How About A True-logy?

Why is it that when it comes to funerals that there is such a tendency to not be truthful? Yes, I understand the concept of speaking well of a person...showing respect, gratefulness and honor those who have passed away. However, when it is my time to pass I don't want a eulogy. Instead I want a trueulogy. I want the truth spoken at my memorial service. I am not asking for a large group of people to air my dirty laundry in public, instead I would just like a more realistic picture of me drawn when people talk about me.

The thing that brought this all up is the passing of Ted Kennedy. I understand fully that he dedicated a huge portion of his life in service to his country and that he has been instrumental in changing our country. What I sincerely doubt has or will be said at his funeral is anything about leaving Mary Jo to drown in his car, getting kicked out of Harvard for lying, abuse of alcohol and a few other things I can name off the top of my head.

My intent is not to bash Mr. Kennedy. No doubt he did the best he could under the circumstances he was under. My intent is to say that he will undoubtedly be painted as the loving big brother to the younger senators who joined the body of the senate, a brilliant statesman, a compassionate legislator....someone to be considered should their ever come a vacancy in the Trinity. I think you get what I am trying to say. He will be painted as if he is being considered for sainthood, as opposed to saying that he tried his best, had some faults but served his country to the best of his ability for most of his life.

When it is my time to go please don't paint me as a person who has never sinned...as one who never lost her temper or made a bad decision or as the perfect wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend or boss. I am far from perfect and everyone knows it. Just be honest. Say, you know, she had her struggles with food and an occasional Portuguese temper. She was overly anxious about money and often unable to forgive herself when she failed. She wasn't the perfect wife, mother, daughter, friend, boss or sister, but she loved. She loved her family and friends. She loved the Lord and desperately wanted to please the Lord with her life. She made many mistakes along the way, but at least she tried. She made me laugh. She taught me something about myself and God. She was a hard worker and went the second mile most of the time, but she also tended to be a work-a-holic at times too. She had a good heart. She will be missed. She was far from perfect, but she was loved.

That's the type of "eulogy" I can believe. No one is perfect and to paint anyone other than Jesus as perfect is just a lie in my estimation. I would like the truth to be spoken in my eulogy. I want it to be a "trueulogy." It is much more believable and truthful that way. Now don't make me come back and haunt you! ;o)