Have you ever wondered how some people cope with the loss of the most unexpected ways?
Sadness can be stunning, but sometimes it is humor we share with those we loved, helping us to recover. For example, Linda did not cry to sleep after Fred died. Instead, she decided to honor her memory in her own unique way.
What developed after his cremation in her house was a mixture of love, humor and some surprising twists. It is a story that proves that laughter can really be the best medicine, even in the face of a loss.
After years of marriage, Fred died unexpectedly and left his wife broken. But Linda wasn’t one that would dwell in sorrow. She arranged a beautiful funeral, appreciated Fred’s wishes by cremating him and bringing his urn home.
One quiet evening Linda poured a glass of wine, lit a candle, and put Fred’s urn on the dining table. When the clock gently ticked in the background, she laughed together. “Frede,” she started and swirled wine, “remember that the fur coat you always said you would buy me? Well, finally I have it – with money. By the way, it’s stunning.
She looked down the wine and looked at the urn, as if she was expecting an answer. “And Fred, the car – the one I always dreamed of, but you thought it was too flashy?
Linda leaned closer and triggered her voice. “Oh, and about … kind of kindness I promised you?” She grinned and lifted the urn. “Well, it’s coming here …”
She set off with laughter, almost spilled wine, and imagined Fred’s ghosts protesting from behind. She shook the urn slightly and added, “I’m just kidding, Fred. You’d rather haunt me for that!”
From that night, Linda decided to remember Fred with sadness, but with humor – because she knew deep down that it was exactly what he wanted. Maybe, with the exception of the last part.
In the end, Linda found a way to deal with her loss by honoring Fred’s memory in the way she knew he would appreciate it – thanks to laughter and lightness. While the pain of his passage would never really disappear, she decided to remember him with humor, which has always been part of their lives together. And as the years continued, Linda continued with a smile and knew that Fred would be there, laughing with her, especially about the last little “kindness”.