A Fly on the Wall
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "On Celebrating Life"A journal musings and assessments about situations
34 total reviews
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hi Rachelle. That is a wonderful story. Life should be celebrated. The person that lived it put a lot of effort into it. I'm sad to hear about your friend. When you are 45 or less you go to weddings and baby showers. When you are over 45 you go to funerals. Z
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Hi Rachelle. That is a wonderful story. Life should be celebrated. The person that lived it put a lot of effort into it. I'm sad to hear about your friend. When you are 45 or less you go to weddings and baby showers. When you are over 45 you go to funerals. Z
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Sad but true, Robert. Thank you for this lovely review. xo
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You're welcome.
Comment from JudyE
Coming home from just such a sad occasion, Vince and I picked out songs for our funeral service. Included were 'So long it's been good to know you' and 'He'll have to go' (as the casket slides in to be cremated). Seriously though, a celebration of life makes much more sense, especially for older people, and we're seeing that more and more here.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Coming home from just such a sad occasion, Vince and I picked out songs for our funeral service. Included were 'So long it's been good to know you' and 'He'll have to go' (as the casket slides in to be cremated). Seriously though, a celebration of life makes much more sense, especially for older people, and we're seeing that more and more here.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Here, too. I'm glad.
Comment from Irish Rain
A wonderful plan!
I don't want a lot of mourning and weeping either,
but just happy memories.
I love all the songs that were chosen here.
I am sorry for your loss,
God bless Gail on her continued journey.
Blessings...
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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A wonderful plan!
I don't want a lot of mourning and weeping either,
but just happy memories.
I love all the songs that were chosen here.
I am sorry for your loss,
God bless Gail on her continued journey.
Blessings...
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thank you for every word of this. You are awesome. xo
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Thank YOU!!
Comment from Diana L Crawford
OMG! I got goosebumps reading this, and I only get goosebumps over beautiful songs! What a wonderful friend you are to help lead such a loving tribute to your friend's
life! I love each and every song that was chosen for especially "Imagine" as I am a big Lennon fan from way back! Thank you for all of these awesome stories in this series of yours!
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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OMG! I got goosebumps reading this, and I only get goosebumps over beautiful songs! What a wonderful friend you are to help lead such a loving tribute to your friend's
life! I love each and every song that was chosen for especially "Imagine" as I am a big Lennon fan from way back! Thank you for all of these awesome stories in this series of yours!
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thank YOU...for appreciating them. I love this awesome review. Thank you. xo
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It is my pleasure to know you better! We could do with a lot more Rachelles in this world! :)
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Oh, you sweet-talkin' reviewer!! xo
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LoL!! I am like George Washington-I cannot tell a lie! xo
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xo
Comment from judiverse
I'm with you on this kind of memorial. Most of the memorial services have been the traditional, and they are very sad. I don't know about some of the songs your friend selected, but if that's what suited her, you can't argue with that. Like you, I've had my share of services to attend of late. It's a good thing when the deceased has made his or her wishes known. This celebration of life service sounds wonderful. judi
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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I'm with you on this kind of memorial. Most of the memorial services have been the traditional, and they are very sad. I don't know about some of the songs your friend selected, but if that's what suited her, you can't argue with that. Like you, I've had my share of services to attend of late. It's a good thing when the deceased has made his or her wishes known. This celebration of life service sounds wonderful. judi
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Yes, I love that my last memory of her is so joyous. I knew you'd totally get it, Judi. Thanks for the terrific review. xo
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You're welcome. That's so much better than dwelling on sad. judi
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Absolutely.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Me too! I want my boys to remember all the fun things we did, all the times we were doubled over laughing. And I want my friends and the rest of my family to remember me that way too. It's so much nicer to be thought of with a smile. I'm really with you on this, Rachelle. I'm sorry you lost such a great friend but so pleased you have some wonderful memories of her. I enjoyed reading this fly on the wall. :)) xxx Sandra
I'm off to bed now, night night, my friend. xxxx
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Me too! I want my boys to remember all the fun things we did, all the times we were doubled over laughing. And I want my friends and the rest of my family to remember me that way too. It's so much nicer to be thought of with a smile. I'm really with you on this, Rachelle. I'm sorry you lost such a great friend but so pleased you have some wonderful memories of her. I enjoyed reading this fly on the wall. :)) xxx Sandra
I'm off to bed now, night night, my friend. xxxx
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thank you, Sandra. You sure go to be early! (hahaha. Here across the pond, it's only 6 pm.) Sleep tight. We'll talk tomorrow. xo
Comment from robyn corum
Rachelle,
Wow. I'm flabbergasted that all those folks could sing all those songs!!! haha I think that Gail's attitude is exactly the right one - and probably soooo much more inspiring and helpful to the family left behind, as well. Kudos to you for making your wishes known now. I like it!
