I woke up this morning to find my name in the local obituaries. Obviously, I knew if I was breathing as I read the obituary it simply couldn’t be about me! Just to be sure I read a little closer; our middle initials were different and this woman had 57 years on me.*PHEW* But still, seeing my name in print along with funeral arrangements made me think about my own mortality. I thought about what I’d want my own obituary to say.
I have plans to volunteer my time, travel the world, appreciate the arts, and challenge myself mentally and physically. Yet, I fear I’ll never be as great as I’d like to be, and my obituary will read “her intentions were always greater than her actions”.
Perhaps if I write my own obituary now, I’ll have no choice but to live up to my own expectations. (Much the same as using this blog to announce I’d run a 10 mile race. Once it was public I had to follow through. And I did!)
I’d like the final thoughts of my life to read something like this:
Elizabeth Richardson, 87, passed away Sunday in her home.
Elizabeth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Temple University and a Master’s Degree in Communication Arts from Marywood University. She had a short stint as a game show host before going on to work as the Director of Media Relations for the Make A Wish Foundation. Her innovative ideas and sheer genius helped the organization grow by leaps and bounds. Her work not only helped terminally ill children live out their dreams, but also reminded people of the humbling importance of charity. Her work made the world a better place. Upon retirement, Elizabeth spent much of her time at her shore home.
She vacationed on tropical islands and visited 6 continents. Elizabeth ran with the bulls in Spain, parasailed in Fiji, rode a camel in Egypt, ziplined in Costa Rica and hiked through Italy and France. She attended the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and several Olympic Games. Stateside, she ran half marathons, attended concerts at historic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Beacon Theater. She’s attended a baseball game at every MLB stadium and was a season ticket holder for her beloved Phillies. She was present at 3 of their World Series appearances.
Elizabeth enjoyed going to Broadway shows, both musical and straight plays. Each year she attended at least one performance of the New York City Ballet. She was a major contributor to the arts in her hometown, making it possible for young children to be exposed to the benefits of the performing arts.
Elizabeth outlived most of her family and friends as well as her trusty golden retriever Briscoe, but often spoke of being reunited with them.
Of course this is just a rough draft and I left out the part about my (abnormally handsome) rich husband and our brilliant twins (a boy who grows up to be a professional hockey player and a girl who cures breast cancer). Those are minor details that I just can’t be absolutely sure of at this time.
I have plans to volunteer my time, travel the world, appreciate the arts, and challenge myself mentally and physically. Yet, I fear I’ll never be as great as I’d like to be, and my obituary will read “her intentions were always greater than her actions”.
Perhaps if I write my own obituary now, I’ll have no choice but to live up to my own expectations. (Much the same as using this blog to announce I’d run a 10 mile race. Once it was public I had to follow through. And I did!)
I’d like the final thoughts of my life to read something like this:
Elizabeth Richardson, 87, passed away Sunday in her home.
Elizabeth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Temple University and a Master’s Degree in Communication Arts from Marywood University. She had a short stint as a game show host before going on to work as the Director of Media Relations for the Make A Wish Foundation. Her innovative ideas and sheer genius helped the organization grow by leaps and bounds. Her work not only helped terminally ill children live out their dreams, but also reminded people of the humbling importance of charity. Her work made the world a better place. Upon retirement, Elizabeth spent much of her time at her shore home.
She vacationed on tropical islands and visited 6 continents. Elizabeth ran with the bulls in Spain, parasailed in Fiji, rode a camel in Egypt, ziplined in Costa Rica and hiked through Italy and France. She attended the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and several Olympic Games. Stateside, she ran half marathons, attended concerts at historic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Beacon Theater. She’s attended a baseball game at every MLB stadium and was a season ticket holder for her beloved Phillies. She was present at 3 of their World Series appearances.
Elizabeth enjoyed going to Broadway shows, both musical and straight plays. Each year she attended at least one performance of the New York City Ballet. She was a major contributor to the arts in her hometown, making it possible for young children to be exposed to the benefits of the performing arts.
Elizabeth outlived most of her family and friends as well as her trusty golden retriever Briscoe, but often spoke of being reunited with them.
Of course this is just a rough draft and I left out the part about my (abnormally handsome) rich husband and our brilliant twins (a boy who grows up to be a professional hockey player and a girl who cures breast cancer). Those are minor details that I just can’t be absolutely sure of at this time.
But the point is I want to live….really live, and more much more than this I’ll do it my way; just like Frank!
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