I’m sick. I am writing this from my bed with a thermometer in my mouth. My wife is making chicken soup, I have a fever, and every bodypart hurts. And I mean every bodypart. The good news is, it’s not a constant pain. I only hurt, for example, whenever I move.
We thought it was the flu, but then my wife tested me for COVID and the results came back positive. Although judging by the way I feel right now, we can not rule out bubonic plague.
So anyway, all this got me thinking about my own funeral.
I am not kidding. I have too many friends who have died unexpectedly over the last few years from various maladies, and in many cases, their families had no idea what their final wishes were.
And since I FEEL like I’m dying, I figured I’d take this opportunity to make some final requests.
Please have soft serve ice cream at my funeral. I once wrote a column about a sheriff in Geauga County, Ohio, who wanted ice cream trucks at his funeral, and I think this is a good idea.
Also, I want my wife to know, publicly, that I want to be cremated. I want this for two reasons: (a) cremation is much cheaper than traditional embalming, and (b) you won’t need a permit to light my remains on fire.
Again, I am being serious. I have always wanted my urn placed onto a log raft, constructed of longleaf pines, placed in the Gulf of Mexico, and lit on fire. My childhood Sunday-school teacher, Mrs. Wilkes, always believed I would burn, anyway. So why not.
I know it’s an unusual request, but it’s my funeral.
Before the ceremony, I want everyone to put floral sprays and beautiful objects onto my raft, such as photographs, baseball gloves, cowboy hats, fishing rods, my guitar, and maybe some Atlanta Braves paraphernalia.
Then, I want my cousin’s pontoon to slowly tow my raft into the Gulf, just offshore from my Northwest Florida hometown, and I want someone to liberally douse me in Coleman lighter fluid and strike a match.
Please do not let my uncle Tommy Lee do the honors of lighting the fire. He once used too much lighter fluid at a family barbecue and he was never able to bear children after that.
Also, one of my main funeral requests is: no preaching. I have nothing against preachers, but I wasn’t all that crazy about sermons during my life here on earth, so I don’t want sermons at my funeral. No long winded homilies. No religious offerings.
I simply want my smoke to rise, my flames to glow, and my ashes to sink into the Gulf sand while people just sort of watch from a distance and maybe sing “When We All Get To Heaven.”
Then, I want everyone to play a game of baseball on the beach, which will then be followed by a potluck. And by “everyone”, I mean you, too. Whoever you are.
Yes, you are invited to my funeral. Because you don’t know how much you mean to me.
One of the greatest joys of my life has been writing this column, traveling the U.S. to meet you.
I grew up with few human connections in this world. My family is pitifully small. But thanks to you, that’s not the case anymore. You took an average nobody, and made him feel like an average somebody. I love you for it.
Then I want Willie Nelson and his band to play music at my homegoing, since he’s going to outlive me anyway.
Lastly, if my wife is reading this, I want her to marry again if anything were to ever happen to me.
Jamie, you are the greatest human being I have ever known personally. You have been the greatest part of my life. Your love was meant for sharing, not for hoarding.
Love again. Love hard. Love completely. Someday, whenever my end comes, when I am no more, I will be smiling down upon you, sweetie, from whatever realm I am in. I’ll be with you.
Because you were, are, and will always be the universe to me.
The truth is, we are not two people. Not really. Before the foundations of the earth were poured, I believe God formed one person, then he split that person in two, placed both pieces at random locations on the planet and said, “Okay, kids, go find each other.”
And we did. We found each other. And I’m so grateful we did. I’m so grateful to have been your husband. It was the greatest privilege of my life.
Anyway, I’m going to eat some chicken soup and take a long nap now. I hope I feel better soon.
Someone please tell my uncle Tommy Lee to step away from the lighter fluid.
173 comments
Christina - June 8, 2022 6:45 am
Feel better soon Sean! We love you and Jamie
Pat Orrell - June 8, 2022 6:48 am
Thank you Sean! I share your “raft wishes” (only not the Gulf of Mexico – I’m going for Lopez Sound) and this post brought a smile to my face. Hope you feel better soon!
Sandi. - June 8, 2022 6:49 am
Oh, Sean, so sorry you’re ill, but glad Jamie is there to take good care of you/ Get well soonest. That’s orders from headquarters!
