Friday, December 7, 2012

Addiction

Is the Brighter Side of the Grave an addiction?
I hope so.
And I'm not just talking about this blog.

I not one to do much with the various blog awards. I don't really put much weight in most of them.
I do appreciate that someone thinks enough of my little blog to pass it on to others and especially that they follow, read and even comment back.
A while ago this one was passed along by a faithful follower, Anne from MorningAJ, and I thought it deserved some attention.

I am flattered that anyone would consider this blog addictive. But when I think of the blogs that I follow, I would have to consider them all addictive. Like everyone, my time is very valuable to me. But I always have to find the time to find out what's going on in blogland. Even if  it means that I don't have time to share myself.

I'm expected to share with you, Why I started blogging and how it has grown to be what it is today.
To do that, I must go way back in my past life, as I call it. Over the years, in my old career, I had moved many, many times. Along the way I had made many friends of co-workers and neighbors. We always say that we are going to keep in touch with people. But time and space have a way of pulling people apart. I originally started blogging on Myspace so that old friends could keep up with where I was or what I was doing in my active life.

As my career in the funeral business grew, more and more, I was asked about my experiences as a professional hearse driver. Commenters consistently inquired about crazy or interesting stories. I found that in social settings our business was often the topic of discussion. Frequently, my husband and I were told that we should write a book.

I have a fascination with life. I may work in the death business. But I help people to get back to living their own life after the loss of someone that they loved. There are so many wonderful stories out there of a life well lived. There are so many humorous things that happen in the course of life and those are the stories that are shared on a daily basis in my business. It's not about death at all. It's about life; wonderful life. It pains me to watch someone wasting their life not feeling fulfilled. My goal in life is to help the people that I meet along the way to find their purpose. To live and love while they are still on the brighter side of the grave. And so, The Brighter Side of the Grave was born.

Here, I like to tell some of the stories that I hear. To pass along what I observe others remembering about their loved ones; the things they thought were important enough to mention at their funeral. I'm learning to live a full and happy life by listening to those memorable moments in other peoples lives. And I blog to pass those wonderful things along to you. Of course I include the crazy stories of my own life as I go. I love to share with you my adventures. Be them at home in the yard or traveling the globe. I hope in some small way that I inspire others to live life without fear or regrets. To keep in mind as you go through your days, that these are the things people will say about you when you are gone. Only you can write the script for your funeral. Only you can decide what people will remember about you. Through our daily lives, we each have a chance to live on forever in the memories of those that knew us.

That is what the Brighter Side is all about. That is why I blog.


So very much can happen in a lifetime, or even in a single day. Yet, I can assure you that whatever has or will happen in yours, no matter what chasms you cross, heights you scale, or how many people you love or are loved by, when all is said and done and you take that final look over your shoulder, what will humble you the most, is that you got to be you. That's pretty incredible!

5 comments:

Jim said...

Congrats on the award Stew! Well deserved! I really appreciate your positive outlook on life and your choice to take 'the high road' on your journey. Your sincerity is refreshing.

Ms Sparrow said...

Keep up the good work!

MorningAJ said...

There are very few blogs that I really have to read whenever they are updated but I never miss one of your posts
I'm so glad to have found you through it. Long may you continue.

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

*ditto*ditto* to all that has already been said.
(i agree with you in that i don't go for the 'award' thing...i mean, anyone who takes the time to share their life...through writing, pictures, art...deserves an award. it's humbling to know that people want to hear what you have to say...to see life through your eyes...it feels good.)
ANYWAY, you deserve it! i love coming here...and will always be grateful to meg/desert nutmeg/calling ravens for pointing me in your direction!! i must be addicted...i keep coming back, and want more! =)

Unknown said...

Thank you. It is humbling to know that people want to read what I have to write.
I miss that desert nut-meg. Has anyone heard from her?