Dead is Dead

Mum said, “I don’t like the idea of cremation. It seems so…final.”
Cremation is a big no-no in the Jewish religion. But Mum and I weren’t discussing religion. Dad had a heart attack the previous week and after having a stent put in, was doing much better. Finally, we were able to verbalize our fears, no longer avoiding the topic of death and dying.
When my maternal grandmother died, my mother and my Auntie Sonia discussed similar issues. Sonia just wanted to be left lying around in case she wasn’t really dead. My mother was a bit more practical. “I want to be buried with a phone and some sandwiches.”
Because of the brain bleeds I have thought about death in general, and my own demise in particular. Unlike Sonia and Mum, I have no qualms—dead is dead. Funerals and such are for the living, I don’t really care whether I’ll be buried or cremated. Though given a choice between the two, I’d opt for cremation. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, which is something I care about, but it is also much cheaper.
Also, when it comes to what do with the ashes, again, I don’t really care. I do, however, have one piece of advice for anyone who might want to spread my ashes—make sure to keep your mouth shut and eyes closed, in case the wind blows your way.