🇿🇦🇿🇦Norma Den - June 8, 2022 7:06 am
Sean, you are strong & you will survive. God needs you here on earth to keep all your followers going. Enjoy your chicken soup, sleep well & get better. Love your funeral wishes, you crack me up at times. Guess we all have thoughts about what we want done. My Dad bless him, wanted to be cremated, ashes in a Johnny Walker Black Label bottle & put down at Moms right shoulder. We took care this happened as he wished.
Lander - June 8, 2022 7:14 am
I’m reading because I’m up with a sick dog. I sure hope Jamie doesn’t have to involve herself in cleaning up a mess like I’ve been doing. If she has to do that you might deserve getting torched just for the cleansing effect, and she would well deserve the opportunity for marrying again.
I hope your COVID case is light, you recover well, and find a few things about it redeemable enough to end up in a column or two. And may the chicken soup soothe your body, relax your lungs, and replenish your soul.
Melissa Armstrong - June 8, 2022 7:56 am
Sean, I hope you feel better soon and that you have the abbreviated version of Covid. Sleep on your stomach. Get plenty of rest and fluids. I can tell you all of this because number one, I’m a nurse with 44 years of experience. Two, I’m a grandmother of three wonderful humans which has its privileges. Three, one and two helped me survive Covid. You should know I don’t do lighter fluid and I think I could possibly be your older sister in law. I think Jamie is wonderful too.
Peggy C - June 8, 2022 8:30 am
Truly hope you feel better soon.
Ed (Bear) - June 8, 2022 8:37 am
I hope you get well soon Sean. I need you to be well… although you can apparently write pretty good stuff even when you’re sick. I know Jamie needs you well too… probably as much as you need her. So get well soon buddy! – I hope you don’t mind me calling you buddy. We’ve never met but I would love to some day!
Carol Keene - June 8, 2022 8:43 am
Oh Sean I am so very sorry you have caught Covid, get well soon, big gentle hugs to you and Jamie
Ginny Fisher - June 8, 2022 9:08 am
I hope you recover quickly and completely. And since my husband and I are also enduring COVID right now, I am suffering the aches and pains you are experiencing too. Don’t rush your funeral too soon though…you aren’t dead yet. Thanks for your wonderful thoughtful missives to all of us. Keep them coming👍😎🥰
Jocelyn - June 8, 2022 9:26 am
Good stuff as I hope the chicken soup works as that is good for your soul. Feel better. Keep writing as I love reading your column.
Ann Thompson - June 8, 2022 9:28 am
I hope you feel, and get better soon. Sending healing vibes and I said (out loud) “ Sean get better soon”. My husband looked at me from across the room…??? “Oh, he’s the columnist I so enjoy that I read everyday and he has Covid “. And, I didn’t say —— loves his wife very much and just told her. But, should have. Too often we don’t know what we have till it’s gone. I’ll tell him when he comes back into the room.
joan moore - June 8, 2022 9:38 am
Get a lot of rest and feel better soon! Stick a few columns from 2018 and we’re good. Praying that your beautiful wife and biscuit maker stays well!
Carol from GA - June 8, 2022 9:41 am
Feel better Sean… we need you!
Julie Moreno - June 8, 2022 9:42 am
Praying for your wellness.
Diana - June 8, 2022 9:43 am
I hope you feel better. At one of my cousin’s funeral, we had Pepsi with peanuts in them at the graveside services. Not quite ice cream but much more fitting for his memorial.
Carmen Manning Robinson - June 8, 2022 9:46 am
Please feel better soon!! I know you are being well taken care of by that precious wife of yours. Praying she stays well. And Sean, you best not be going anywhere soon. I hope to meet you and your wife sometime. 😊
Larry E. Notestine - June 8, 2022 9:51 am
Here’s to your feeling better soon, Sean. You’ve grown into such a large family because you turn a mirror around to help show us who we are. Your readers. Your family. Many of us need that daily example of kindness, acceptance, caring. When you feel a bit better, go to the beach. It’s good for your spirit and health to see the horizon at an ocean. God bless you.
Susan - June 8, 2022 9:56 am
Praying you get well soon!!
Debbie - June 8, 2022 9:57 am
Hope you start feeling better soon. Lovely last bit to your wife. May we all find love like you have.
Debbie Taylor - June 8, 2022 10:11 am
I would be honored to be at your funeral. I’ve put it on my calendar for 67 years from now. In the meantime, get well! Hope you feel better soon, you’re in my prayers, Sean🙏 😘
Meredith Smith - June 8, 2022 10:16 am
Oh Sean please don’t die …. We need all your wonderfullness (yes I know that’s not a word) and joy in this world. But seriously, I do hope you feel better soon, and you don’t lay there planning your funeral. What a horrible thing to do when you are feeling awful. Your legion loves you and I believe with our collective love and prayers, you will recover soon. In the meantime, enjoy Jamie’s food based love and take care of yourself.
