Top 5 reasons to write your own obituary
By M. Kotch
An obituary is defined as “a published notice of death, sometimes with a brief biography of the deceased.” The word often conjures up a long, front-page article of a famous person that is researched and written by a journalist. However, unless you are a newsworthy figure, the story of your life may be whittled down to a time and cause of death. But there is an alternative: writing your own obituary.
1. You get the last word—literally.
After all, few can express your feelings as well as you can. By carefully choosing your tone and words, an obituary can capture your humor, attitudes and strengths in a way that best reflects who you are in life. Are you a goofball? Include a funny story. Are you more reserved? This may be a good place to open up.
2. Be remembered for the things that really matter to you.
Most may identify you as a loving wife and stay-at-home mother, while you wish your love of painting and art to receive attention. On the other hand, you may enjoy a successful professional career, but feel that your greatest achievement is that of being the world’s proudest aunt or uncle. Decide what you’re most pleased with and share it with the world.
3. Make it a little easier on your loved ones during their time of grief.
Losing someone is one of the hardest things any of us will go through. But by taking the time to write your own obituary, you will relieve your loved ones of a difficult task they would need to tackle during an already challenging and emotional time. Though few consider the logistics of running an obituary in a publication, having one ready (perhaps included with your last will) can be a godsend when those grieving need it the most.
4. Reflect on what’s happened, and what can happen still.
Writing your own obituary may not be easy, but it can provide an opportunity for honest reflection on your life. Examine the choices you’ve made, and explore parts of your life you may still be able to change—it’s never too late to tell people you love them or that you’re sorry for something. On a more positive note, while writing, you may finally get around to that trip you never went on, or calling up that long lost friend.
5. It’s a way to say goodbye if something were to happen to you suddenly.
Few can predict when and how these things happen, and even though we all wish for a long, healthy life and easy death, circumstances don’t always turn out that way, so don’t leave things unsaid. While an obituary is no place to air your family’s dirty laundry or express anger, it is a place to let the ones you love most know it. Although most obituaries only mention immediate family, you may wish yours to mention a dear friend, or even your longtime pet! Remember these are your words, written by you and about you.
