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Life is so precious, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately, especially after the loss of a dear loved one a few months ago. She was in her early eighties, but it was still heart-wrenching to lose her, because she meant so much to Michael and me. But it’s not just losing her that’s got me thinking about how life is so precious…
Just last weekend I was watching a couple of disaster movies which had me in such a state of tears, it set off an allergy / hay fever attack! Seriously, I couldn’t stop crying and my nose was constantly blocking up. Talk about an emotional wreck. I’m blaming my peri-menopausal hormones…I’m up and down all the time at the moment.
But back to the movies. I love a good disaster film. Even though there is often a huge loss of life in every single one (otherwise it wouldn’t be called a disaster film, would it?!), I love how the remaining people always come together to beat the odds of survival (like The Rock and his family in San Andreas)—or find such meaning in the end of their lives (like in Deep Impact, when she realises her father loved her all along, as they get swept up in the tidal wave—that scene gets me every time. When she turns to him and says, ‘daddy’). Seriously, I cried…like a baby.
Maybe it’s also as we get that little bit older, that we tend to think more about how life is so precious. I was watching a recent video on YouTube of a virtual tour to the most fabulous over 55s housing development in the UK. It just got me thinking about life as we get older, what I’d do if (for some horrible reason), I suddenly found myself alone.
Would I stay where I am? Would I downsize? Would I return to the UK to be closer to other family members? Or would I use our life insurance funds to relocate here in Portugal, where I’ve lived since I was ten years old? It’s not the kind of thing I want to think about, but sometimes, it just pops up. Those ‘what if’ questions. What if I was on my own? What if I needed to move? Mind you, they are the kind of questions, we should probably ponder at this life stage, because you just never know. Which is why it’s really important to have life insurance—even better to get life insurance without the need for a medical exam, although that’s not always possible. To make sure you’ve got that coverage if (heaven forbid), you might need it. Gosh, this has gotten very deep, hasn’t it? But it’s a very important subject. Michael and I have always made sure we have life insurance, because we just never know what the future might hold for either of us.
Let’s lighten this up a bit. Let’s talk about one of my favourite subjects—clothes! Let me show you in more detail the dress I bought in the UK a few months ago. Granted, it’s a black dress. And it’s the black dress I bought to wear to the funeral. But it’s a beautiful dress that I found in Superdry (which surprised me because I thought they were all about hoodies and sportswear). I knew immediately that I had to have it and that it would be the perfect dress for that particularly sad event. It’s the kind of dress she would have loved and that’s why I knew it was right. During the funeral, and the subsequent afternoon tea, I felt her approval. Style was very important to her, and to me too.
What would you wear to a funeral? Would you struggle to come up with an appropriate outfit? To be quite honest, I would much rather wear bright colours to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. But I understand that wearing black is a sign of respect. And what about life insurance? Is it something you think we should all have? Do you think about it more now that you’re that little bit older? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Interesting and thought provoking post Suzy. A couple of weeks ago one of my dear friends lost her husband. They’d been inseparable since she was 15. Very sad, and it prompted me and the hubster to discuss what we’d like at the end. Too many couples don’t talk about it.
I didn’t know Superdry made dresses. Your dress has a bit of edge and will be great for other occasions.
I would take my cue on what to wear for a funeral from the deceased person’s personality. Nowadays a lot of people say they want a colourful funeral. But for a very old person, I would wear black. Thanks for linking x
I also sorry about your loss and yes, life insurance without a medical – we have that. It’s very important to think things through and face them. And yes, I do love a good disaster film but haven’t cried at one yet!
I do love that dress and the moody iconic photos you’ve taken – they’re very good. You take care x
I think it depends on the funeral what I choose to wear: usually a black dress maybe with a kimono but I remember going to one several years ago where the person had wanted others to wear bright colors so I did. My husband and I need to set up a will, we keep talking about it but haven’t and with him on the road or us taking occasional trips, it is important.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Ron and I both had a money insurance. I cannot remember how it worked but he was always kidding that I would be a rich woman if he died. The other way around, me leaving money to him when I died…hmm…I think I changed that option for a higher payment when I got retired (he didn’t need the money).
But you are right, a life insurance is vital.
I could easily come up with a funeral outfit, depending on the wishes of the departed.
As for ex-pats, usually they want to move back to the motherland when they hit 70 or 75. But you lived in Portugal since you were 10? How come?
Greetje
Suzy, I am sorry that I missed this beautiful post and tribute to that very special lady in your life. What a stunning dress and so perfect for the occasion. Being an Army wife for as long as I was, discussing end of life things became very matter of fact for us…because you have to be prepared for all things. I have the same questions as you do…where would I go? What would I do if I suddenly found myself alone? Life insurance is an absolute must for us but that just the practical stuff. I guess the practical stuff is really all we can plan for! We never know exactly how our emotions will respond. Wonderful post, my friend.
Shelbee
Shelbee, you just made my day. Thank you so much for your kind words. I can only imagine the kinds of conversations you might have had being an army wife. It must have been so difficult but I guess if just became normal? At least now that Jeff (that’s his name, right??) is no longer in the army, you can breathe a little better.
Big hugs xxx