Mary L Burns - June 8, 2022 10:23 am
I hope you feel better soon. But thanks for all the kind words. Most people never hear what they mean to someone. They just have a feeling , but not any real idea. I think your funeral sounds nice. And Jamie is a lucky girl. Get well soon.
Melanie - June 8, 2022 10:30 am
Please keep us posted on your journey to wellness as our prayers are lifted for your healing and Jamie’s avoidance of all things “you.” I agree that you should recycle some previous columns and get some rest. We’ll be okay for a while.
JOHN D'ANTONI - June 8, 2022 10:31 am
WILL ANYONE SEND INVITES, OR ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO DEPEND ON (GIGGLE) SMOKE SIGNALS? NO REPLY REQUIRED.
Barbara J Schweck - June 9, 2022 4:16 am
Good one!!! I would really love to be at this funeral when the time comes (hopefully, a long time from now) I hope somebody brings banana pudding to the potluck!
Kimberly - June 8, 2022 10:33 am
Get well soon. You are not allowed to die. I need your column every day. It’s how I start my day. The world wouldn’t be the same without you. Take care and be well. Love ya.
caj1216 - June 8, 2022 10:35 am
Sean -I hope that you get through this quickly. Your column reminded me of a friend who introduced me to Stephen Levine -among his excellent books was Who Dies: Contstant Living/Constant Dying -that the more you take experiences like you are having to image your own death the more fully you can live life. Also look what is happening to the funeral industry-Google Disrupting the Funeral -amazing new business are popping up run by millenials.All the best to you for a speedy recovery
Kimberly - June 8, 2022 10:38 am
Get well soon. You are not allowed to die. I need to read your column every day. It’s how I start my day. The world wouldn’t be the same without you. Take care and be well. Love ya.
Denita - June 8, 2022 10:38 am
I know how sick you are we were that sick in January! And in March made all our final plans for the end of our lives! We love you too, you just seem like you belong in our family. Hopefully we will see you at the family reunion in July!🥰😘
Emily Ray - June 8, 2022 10:43 am
Sean, feel better! It was probably cathartic to get all that pre-planning done. And Your love for Jamie was loud and clear. Let her soup make you well, plus a few prayers lifted up on your behalf. Emily originally from Sweet Home Alabama
Arlene - June 8, 2022 10:56 am
Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be more amazing….there you go again. You have successfully turned something unpleasant into something beautiful. I’m genuinely sorry you feel so sick….COVID does not discriminate. And yet, you managed to write the most beautiful words I have ever read from a husband to his wife. No one has ever loved me the way you love Jamie. You made my heart happy. Now please get well because I am counting on more Sean mornings for another 100 years. You are appreciated by so many, Sean. Your stories make all of us better people. And you remind us of what’s right and good in this world. Get well soon. Amen.
Sandy - June 8, 2022 10:57 am
Please feel better soon. I will add you to my prayer list!
Brenda - June 8, 2022 11:00 am
So sorry to hear you are sick with covid. Sending healing prayers to you for a quick recovery. I’m sure Jamie’s chicken soup will magically surround you with healing love. Be well soon. oxox
Trish Cordell - June 8, 2022 11:03 am
Heavens to Betsy, this Covid stuff needs to flee! I pray for your healing and restoration. I came upon your column several months ago and I’m strangely intrigued by the stories you manage to come up with daily.daily. Soft serve ice cream is the best and your funeral plans are as intriguing (I know I used that word twice) as you are. Thanks for making folks feel like they have meaning here on planet earth. Lord knows, we all need that on occasion and then some. Take good care Sean! Prayers for Jamie as well.
LauraD - June 8, 2022 11:03 am
Hoping you have a short bout of Covid and a full recovery.
Peggy - June 8, 2022 11:09 am
Feel better soon. We need you. One of our friends had her remains put into a Duke’s mayonnaise jar.
Christine - June 8, 2022 12:41 pm
Oh Peggy, that’s too funny.😅
Barbara Zuleski - June 8, 2022 11:15 am
May you feel well soon, God bless you and your wife.
Ann Bodiford - June 8, 2022 11:22 am
Sean, I am praying you feel better soon.
