Have you ever thought about if you would be missed after you were gone? I’ve been to several funerals lately and it got me to thinking about my own funeral and what the world would be like without Karen Gail Cox Bruce. Lonnie Holland, my mother-in-law, had been thinking about her funeral for years, editing it as the years went by, which was a long time because she was almost 96. She’d outlived a lot of people she had tasks for in said funeral.
I always told my husband to put me in a cheap pine box or have me cremated. I don’t care one way or the other. When Jesus comes back, He’ll find me. My only request is that I want a CLOSED CASKET! No exceptions!
I’d like someone to sing I’ll Fly Away. I love that song, and it sounds so happy.
“I’ll fly away, oh, Glory
I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away”
I would like to create a proper goodbye in case I die today, tomorrow or twenty years from now, just so you’ll know exactly how I feel. We’re never promised tomorrow. When it’s my time to go, there’s nothing that’s going to stop it. An accident would be fine (as long as I don’t suffer too much) because the accidental insurance payout would be amazing for my husband and children, especially if I’m in a plane crash. I think I’d be happy just to have the money that big insurance company in Omaha has spent on junk mail trying to get me to buy more insurance. The long-term policy Kenny and I bought 30 something years ago seemed like a lot of money at the time, but now, not so much. Money will not make you happy but it’s better than being broke.
I’ve met so many people throughout my lifetime. Thanks to FB/Instagram I get to see my old classmates and keep up with everyone I’ve met through the many jobs that I’ve had over the years. From Tennessee, to North Carolina, to Virginia, it’s been fun gathering more friends along the way.
So, if you’re reading this, and I’ve met you in my almost 60-year journey, I want to say…it’s been nice knowing you. I hope I was nice but if I said something or did something to offend you, I’m sorry.
I won’t be worrying about any regrets once I’m in heaven. I don’t think, in my opinion, that God allows us to worry about things on earth because good grief, that’s all we’d do.
Please watch out for my husband. He can make his own coffee but he’d rather I do it. He would be missing me and probably waste away or die from eating too many bad foods.
My children and grandchildren will miss me too. Nobody loves you like your mama. My mama would also miss me. She’s probably mad that I’m writing this.
My last request is that you love each other. Be tolerant and patient with your friends and your family. I know it’s easier said than done but try anyway. Help someone because that’s what’s going to make you happy and fulfilled.
Know that I love each and every one of you, but I won’t miss you because I’ll be in Heaven, doing whatever God has planned for me.
Karen G. Bruce 