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Rachelle,
Wow. I'm flabbergasted that all those folks could sing all those songs!!! haha I think that Gail's attitude is exactly the right one - and probably soooo much more inspiring and helpful to the family left behind, as well. Kudos to you for making your wishes known now. I like it!
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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It was a fantastic day. I will cherish it always.
Thanks for the validating review. xo
Comment from Alex Rosel
What a lovely piece. You've approached this topic in a natural, non-nonsense manner, avoiding the obvious pitfall of sentimentality :)
In our locality, there's an abbey that hold a Christmas celebrations event for the memory of deceased people. Anyone can put in requests for a passage or a poem to be read, or for specific music pieces to be played. The premise is that all the requests would have meant something special to a departed relative or friend of the person placing the request. While the evening is respectful, it is a joyous occasion. People are attend to share fond memories, and smiles abound.
Thank you for posting your piece :)
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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What a lovely piece. You've approached this topic in a natural, non-nonsense manner, avoiding the obvious pitfall of sentimentality :)
In our locality, there's an abbey that hold a Christmas celebrations event for the memory of deceased people. Anyone can put in requests for a passage or a poem to be read, or for specific music pieces to be played. The premise is that all the requests would have meant something special to a departed relative or friend of the person placing the request. While the evening is respectful, it is a joyous occasion. People are attend to share fond memories, and smiles abound.
Thank you for posting your piece :)
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Music is such a salving and connecting commodity, isn't it. I'm so glad you told me about this beautiful service in your area. What a tremendous idea. (Where do you live?)
Thanks for the terrific review. xo
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South Wales, United Kingdom.
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Ah!
Comment from Thomas Bowling
This is an excellent tribute to a friend. I know what you mean about friends dying. I came from a large family. Now, I'm the only one left. I buried my last brother six months ago.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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This is an excellent tribute to a friend. I know what you mean about friends dying. I came from a large family. Now, I'm the only one left. I buried my last brother six months ago.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Oy. I'm so sorry to read that, Thomas. It is the same for me, but my sibs were much older (12, 14 and 17 years), so it's much more expected.
Thank you for the lovely review. I do appreciate it. xo
Comment from Brenda Henderson
Again a beautiful story and sentiment. I two have been in a situation where I have experienced a lot of death since May to include my Father. It is so much more joyous to celebrate the life than to morn the death and bemoan the loss. I'm with you. I hope to leave a similar parting gift as your friend Gail. I had planned my services some time ago but I think it's time to revisit those plans and make some new ones. Again outstanding!
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Again a beautiful story and sentiment. I two have been in a situation where I have experienced a lot of death since May to include my Father. It is so much more joyous to celebrate the life than to morn the death and bemoan the loss. I'm with you. I hope to leave a similar parting gift as your friend Gail. I had planned my services some time ago but I think it's time to revisit those plans and make some new ones. Again outstanding!
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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My friend on here, LisaMay, and I agreed that, like a will, one's playlist of songs for a celebration of life should be updated every five years or so. But I'm so glad you agree that a joyous send-off is SO much healthier for everyone than a somber one. Always choose joy!
Thank you for this beautiful review, Brenda. xo
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You're Welcome!