When I die, I want to be cremated. Rather than a memorial service in a stuffy church or too-sterile cemetery, I want everyone to find the little creek in Tillamook, OR where I used to play as a girl, just a few miles outside of town down Highway 101. There, they’d all have a picnic in the high grass that always smelled of horses and cinnamon. I want each of my loved ones to tell a story about me—not choosing the “best” ones or the ones that would be most sympathetic, just an honest experience they had with me that they’ll always remember. Then, I’d want someone with a good reading voice (and one of my best friends) to read The Little Prince aloud, in its entirety. After that, everyone could have a glass of wine and lay on their backs and watch the stars come out—because from that spot you can see the Milky Way and all the constellations you can name (mostly). While this is happening, they will all listen to music I’ve picked out. Someone will have to bring some kind of speakers and a copy of the following songs: “Bridges and Balloons” by Joanna Newsom, “Apples” by My Brightest Diamond, “Baobabs” by Regina Spektor, “A Comet Appears” by The Shins, “Passenger Seat” by Death Cab for Cutie. When it was all over, or it got too chilly to stay out, everyone would get a small bit of my ashes in a jar for them to take home. I’d want them to put them somewhere—spread them, bury them, anything they choose. All I ask is that it be a place they’d be able to visit alone, where they could remember me and smile, even if only for a moment.
"Funeral" Music:
Joanna Newsom--Bridges and Balloons
My Brightest Diamond--Apples
Regina Spektor--Baobabs
The Shins--A Comet Appears
Death Cab for Cutie--Passenger Seat
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