If You Know You Are Going To Die, Have Your Funeral Now

The Timeless Wisdom of "Tuesdays with Morrie"

One of my favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom. First published in 1997, the book’s messages remain timeless. Based on a true story, Albom reconnects with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). During their weekly Tuesday visits, Morrie imparts profound life lessons on topics such as love, death, and forgiveness. The book’s popularity led to a TV movie adaptation produced by Oprah Winfrey in 1999.

The Power of Celebrating Life While Alive

Morrie, aware of his terminal illness, expresses a unique wish: he wants to attend his own funeral while still alive. This desire, though unconventional, reflects his humility and longing to hear how others appreciate him. This idea inspired a workshop participant whose friend, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, organized a "fake wake." Surrounded by loved ones, she enjoyed her favorite foods, listened to heartfelt stories, and experienced a deeply moving celebration of her life.

The Importance of Expressing Gratitude

Too often, we postpone expressing our appreciation for loved ones until it’s too late. When a friend’s mother received a terminal diagnosis, I suggested holding a celebration of life while she was still alive. Inspired by Morrie’s story, we organized a cocktail party that allowed her to enjoy the love and gratitude of her family and friends in person.

A Father’s Unspoken Words

In my podcast Becoming a Sage, I interviewed Don Yaeger, author of Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton. Yaeger shared a poignant story about Walter Payton, who, nearing the end of his life, expressed his desire to walk his young daughter down the aisle. Fourteen years later, Yaeger attended her wedding and presented her with her father’s heartfelt words, which became her most treasured gift.

The Gift of Intentional Communication

Why do we often wait until it’s too late to express our love and appreciation? A legacy letter or ethical will, as described in a Forbes article, encourages us to share our deepest thoughts with loved ones while we can. This intentional communication can be a profound gift, allowing others to cherish our words long after we’re gone.

Embracing Life’s Fragility

The slogan "Life is short, so eat dessert first" reminds us to prioritize what truly matters. Knowing our time is limited can be a gift, prompting us to live fully and express our feelings openly. Why wait until death to celebrate life? By embracing the idea of a living funeral or celebration, we can honor our loved ones and create meaningful memories while they are still with us.