The famous scene in HBO’s “Six Feet Under” shows the Fisher family scion, Nathaniel, being sideswiped by a bus while driving his new hearse. He never had a chance to write his own epitaph (“Father, Husband, Caregiver.”), but you do.
What would you want your epitaph to say? Amy Kane of Atlantic Ave, pointed out that 1st [or November 2nd depending on your source] was “Plan Your Own Epitaph Day.”
What is the history of “Plan Your Own Epitaph Day”? It appears that one Lance Hardie, who, in an amazing coincidence, wrote a book called “How To Write Your Own Epitaph–And Live Long Enough to Enjoy It,” was the creator/promoter of this day. You have to wonder what he would like for an epitaph (something like, “I was an epitaph marketer extraordinaire!“). [listen to his best interviews]
If you decide to write your own epitaph, it is best to have several people review it. Don’t make the mistake that A.B.’s brother did:
“To the Memory of Abraham Beaulieu
Born 15 September 1822
Accidentally shot 4th April 1844
As a mark of affection from his brother.”
–La Pointe, Wisconsin
Janice
-Wikipedia: Epitaph-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitaph
-The Genealogue: “I Told You I Was Sick”-
http://genealogue.blogspot.com/2005/12/i-told-you-i-was-sick.html
-The Genealogue: “Leave ’em Laughing-
http://genealogue.blogspot.com/2005/08/leave-em-laughing.html
-Kids Projects of Plan Your Epitaph Day-
http://www.edhelper.com/DailyThemes_November_2_1.html
-The Epitaph Browser-
http://www.alsirat.com/epitaphs/
-Funny Stones to Tickle Your Funny Bones-
http://www.webpanda.com/ponder/epitaphs.htm
-Favorite Epitaphs-
http://www.muras.net/rmepitap.html
-Spike Milligans Gets Last Laugh on Tombstone-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/3742443.stm
-Talphophilia-
http://www.taphophilia.com/
