I got a newsletter yesterday from an agent in Colorado who (sadly) talked about her Mom's death six months ago. She said she, "Went home."

Sometimes I daydream (okay waste time at work) reading newspapers from tropical locals. Don't ask me why I read their obits too--Anyway, the Virgin Islands newspapers have some great nicknames for almost everybody. Do you have to have a nickname to be a true islander? http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/obituaries

I think I am seeing a new online business opportunity for you.

Busymom - Online Obit Writer.... Getting your moneys worth in five lines or less...

I do the same thing. We see a lot of "called home" down here.

I highly recommend a book called "52 McGs" which is a collection of obituaries written by Shelbyville native Robert McGill Thomas for the New York Times. These weren't the paid kind of obituary; they were creative little stories about unusual people. McGill earned such a following that some people actually looked for his byline, Robert McG. Thomas, and his obits became known as "McGs." He had a house here in Shelbyville and hosted a two parties a year — one during the holidays, and sometimes another during the Celebration. I was invited once or twice but never met. Later, after he had passed away and I had read his work, I felt really bad that I missed the chance to meet him.

"met" should be "went" in the next to last sentence. Always proofread before clicking "post."

I read the obits too... so glad to know I'm not alone with that one! I have a hard time just glancing at the page. I always get sucked in. It's an interesting but sad way to peek into into a life.... and a good reminder that we're all but human...

I follow my grandmother's advice.. any day you are not listed in the Obits is a good day... I like to read them because you learn all sorts of weird things about people. It has taught me not to take people for granted.. you might find out that they were a hero, or inventor or saint...

Once again, BusyMom, you are freaking me out. I ALWAYS read the obits! My mother thinks I'm nutty but, I am forever informing her about somebody we know that has died. Now she relies on me! Admittedly, the ones up here in Chicagoland are usually not too creative, but you do find the occasional good one. I actually enjoy reading about some outrageously old person dying and all the bizarre stuff they did. Thanks for another interesting perspective. Love your blog!

I love the nicknames like "Pee Wee", "Big Boogah Daddy", stuff like that.

The obituaries are like a history lesson.

I thought I was the only one that read the Obits. It all started years ago that I was curious what was happening to the people in my town. Then, I started reading when I had to be sure someone was dead. (the funeral wasn't concrete proof). Now I check to make sure I am not in there.

As for the nicknames, when we wrote my Mom's I asked that her age say 29 and Holding, because she would have died 100 times (rediculous now) over if her age was printed in the paper.

I read the obits too, and prefer "died." None of that flowery talk for me. I was looking at them today and there was this older looking lady; when I checked her birth date, she was only ONE year older than I. YIKES. I hate that.

Our "major" daily now gives 9 lines free, then charges for the rest. The local weekly is free. I've given dh instructions to fit my obit for the daily into 9 lines, a couple of which can lead people to the weekly for "the rest of the story."

I read them from time to time - especially if the photo is of someone young-looking. I always feel cheated if they don't list how they died.

I want my obit to be fantastic fiction. Just for good reading.

When I go, I'm going to force them to put "kicked the bucket" in my obit.

If they don't do it - they get no inheritance! Of course, I won't have anything to give, so... I'm not sure how my pull I'll have.