I love my Opa. For those who don’t know, he passed away about 2 years ago, but of course I still love him.

He still pops up in dreams. One time I was actually speaking to him about things I would still like to talk to him about today and telling him I missed him. It felt more real than my average dream and it even caused me to cry later that day after I had woken up.

I have many happy memories of him and things we did together. Long walks and gardening are the main ones I remember. Washing carrots and the taste of a nice fresh carrot still reminds me of our gardening times.

Recently I have been thinking about the funeral he was given. I didn’t arrange any part of it, that was done by my Oma, Uncle and mum I guess; It wasn’t really spoken about much to me. During the funeral, It felt VERY wrong to me and I felt quite awkward. It was against his beliefs and mine. The dutch side of my family are rather non religious but as is normal in our culture, he was given a ‘Christian’ ceremony if that’s the word for it.

Thinking back to a conversation I had with my Opa some 10 years or more ago on Christianity, I know he didn’t believe in this religion.

Why did this kind of funeral happen? I don’t know. If someone doesn’t go to church and certainly doesn’t believe in it, it seems ridiculous to say good bye to a loved one in this unnatural environment (for the deceased).

Note to family: Unless I say otherwise, I DO NOT want a Christian or ANY sort of religion tinged funeral. If someone has religious needs, they, not to sound rude, can keep it in their mind.

Note to self: Don’t plan on dying any time soon

Note note: Opa is Dutch for Grandfather. Oma is Dutch for Grandmother

Side note: interesting web page detailing how in-taking hot and cold fluids reacts with your body:
http://cancerresourcecenter.com/articles/article20.html