Advance Directives

Lest I be misconstrued, I'm not actively seeking my demise, but I certainly will not go to great lengths to extend my life either. This world and life have only finite things to offer; everything is merely a novelty, becomes boring, breaks down, or runs out.

When I go, I hope it will be smooth and quick. I do not want to burden anyone. If my odds of surviving are quite nil, then just let me be. Don't even think of prolonging me. No measures out of the ordinary. Let me take my course. I've always shunned unnecessary expenditures. Absolutely nothing for something I would not benefit from. No exceptions. Spend the money on something else. Say, on a trip you've always wanted. Or on a new appliance. Yes, that'll be more useful.

If there is one Filipino tradition I hate the most, it's being dead and surrounded by gambling idiots, and noisy, chattering, gossiping people, who don't mean even an ounce of condolence. Keep me away from their kind, please. Keep the wake very short; or none at all will be better; I'm not some meat to be cured.

Bid goodbye to my lifeless body (or ashes) quickly. Those farewells are useless anyway. My soul (if I have one) won't be there. I have no clue where it will end up. Those who love me will feel genuinely sad, but I'm sure there will be those who can't wait to see me put away forever. To them I say, the feeling is mutual. It's only a matter of time. Put me underground the following day. If funds are available, turn me into ashes. Bury the ashes, or if you can, use it as fertilizer, and I certainly won't mind serving one, final purpose, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Beats rotting and worms.

Don't use those trite, run-of-the-mill quotes for my epitaph. Go over some of what I've written, and pick out a more imaginative line or quote, something more meaningful or profound that would create a good impression. I'm sure I've written one somewhere. Just my name will do if you can't pick or find one.

Don't visit my grave as often as you would want. Once a year, or even never, is fine. If you forget or don't feel like doing it, it's supremely okay. No need to feel guilty or anything of the sort. Carry on, move on. Life's chores and dreams await you. Don't waste time moping. I've done enough moping already. It wouldn't bring me back. I'll be fine wherever I'll end up. I promise. Who knows? Maybe we'll see each other again for old times' sake. Life and death are both unpredictable.