My Wishes

To Whom It May Concern:

When I am dead, do not bury me. Burn me. Fire is purifying and my soul will be with God. I will finally be light as air and dark as ashes with no guilt about what I look like or how I smell. I do not wish for folks to mourn my death with tears and laments. I would rather my family (whatever is left), my friends, and my students to have a party. Celebrate my life with song and poetry and laughter.

Do not write my name in stone, rather live my words: live for the love of reading and writing. Celebrate my love of food. Eat well and drink, too. Pour libations for everyone. And don’t display any photos of me. Ghastly.

Finally, take my ashes and my words to Camp Hardtner. Pour my ashes on each lake and read the words I have written there over the years. It is sacred ground for me and I would be pleased if my wishes were fulfilled.

Yours in the spirit of love,

Eva Guillot
Feb. 13, 2007