The funeral service for my brother last January was in the Southern tradition: service in the church a few days after his death, followed by another in the cemetery before burial. The one I attended recently for a church member here was technically not a funeral. In the Pacific Northwest manner, it was a memorial service weeks after his death. People were asked to share their experiences about the one whose passing we remembered. Both services were emotionally satisfying.

End of life occasions remind us of our responsibility for a time on earth that is, in the scope of things, terribly short and precious. We recognize an end point, a conclusion toward which to work.

By chance, my husband and I meet regularly with a group of friends, and the next meeting was scheduled the afternoon after the memorial service. Our topic: we each brought ideas for our own obituary and end of life wishes.

I would like my service to be a celebration, mostly singing, with a few poems and Bible passages. “How Firm a Foundation” and Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord?” and Liam Lawton’s “The Clouds’ Veil.” Maybe even all the verses of “O Holy Night,” my favorite Christmas carol.

A couple of readings: “Go Down Death” by James Weldon Johnson and “Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne. Favorite Bible passages as from Psalm 30: “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Somebody to play Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”

All the verses of the songs, with shouts and gladness. Raise the roof for my home going. It’s a celebration!