The funeral is behind us. Why do people try to be as depressed as they possibly can at funerals? It's unfortunate that we don't celebrate at funerals. It is everyone's hope that the dead person is in a much better place... so we should celebrate, joyously! Instead people pick the most depressing music and verses from the Bible known to mankind. When I die, I hope all of my friends and family party! Play or sing songs about the love of life. Drink, smoke, laugh and dance! I promise, I'll be laughing with all of you.

A grandson of the dead man said something to me that was rather sad. I've known this young guy for many years. He was a fairly accomplished musician at one point in his life. His band released a CD that received some regional success. I asked him what he's doing these days, if he's still playing the bass. His answer was..."No, I'm stuck in life. I get up in the morning. I go to work. I come home, eat dinner and go to bed. Repeat." What a sad statement from a young man in his late twenties.

I also noticed some other odd comments from a funeral. "He's better off now." What! He's better off dead? "He was a great guy." Have you ever heard anyone say the dead guy was an asshole? Or how about, "He looks good." Huh? I'm sorry, but I've never seen a corpse that looks good. What is wrong with people. I guess death is a tough thing to talk about.

"If I die at 23, won't you bury me in the sunshine...

I am going to a funeral today. One of my best friends' father passed away. You know how a few of the parents you get to know when you're young become closer than others... this is one of those guys. I thank God that I saw him a week ago at a graduation party. I visited with him briefly, and 4 days later he died. A couple of weeks ago another friend of mine lost his 9-year-old daughter in a car accident. Life is precious. Whether you're 9 or 75, life is still short.

In the days before my father passed away, he told me that he never took any risks. He worked hard, and provided for his family. Yet, when I saw my father lying on his death bed, I think he may have regretted not stepping outside of the lines. Or, maybe he was saying, "I never took any risks, I lived a normal life, and I'm really satisfied." I hope some day I know what he meant.

I want to be there for my buddy today. I want to say the right things, or nothing at all. Jim has been ill for a while, so the family has had some time to prepare. However, you're never prepared enough. How can you be? You don't know what it's like to lose a parent until it happens, and then you are thrown into the scene. I know I was full of confusion. I had many questions with no answers. My father passed away 23 years ago, and I'm still confused.