Writing your own obituary is a positive step on the path to facing all issues surrounding death and dying. Also, adding humor (see eol2die4.com) to your obituary can only help your survivors heal. Thank you Beth for bringing this issue to the front page.

This is the height of self-aggrandizement; no one can described your wonderful life as well as you can. While a member of this elite club, Baby Boomers sicken me with their arrogance and perceived self-worth. What is wrong with a daughter noting that you loved planting flowers in the spring and the Red Sox? Ugh, go quietly into that good night people, we don't want to read about what a valued member of society you think you were.

Both posters, ironically, are correct even though they have opposing views. If they are light and funny then what's the harm? If they are vindictive and seek to annoy one section of a family then just die with some class.

I think the newspapers should put a disclaimer on self-written obits and let others have a chance at rebuttals. As for ordering "kits" this is obviously just a money making scheme (as is the newspapers' charging for obits) feeding of peoples' egos. Why do you need a kit? Like you might forget winning the "Most Improved Self Esteem" trophy when you attended I am so special camp when you were nine? It's still on your mantle, right?