Morbidity or Curiosity?

I’m going to confess something.

I’m obsessive about reading the obituaries in the newspaper, and I have been since I was a kid. I used to be obsessed with reading the wedding announcements as well, but for some reason, that became boring.

I don’t know why I feel this compulsion; it’s more out of interest than anything. It’s always the first thing I read in the paper. I always take a deep breath of relief when there are no “listings for that day”.

But you can learn so much history from reading someone’s obituary. I also think there is a need in me to say good bye to people, even if I don’t know them. I didn’t know them, but I can honor them by reading about their life.

The ones I hate the worst are the kids. I hate reading obituaries about kids, but I still read them, then I feel grateful that is not my kid in the newspaper.

A few years back, one of my neighbors lost her little five year old girl to complications from a tonsillectomy. It broke my heart. I didn’t know what to say to the mom and dad, I didn’t know them that well, but I sent them a check for $200.00 toward the charity they were donating to in their little girl’s name.

Another one I read last year, was about this amazing artist in Bozeman. She had led a life that would rival Annie Oakley. To me, it is just too sad to let people go, with out at least a small farewell, see you next time around. To ignore them just seems wrong.

The only reason I’m writing about this today, is that a friend of mine told me that she was shocked that I read the obits on a daily basis. She said she only reads them when it is someone she knows. I guess to each his own.

All I can say, is: So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night, I hate to go and leave this pretty sight….

Peace,

OC