Just this morning,  I woke up thinking about death.  What if I die tomorrow?  How would I want my dead body treated?  Where will I be laid to rest?   As these questions came  into my mind,  I thought of the possibilities.   Death is something that is definitely coming to me.  I just don’t know when.

It is therefore a good thing to think about what you wanted to happen when this inevitable thing happens to you…and discuss this with your family and friends, so that at least, they would know your preferences. I then looked into these things deeper and came up with these personal preferences.

Upon my death,  I would want my body embalmed good for a week’s preservation.   Unlike the usual practice of  Filipinos to hold vigils for two to three weeks,  I would prefer that my wake would last for three days only.   This will give time for my closest relatives and friends to pay their last respects to me, and take a last look on me within those days.  A longer vigil period would mean more expense for my family,  more sleepless nights,   and more stressful days as well.  Three days will definitely be long enough and more appropriate.

My casket.  I would want my casket to be as simple and economical as possible.  A wooden casket (simplest kind) may do.  But I would want it painted white,  as I want to be remembered as someone with a pure heart.  It would not be practical to use a metal casket for my body as it not only costs a lot,  but it is more practical, since, anyway, it will just be buried and put into my grave to rot.  The price difference if a metal casket will be used,  would be good enough for my family to be saved up or to be used to pay for other incidental expenses.

I go no-no for cremation,  cause I want my family, relatives and friends to remember me with the same image I projected when I was still alive.  Usually,  what comes into their minds will be how you would look inside the coffin.   I wanna look good for them then,  and I wouldn’t do if they see me as ashes.   I then would want to be buried the traditional way.

My ideal burial would be at the memorial park where I am working right now,  with interment rites as simple as possible.   I want my family to go home with a smile after I am laid to rest.   I wanted them to be assured that I am happy and at peace at my resting place and  whenever they want to spend time with me,  they could visit me there.

These are my simple preferences.  I will never know if I will be granted these requests.   It will simply depend on my family whom I will leave behind.  Wishes,  even death wishes, do come true.  Don’t they?