries, especially because I feel like the older generation that is passing on has such valuable things to teach us!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best gifts I ever received was a family history from my sister. She took four years to research it, and even traveled to a lot of the places taking pictures of houses,graves, death certificates, ans so on. To this day we keep adding to it. Great post! Looking forward to following it.
ReplyDelete“{She} was very sensitive to the needs of her family and others. She always had a kind word for everybody no matter who it was.” - That's something we should all strive for! :)
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