My family chuckled during our little family Ash Wednesday gathering.
I told them Ash Wednesday reminds us that we sin and we're going to die. Or as I posted for a colleague who asked us to describe our job poorly, I said: I apply sacred soot and whisper existential truths.
They giggled because it didn't fit the mood we had been having. It had been a joyful day; we celebrated my son's finishing Basic Training and the first time we had been together in months. But those ashes were calling.
So, how's this for existential truths?
I've already planned my funeral. It happened several years ago, one morning as I drove to church.
But one thing I haven't decided on for sure is whether to have someone sing Over the Rainbow either at the graveside or at the party that'll be planned for afterwards.
Do you hear that song as sad or hopeful?
I tend to hear the hopefulness in it. That's why it's a favorite song of mine. Well, certainly Eva Cassidy's cover of it.
This isn't dreadful to ask during Lent: Would you think of me if this song were played at my funeral?
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