“The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” – Thornton Wilder
We can’t predict our death. But to the very least, we can plan for it. It may happen in accordance with our wish. Or it may not.
To save myself from embarrassment, can I request my embalmer to be a gentleman. Least I am put in awkward scene with a lady embalmer on my highly possible Angel Lust. Suit me up with Sapphire Phoenix, my favorite waistcoat suit. If it is possible, assign a beautiful and intelligent lady mortician, who is undergoing some tough life challenges to do my final makeup. I may offer her some assistance in silent. By grace and mercy, I will still maintain my good looking.
Put me into a simple casket. Minimal decoration. I’m a Christian, and I appreciate a coffin with no religious sign. Having a Calvary Cross on my coffin doesn’t guarantee my place in Heaven. Thus, casket design doesn’t matter.
Yiruma’s music collection to be played, especially the title of: River Flows In You, Kiss the Rain, Reminiscent, If I Could See You Again and Hope. Along with it Marvel relaxing piano jazz music – The Avengers, I Am Iron Man and Can You Dig It. The piano version of The Portals will be the casket processional music.
Decorate the memorial parlor with ivory and lavender purple. Those were the colors of my wedding ceremony then, on 11 June 2011. Have a central wreath. Lilies, roses and lavender. The design to be Iron Man’s first arc reactor, with the words: Proof That Alan Oh Has a Heart.
May I humbly request, no religious ornaments, no sermons. My guests will be from various faith. I would like them to be comfortable and at ease.
Have a small playground for the kids. Let them play and have fun. Ideally, have a PlayStation too. My favorite Street Fighter series are most welcome.
To my guests, come in spirit of celebration and joy. Wear your most honorable costumes, be it professional or traditional. The costume that you are most proud of. Put on with utmost pride. You never know who you are going to meet at my funeral. He/She may change your life for better.
Please, bring along the photos and videos on the moments we had together. Especially if you had our silly, crazy photos and videos. Let’s play it on a 60” TV. We share our memory lane together with other guests.
Serve my guests with Chinese Art tea. Have baristas to make premium coffee for them. Typical Americano, Latte and Cappucino are must-have. Plain water to be available in iced or warm. Have Merlot for my guests. But limit only to 2 glasses per guest. Drive safe, my friends.
For those who would like to give an eulogy, you will be given 5-7 minutes, the standard Toastmasters practice. Your speech will be recorded. Let’s turn it into a speech marathon. Who knows, I may give you an evaluation. Either deliver straight into your dream or when we meet again.
Condolence money are most welcome. All of it will be donated to orphanage and shelter homes, as money is needed for the living, not for the dead. Children is our hope. It is my sincere hope that little monies may lighten up their days, even momentarily. I had prepared the fund for this funeral of mine.
I hope that my body will be cremated. Scatter my ash in open water sea. I love the sea. For its nature of nurturing and raging mystery. Because I love to swim. As I swim to my life, so do I swim to eternity.
PS: I'm not in depression or suicidal. It is an exercise of Begin with the End in Mind.
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