Last week I was in the car with my parents and my children and my daughter asked, “Mom, what’s your favorite song? I want to play it at your funeral.” I laughed and said “hold on” while I cued up ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder. I told her to be sure to dance when it plays but don’t drop my ashes.
These kinds of conversations are normal in our house. Nothing is off limits when it comes to their questions - though I do have limits to how late they can ask me things because by 8pm I am DONE and they should be in bed by now, thank you.
Sometimes I wonder if letting them ask all the things is the right choice- but most days I land on “if they’re going to wonder, I’d like them to hear it from me.” The questions reveal what they’re processing about the world and although I hope she doesn’t need to plan my funeral anytime soon, I’m glad she knows my favorite song.
Now I wonder, what is your favorite song and would it make people dance at your funeral?