Social/religious norms aside, how would you like your death to be mourned/celebrated?

Honestly, I’ve thought about this a few times while sitting on my balcony with a glass of wine. When I'm gone, I really don't want anything somber or black-clad. The whole idea of people crying in a cold hall feels so disconnected from how I've tried to live my life. I'd much rather have a small gathering at a place I loved, maybe near the sea, where there's good music playing—not necessarily sad ballads, but songs that actually meant something to me.

I want people to share the funny stories, the mess-ups, and the times we laughed until our stomachs hurt. I think there’s something really healing about celebrating the absurdity of it all rather than focusing on the loss. Maybe have everyone wear something comfortable, even bright colors if they want. Just let it be a space where they can be themselves without feeling the pressure to perform "grief" in the way society usually dictates.

At the end of the day, I’d hope that my "celebration" would be more about gratitude for the time we had rather than a heavy goodbye. If people can just walk away feeling a little lighter or remembering a moment that made them smile, then that’s honestly all I’d want. Life is pretty short as it is, so why make the finish line a drag?