My Obituary

Most of us I suppose have heard about the proverbial Senior Citizen who checks the obituary every morning to see if he is listed. If not, he can begin his day. We smile, don’t we?

Recently, a senior dreamed a similar dream two nights in a row. He had seen his obituary written by members and friends of his family. To protect his innocence, we’ll give him a fictional name. Here is his obituary.

Mr. F. Franky Horizon, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2007. He was born to immigrant parents on November 12, 1917. After spending three years in the military in WWII he was discharged with high honors. He enrolled in a prestigious college which led to graduate school where he was granted a Ph.D excelling in making life more rewarding for countless people in this country and abroad. He received numerous rewards during his colorful career which were displayed throughout his home and many offices, here and abroad.

While pursuing his education, he met an attractive, intellectual young lady who was a librarian at NWSU where he studied. She was instrumental in guiding him in his research and was rewarded with her MRS degree. Together they made a wonderful team until her declining health resulted in a premature, anguishing death.

Four wonderful, talented children, Anne, Bettye, Carl and Damian were born to them and they were blessed with eleven grandchildren, all of whom survive him. He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Highly esteemed as son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and colleague, he will be missed not only by family but by countless individuals and corporations who were privileged to cross his path.

Services will be private with interment at RestHaven Cemetery. Memories may be shared with family and friends at the On-line Guestbook. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or NWS University.

Mr. Horizon also dreamed about an encounter with his tombstone. It was surprisingly large, beautifully engraved, very impressive which embarrassed him considerably. Even more troublesome was the overly flattering message conveyed:

F. Franky Horizon, PhD
November 12, 1917 May 28, 2007
Beloved Father Magnificent CEO Citizen of the Century

Frank Horizon awakened, stunned by his memorable dream. Not having given much thought to his ultimate demise, he hadn’t thought much about his funeral, much less his burial and tombstone, if any. His senior moment played reveille with his mind and he began to plan his own funeral. He started by writing his own obituary, toning it down from the dream considerably. He then added these plans to his Living Trust including the wording for his tombstone:

F. Frank Horizon
1917 - 2007
In God We Trust

As far as we know, Mr. Horizon is alive and well. And better prepared.