26 Comments
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Great story. And, yes, I want to become compost, after being an organ donor and dissected at a local medical school.

Expand full comment
author

Now that IS generous.

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

When you're dead, you're dead, Jane. Arrangements are made for after my passing, except the composting piece - need to work on that.

Expand full comment
Jan 8, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

This was a thoughtful and interesting article. It makes sense that humans return to dirt. The funeral industry and religion has convinced us that means putting the whole body into the earth.

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

What a great story!

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Thoughtful article and of course well researched and written. Considering the financials, it’s still a bit costly. A friends mom recently donated herself to UCLA, and they came at no cost and spirited her away. End of life is certainly something inevitable and often ignored while we’re kicking the gong around. Well done JW and thanks for the reminder!

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Very odd first story of the year but perhaps the most important. I’m going to share on FB but will wait for 1/2😀

Expand full comment
author

A wise choice, Linda. Happy New Year!

Expand full comment

I see you have started out the year with a bang! You still got it , Jane.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023·edited Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

What an outstanding piece! I loved the multi-media additions, and even followed the rabbit holes you sent us down (though had an issue with the link to your COVID funeral piece - not your fault). I usually don’t do this!

Your piece raises more questions, and the best way to be disposed of is a question I’ve thought about, particularly since I’ve lost a father, a brother-in-law, and friends these past few years.

Who knows, one day I may be ready for the compost bin!

(And have you lost some weight?)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Mark! And speaking of weight, I found it fascinating that the leaner one is, the longer it takes to … you know… turn into soil.

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023·edited Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Both in life and afterwards, being thinner is likely to keep you around longer! When you die some day, I’m happy to donate some of my “excess baggage” for you to push up those daisies a little quicker.

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Holy Compost Batman!

Another amazing article by @janewells

"Would anyone care for some tasty Grandpa tomatoes?"

Expand full comment
author

Seriously. I hadn’t even considered that until Adam said with a smile, “We’re not putting her in the vegetable garden.” But then, why not?

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

That comment about not applying in the vegetables brought to mind visions of the Soylent Green movie.

Expand full comment
Jan 1, 2023Liked by Jane Wells

Happy New Year! I love Janes “voice” and it comes through clearly today. Interesting thoughtful and leaving me pondering-I love how these stories stay with me when so few others do! Sincere Thanks Jane!

Expand full comment
author

John, you made my 2023 with this. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Wonder if anyone in Hawaii might be inspired to pivot-off the Terramation trend to start, or restart, a new one?

Volcanomation!

Roll the t-shirt presses:

“Become part of paradise!”

“Go out with a bang!”

“The last drone out.” Etc etc..

They could use consumable drones optionally flown by the family of the deceased into a hot-spot of their choosing. And, for those special many who lived a full and rich life of sin, a hand-basket equivalent for their final thrill ride 🤔

Ahhh, the cultural can-of-worms that might open!

Expand full comment
author

I like the way you think. It’s nutty… but potentially profitable. Though not sure the Native Hawaiians would be amused, as you say.

Expand full comment

🤔 If current-version Hawaii, having recently demonstrating itself to be an eagerly reliable 💉💉💉compliant Blue-State, had their liberal indoctrination sufficiently pseudo-scientifically augmented to include volcanic internments, it’s reasonable to assume they’d be willing to “go with the flow” regarding potential 🌋 gain-of-function. 😇

Would certainly be entertaining to read how it goes for anyone willing to venture-a-climb up that palm tree 🏝😎

Expand full comment

I’ll be thinking about this story for awhile. You make me do that with most of your stories. Thanks!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Cheryl. Mission accomplished! These stories give me a lot to think about, which is one reason I enjoy writing them.

Expand full comment

Happy New Year Jane, you are off to a strong start. For anyone who has difficulty with the topic of death and funerals I would like to recommend one of the best movies of all time it has a strong story arc, and an even stronger character arc. Ask your funeral home of choice if they have seen it! It is a way to help people struggling with the reality of it in their own lives. Of course it won an academy award, but it won 5 stars from me which is more important. File this under " Its there when you need it." Also its a comedy. Its called Departures and is from Japan. Here is the link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXTP_wRSHQw

Expand full comment
author

I just watched the trailer, and I’m already getting emotional. Thank you for the tip.

Expand full comment

You'll love it Jane! Marty Milner

Expand full comment