I believe in my own mortality, so death does not scare me.

[Momz]

Being an aging baby boomer, seen my share of death in my own family and the passing of friends and aquaintences.

If my wife were to pass on before me,....well I'd lose my mind and/or my will to go on.
I've come close to the reaper a time or two, but God didn't need me yet.

As I get older I attend a lot more funerals than weddings and baptisms. However life does go on and we do need to make plans for our demise (not trying to be morbid).

I think when it is my time to be put in a box and buried that instead of a suit, put on my favorite black tee shirt, a pair of my favorite sunglasses, and wrenches in my hands. have a case of "Good Harbor" cherry wine and a few bottles of Red Stag to pass around. I like Amazing Grace to by played along with two Lenard Cohen tunes (Bird on a Wire and Haleluya).

I like to be remembered as that opinoniated, polticaly incorrect old biker that couldn't stand to be told what to do.  My passing should be not a time of mourning, rather a celebration of one twisted, but fun life.

OK,...I'm not dead yet so the plans may change but I realise that the time will come, and I will not allow myself to be put into a Geriatric Center.  I'd rather die on my bike or making love to my wife.

While death doesn't scare me,...pain, suffering, and Alzheimers do.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

[bg]

i've reached that magic age too where i see friends i hadn't seen in years at funerals of mutual friends.

[Gavin_Sons]

Its funny you mention being burried in a black tee. My father in law passed away 4 years ago after a ride on his valk to nebraska. They said the long ride may have caused a blood clot and went to his lungs. He was burried in his favorite black valkyrie shirt. I now own his 2001 interstate. This is actually my first street bike and love every minute I get to spend on it. Its even more special to my wife because it was her dads favorite thing in life. We could not let the bike go to just anyone. My wife had to have her in our garage. Just thought id share my story about my father in law and how I came about getting the valk.

[Dubsvalk]

I want to be cremated and buried in our local Veteran's Cemetary.  But I like your style, Momz!  Be your own man!
Dubs

[Fritz The Cat]

"Row row row your boat gently down the stream, merrily merrily merrily merrily, life is but a dream."

[MacDragon]

Well said... I got my Valk when my brother, Mac, passed on.  He bought it new in 2000.  His ashes were scattered in a stream under a covered bridge in the middle of the woods in Connecticut with a bunch of his riding buddies around to say a few words and celebrate his life.  He was a Vietnam Vet and well remembered.
He rides with me every time I ride.

Mac and his Valk.


The covered bridge at Devil's Hop Yard in Connecticut.


Some of his friends on Mac's Ride.


Ride safe and often...

[the inspector]

I also like your style, Momz. Sounds like a plan, I may possible do the thing.

"the inspector"

[solo1]

I have seen my wife pass, my four sisters pass, and my parents pass.  I have been to many 'showings' of my relations and friends..  It is very hard sometimes to keep my mind on the present .

When I move from this world to the next, I hope that the number of people attending my 'going away' doesn't depend on how nice the weather is.

As far as taking something with me,  I was born with nothing and I can take nothing with me. 

Hopefully, the celebration of my life will be held with many friends in attendance.

Hey Momz, at 83 I don't really need to think about this too much as I have a VStrom and many more roads to ride.

[old2soon]

I'm not being morbid just practical. I'm relatively certain i have less in front of me on earth than i do behind me. Creamation and a portion of the ashes scattered on the highway. Spent most of my life making a living running the highways of this nation of ours. Still enjoy wringing the fat gal out every chance i get. Amazing Grace Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. City Of New Orleans Willy Nelson. Old Rugged Cross Tennesee Ernie Ford. I would like but never know-some of my riding friends to have a remeberance ride for me. Gonna ask/tell/insist to my daughters that the P G R be notified. Other than that have a beer and a burger and get on with ya'lls lives. RIDE SAFE.

[Daniel Meyer]

I expect all my friends to be sitting around together after the party, saying, "Hey, anybody know someone that can come bail us out?"

 

[Devl]

I have seen my wife pass, my four sisters pass, and my parents pass.  I have been to many 'showings' of my relations and friends..  It is very hard sometimes to keep my mind on the present .

When I move from this world to the next, I hope that the number of people attending my 'going away' doesn't depend on how nice the weather is.

As far as taking something with me,  I was born with nothing and I can take nothing with me. 

