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| Soulpearl |
Last night I watched “What's Inside Frank Sinatra's Coffin?” and it got me thinking. In Sinatra's will he requested that five people each place a particular everyday object in his coffin. The significance of the items was not explained in the will, but through investigation it was revealed what each one may have meant to old blue eyes. Of course the stories were great – a showbiz big break, a lost love, the safe return of his son from kidnappers, his mob connections and a lifelong love of JD. All events worthy of remembrance, by him at least. But it made me think. What five things do I want inside my coffin? (Bet you didn't see that coming).
So, I set about the task of identifying five items that most accurately represent pivotal moments or long standing practices or beliefs of my life. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Now, okay, old Frankie may have had a longer and more successful life than I (no really), but I at least expected to be able to think of five things, even if they didn't carry the weight of Sinatra's mighty nick-knacks. But no, so far I have only been able to think of two objects with which to share my eternal-resting place - and I'm not sure that I'm happy with either of them.
It is sad to say, but it seems that very few significant events have taken place in my life. And moreover, I don't appear to have any strong beliefs or any kind of value system either - not one worthy of celebration anyhow. Could it be possible that I have lived too comfortable a life? Is there nothing that I have done? No situation endured and then triumphed over? No achievement won over adversity? No people in my life worthy of remembrance? This is a depressing thought.
Maybe I have been too flippant and underestimated my own remarkable story? Or I could be reaching too high, looking for stellar achievements in an otherwise ordinary life? Maybe I'm just not old enough to look back and judge what was important? Whatever the problem, as it stands, if I die tomorrow I'll be spending eternity with a cassette tape of the Jungle Book soundtrack and a lump of quartz.
Not much of an epitaph eh?
Edited Tue 31 Aug 04, 4:32 PM by Soulpearl
