Cremation/Extra Crispy/Free Lunch/Bait 'n' Switch
 

The following story is fictional: However, I would like any comments on what experiences you have had regarding cremation. Thanks.

I saw an ad in the newspaper that asked the following question: Are you considering cremation? I thought, "I'll consider anything that comes with the offer of free lunch."

The ad said: Come join the Recreational Cremation Society. I figured it was very cleaver of them to include the word "Recreational" in their name because it suggests that, rather than destroying your body, you are re-creating it. Therefore, it fit right in with The Villages active lifestyle.

When I read, "Come join the Recreational Cremation Society" I thought, "Wow, that sounds like a fun group." It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling that reminded me of when I joined the boy scouts and we built a big campfire to roast hot dogs.

Anyway, I arrived at a restaurant for their free-lunch seminar and I ordered their chicken breast. And I told them I would like it "extra crispy." The waiter said, "you've come to the right place for extra crispy, sir. Here at the Recreational Cremation Society we specialize in extra crispy."

Everything went along smoothly but I couldn't help but feel that I was about to make a complete ash of myself.

When the chicken came it was totally burnt beyond recognition and I was outraged. I asked them what they thought they were doing and they said, "just think of this lunch as a free demonstration." I'm not sure exactly what they meant by that but it was horrible....the chicken was practically reduced to ashes.

At that point I suddenly realized there's no way I could ever agree to be cremated. I can't even stand the sight of burnt chicken. But it all ended on a high note as they gave me a free gift for attending the seminar. It was a miniature urn into which I promptly deposited the cremated chicken; and now it sits on the mantel over my fireplace. Phew! What a day.

Question: Was this bait 'n' switch in reverse?

Yeeeeew, but that's FUNNY!:BigApplause:

Readers Digest will give you a couple hundred dollars for that story.

Exactly what were you hoping for with this thread????

Conversation, people's thoughts, sure beats the heck out of another dog poop thread! Thought it was quite interesting myself.

Thanks, gomoho, I owe you one. :thumbup:

I think Reader's Digest is more interested in "heart-warming" stories, rather than "heart-burn" stories. :duck:

As a former chaplain I have sat with many families as they discussed cremation versus burial. As I was reading this story and reflecting on my experience with families what was said and done at that meeting was IMHO extremely crude and inappropriate. For many creamation is the only option and I shudder to think that this story would be rumbling around in their heads at they made these arrangents. I would suggest we create another dog poop thread rather than this one.

I would hope that most people still have a sense of humor. We're all going to die some day, including me, and I, like some others, choose not to be humorless in the face of it. Don't spoil it for the rest of us.

holy hat.

:duck: :ho: :duck: :ho:

Pretty funny, VillagesPL !!

My thought only
 

The original poster asked for our thoughts on cremation. I gave them from my perspective as asked. I am sorry if this you feel this was "humorless in the face of death" but thinking of creamation as extra crisy might make it harder to make that decision for a loved one. Now, this story IS funny. If you bring it to mind when having to make that decision in a much more marginalized state this story will not be. It is amazing what thoughts go through peoples heads when they are in the midst of abject grief. I pray that when you have to make those arrangements for a spouse you will have a caring chaplain to assist you.

I personally think I would like to be cremated. It is cheaper, the cremains can be carried up North for burial, etc. more easily and it may be easier on my family. However, it is their decision to do what makes it easiest for them. Funerals are for the living not the dead. They should do what helps them cope best. The Only thing I have asked is that two songs be sung at my funeral. They are "Danny Boy" and "All I Ask of You is Forever to Remember Me as Loving You." They appeal to my sappy Irish side.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

This has turned into a really hot topic !!! :evil6:

This could have been a serious discussion if this thread had stayed on the board for general topics. But it was transferred here to "Just For Fun".