Hopefully, the celebration of my life will be held with many friends in attendance.

Hey Momz, at 83 I don't really need to think about this too much as I have a VStrom and many more roads to ride.

I hear ya Wayne!!!
Why sit around contemplating your death when there is so much living to do
Besides its nothing you can really do about it...YOUR DEAD...when your numbers up, its up

[R J]

My family has been instructed to do the following when I suck in my last breath.

Notify the Funeral home.
I'm to be cremated
NO SERVICES
Youngest daughter or youngest son to ride MGM with my ashes in the saddle bag to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Youngest daughter or youngest son to ride the Chevy Trike to the cemetery.
My American Legion Riders brothers along with my PGR Brothers to follow behind the Chevy Trike.
Mom and the Grandkids will follow in the funeral car(s).
Rest of the family and friends will follow these.

Pull into the Cemetery, drop the vase and head for home.
No services there either.

If a service is performed, I will somehow come alive long enough to say what the F*** are you doing here, and go back to ashes.

I hate funerals.............  Period.

Yeah, I know, I'm an old a**hole, and pretty well set in my ways.

As Forrest Gump would say:
“That's all I have to say about that.”

[Highbinder]

After reading this post I switched to another site and this was one of the topic's, I thought I'd pass it on........these were the top 5 regrets of people on their death beds....

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

My own opinion on death is this...we all get a shot at it, my dad use to always say "no one gets out here alive" he also use to say "he's not saving a nickel until he sees them putting pockets in coffins...like my friend Hotglue says "I plan on living forever and so far I'm doing fine"

[Oss]

thanks Don and  Well said George

I made  the decision early on to walk the kids to the bus stop so we could play catch and then coach soccer and then help with the baseball for almost 10 years.  More important to let the kids know Dad felt time with them was more important than a few bucks. Hope the lesson will stick when they become parents themselves someday

 Those memories are great ones
Never saw a grave stone said WISH I WORKED MORE AND RODE LESS

I have said it before, that I could not possibly have imagined how my life has been enriched thru the friends I have made because I dared to sit on my first Valkyrie then buy one and meet others

It has caused a shift in the way I perceive the world and perhaps how in turn I am perceived
and I find I pay it forward more instinctively nowadays  And I wave to Harleys and Beemers and dont  care if they wave back I wave for me

We all will meet the end someday, its how we live each day that matters most, not what we have at the end  Now unfortunately I am back to working

[Fudd]

A case of "Good Harbor" Cherry wine? ..........and a few bottles of "Red Stag?"

You must be planning for one big party in there!

[Momz]

I have been blessed with some good genes. My father lived to be 89 and my mother lived to be 85.
Yes, both my parents died of cancer. But their heath issues did not appear until the very last months of their life.

So I'm in my late 50s and I expect to be around for a while. Yes, I do have severe neuromuscular issues, but I'm still riding, going to the gym, and very politically active. We all have good days and a few bad days,....that's life.

But I'm also a realist, I can't live forever. I'm proud of my daughter and all of her accomplicments and like to be there for her at least until she estabishes her place in the scientific community (Astrophysics).
 
My daughter takes after me,...we're both never going to be told that we can't do something.
So don't expect me to go away sometime soon. Plan on living, but realize you won't live forever.
But when I'm gone, I expect my friends to party in my memory.

[Daniel Meyer]

I used to have a T-shirt that said, "I'm going to live forever or die trying."

For some reason that seemed to piss people off. Actually got told not to wear it to work (worked on presses, t-shirt was common wear).

[hubcapsc]

Never saw a grave stone said WISH I WORKED MORE AND RODE LESS

The HVAC man had to come over this spring and put freon (or whatever) into the system.
We were talking about motorcycles and building houses... he gave me down-the-country
(like always) for not having mine finished yet... "I've built ten since you've been working on
yours"... he looked at me funny when I asked him how many times he'd ridden his
motorcycle to Texas... 

-Mike

[Red Diamond]

I too am up there in age. You wise old owls just keep talking or posting and you are going to talk me into doing something I should have done 32 years ago. Ride Safely.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

One of the better threads we've had in a while I think.

I really only work so I can afford to play, have fun and eat well.

As has been said, I wish I could have worked less and spent more time with the ones I love. Now my best friends (my kids) have their own families to work their asses off for, and don't have much play time just like I didn't when they were growing up.

