Here’s a short story inspired by the phrase "Declue Funeral Home Obits."
The words felt like cardboard. She deleted passed away and wrote died . Henry hated euphemisms. Just say it, Margie. Dead is dead. Then tell ‘em about the fishing.
She typed slowly: Henry Charles Declue, 78, of Willow Creek, passed away April 12…
She smiled. Then she walked back inside, sat at the oak desk, and began writing the next obituary. Not because she had to. But because every life deserved a story, and Henry had taught her that the best ones didn't end with passed away .
“Mom. You don’t have to write it yourself.”