Funeral

​Someone asked me what I think is an interesting question the other day.  “What would you want people to say about you at your funeral?”  It is a good question I reckon.  I agree with Stephen Covey. “If you carefully consider what you want to be said of you in the funeral experience, you will find your definition of success.” (I love his stuff).
Having people turn up would be a good start I reckon.  Though in these Covid times, there is a limit on the numbers.  Actually I really do not think that would concern me.  Not being there and all.  Physically I would be there, but I reckon there is a good chance I would be off somewhere else.
I said recently to someone that “I want my funeral to be a celebration.”  I had to make clear that it was not a celebration that I was gone, but a celebration I had lived.
People are generally pretty good.  They bring out the best points at funerals.  Someone may have been mostly a mongrel but had good points.  That tends to be the thing highlighted.  I must admit I am agog when I hear of the demise of people on tv.  Always the people are said to be irreproachable saints.  I guess that is the way it should be.  It makes a pleasant change not to have the dirt front and centre.
I know I am not like that.  I am a saint not because I am just a perfect guy, but I am a saint because someone took the wrap for me.  I have my good points.  Hopefully that is what is talked about at my funeral.  It is false humility to denigrate strengths.  Everyone is good at something.  To say otherwise does not negate it.
Probably the thing I want to be remembered for is being genuine.  I have said it before, I am not into pretence and airs.  I do not want to try and make out I am someone I am not.  As has been said, “you can fool some of the people some of the time” but I really cannot fool myself.  Doesn’t stop me trying though.
I am good at some things and not good at many things.  I have heaps to learn.   Often, I am all ears.  Merril says “he who forgets nothing.”  The special place for all the things I cannot find will show that I do forget things.
But in one sense it is true.  They say “interest governs memory.”  I tend to agree with that.  It is one of the reasons someone can say something to me and often I bring it up later.  I remember because I am interested. 
To me people are not fill outs but fill ins.  By that I mean what I see is more than just filling out the picture before my eyes.  I have heaps to learn.  If someone can help me fill in some gaps great, and if I can do the same well and good.  People may know a limited amount - but collectively it is huge.  I take it in.  Sources matter less to me than the ring of truth.
I imagine people will say the usual things about me and I hope they can be said with conviction.  But if people can say I was genuine I will consider I have succeeded.  I know I am not perfect, just forgiven.  I am just giving it my best shot.  That is the best I can do.