As far as health goes, I'm hoping mine holds out till I don't need it anymore. 

[art]

I have seen my wife pass, my four sisters pass, and my parents pass.  I have been to many 'showings' of my relations and friends..  It is very hard sometimes to keep my mind on the present .

When I move from this world to the next, I hope that the number of people attending my 'going away' doesn't depend on how nice the weather is.

As far as taking something with me,  I was born with nothing and I can take nothing with me. 

Hopefully, the celebration of my life will be held with many friends in attendance.

Hey Momz, at 83 I don't really need to think about this too much as I have a VStrom and many more roads to ride.

keep on going an enjoy every minute.you only come this way one time.I hope to be riding that long .I'm going to be 69 jan 1st

[Paxton]

"When I die, I want to go like my Grandfather... in his sleep; unlike the passengers in his car who died screamin' their heads off!" 
- Morbid Comedy for Two

Seriously, I am not afraid to die. But am surely scared of the 5 seconds before it happens; no joke! 
I do not want to be remembered, as I don't like disappointments. Unless famous, nobody will "remember" me after the 36 hours from
my passing to the spreading of my ashes over my parents burial site. 

"I'm not afraid of death because I don't believe in it. 
It's just getting out of one car, and into another"
— John Lennon

[thumper]

There's a good chance this will be my last Christmas.  

Just spent Thanksgiving with my niece who I will probably never see again.

Just trying to make every day count.

People talk about death....I'm living it.

[Liberty Bell]

I figure when I die...

I want a 15 minute memorial with a 2 hour and 15 minute period for rebuttal....

[Willow]

I won't be there.  The survivors may celebrate in any way they find fit.

Thumper, I have no words.  I'm sure I certainly don't know how you feel.  You have been an inspiration and an example of strength.  I hope you're prediction is incorrect.  I also hope you can dance carefully along the line between not being fearful of the possibility and lying down in resignation.  You have been and are a very special man.

[BigBod]

Looks like my post got deleted...swearing I guess? sorry about that. Anyhow, dying never used to bother me but me and the Mrs left if late to have our littleun, she is 4. I am 47 and want to be around for her for as long as possible. She is the best thing that has ever happened in my life.

When I do pop me clogs, I'd like to be cremated and have my ashes scattered in the Falkland Islands. The war in 82 changed my life and my outlook on life for ever.

[ibsrp]

John 11:25-26  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

This is what I believe and wish everyone will consider.

Thumper I wish you all the best and am praying daily for you.

[rmrc51]

I've already told everyone, when my time comes have me dressed in my jeans, suspenders, old sneakers and old shirt. Only 'up-beat' Rock-n-Roll from the 50's & early 60's is to be heard. And the last two songs I want played and played LOUD, are 'Rainy Day Bells' by the Globetrotters followed by 'Hang Up My Rock-n-Roll Shoes' by Chuck Willis. After all is done, put my ashes on the window sill, fireplace mantle, or even load a few shotgun shells with it, what-ever, lol. I don't want any grave that people will feel obligated to visit.  

[solo1]

Thumper, what Willow said.  I, too, hope that your thoughts are incorrect.  

I was misdiagnosed some years ago as having inoperable liver cancer and had to wait a week before finding that the diagnosis was wrong.  Many thoughts went through my head but I'm sure that they are not comparable to yours.  

Absolutely no words of advice, just thoughts of peace.

Wayne, Solo1

[BigBod]

If i had a burial and a grave stone the inscription would be simple:

"I told you I was ill"


 

[ValkFlyer]

There's a good chance this will be my last Christmas.  

Just spent Thanksgiving with my niece who I will probably never see again.

Just trying to make every day count.

People talk about death....I'm living it.

Thumper,
A difficult thing to respond to.  I pray for the best for you and that each day moving forward is one in which you find and reflect on that which brings joy and pleasure, not pain or sorrow.  I believe there is in fact life after we have spent our time here, and that as we reflect back on just how fallible we are and that we're not perfect, that we are not the masters of our fate, that there is  Perfection that seeks a relationship with our lost soles.  There is in fact hope..........

[art]

Thumper I don't know you personaly an sorry I don't  but hang in there.My brother -in-law has cancer in the lung diagnosed a month ago with little hope.He is on chemo an his tumor is getting smaller.Good luck an God bless.Art