Elizabeth Davis - June 8, 2022 11:24 am
Although I sincerely hope you have many more amazing years ahead of you and your wife, if the inevitable were to happen right now, it would be an honor to come to your funeral. However, my health is a little iffy right now, so I am asking the good Lord to please keep you around while he works on getting me better! Also, I know you have a vast love of dogs, but I would like to bring my cat, Gracie. She is not really into funerals, or the beach(water), and she has been known to eat a few bugs in public settings, but she keeps me company. I will need her for the return trip when I am sad about you not writing more of your wonderful stories and thoughts. Hey, here’s a thought, how about you get better now, and have the party on the beach and the viking sendoff to celebrate all the people who don’t want you to go! It would make convincing my sister to bring me easier if it was not a funeral and you could keep writing which sure would make me feel better too! Ok-it is settled-get better, have a viking party with ice cream trucks then Gracie and I can come to celebrate your life!
Ralph Turner - June 8, 2022 11:32 am
Wow! Sounds like a GREAT funeral. Hope you make it BUT if you don’t, I’ll be there!!
Charlotte - June 8, 2022 11:35 am
We all love you too!
Vicky - June 8, 2022 11:37 am
Ugh-this was one column that I wasn’t thrilled to be reading! I hope that you feel better soon-we all know that Jamie is taking wonderful care of you. I like your funeral idea, but it is way too soon to be talking death. Sending so many positive vibes your way to feel better!
Cheri Michele Foster - June 8, 2022 11:40 am
Get lots of rest, and if you can get it, Ivermectin whipped Covid’s behind in a week. She felt awful for 3 or 4 days, then puny, then she was well.
Te - June 8, 2022 11:52 am
Exactly my case. Now I’m having trouble getting interested in food again. Not that it tastes bad – or has no taste – but the aftertaste of even water is off. Can’t wait for this to be over~! Glad you recovered nicely.
Ashley - June 8, 2022 11:43 am
Sean, I just recovered from Covid, and while it wasn’t awful, it wasn’t a walk in the park, either. I’m so sorry you have it. I actually took the antiviral medication Paxlovid, which worked wonders. Please take care! I’m praying that you feel better soon and that Jamie stays well.
Te - June 8, 2022 11:50 am
I hate to bust your bubble, but it’s unlikely you have covid (whatever that is). I just got over covid, and it doesn’t feel anything like that. (Any PCR test is useless to detect a virus, or so the inventor always said, which was part of the problem when this whole mess started, but I don’t want to dwell on how completely the world has been misled.) In fact, my blood pressure peaked at 190/165, which scared the hell outa me so I went to the hospital and had a cat scan because I thought I was having a stroke! Everyone I’ve talked to has agreed with my symptoms. In fact, with covid, nothing hurts. It’s total exhaustion and a low fever for four or five days. You have the flu. However, having said that, ivermectin and zinc (MUST have both) are the answer to both. Ivermectin is readily available now instead of being banned. Don’t know what the dosage is for flu, but it works on ALL viruses. Plus C & D3. I’ve had flu oh, 45 years ago, and it takes a long time to recover once you’re over it. And when it’s all over, you can go kiss the beach sand and float on a raft in the Gulf and thank God that your Sunday school teacher was wrong about you. Jamie, start taking C and D right now – overdose on it! Flu is a lot more contagious than covid. We’re all praying for both of you!
CW - June 8, 2022 2:03 pm
Nailed it, Te. Excellent advice that works. Do your research folks.
Frances Allen - June 8, 2022 2:47 pm
Thanks “Doctor TE”
Frances Allen - June 8, 2022 2:56 pm
People experience Covid differently… only take your MD’s advice and medications…
Joretta Parker - June 8, 2022 11:57 am
Praying for a quick recovery for you Sean! We need your writings to start our days in this messed up world we are living in. Get well soon. Love you.
Jojo - June 8, 2022 11:58 am
Sean, you’re great! You put humor where people usually lament…& you make me laugh. Though I will say there’s one thing I don’t agree with…please, I don’t want my ashes put on a log…or anything & placed in the water–you see, I don’t swim well.
I do hope you get well soon. I know your Jamie will ensure you do, just do what she says!:-D.
Bess Rich - June 8, 2022 11:59 am
Sending prayers and positive vibes for you to…Get well soon!
Fran Willard - June 8, 2022 12:00 pm
Praying for healing and comfort for you. Hope you feel better soon. We all love you too!!
Cindy - June 8, 2022 12:02 pm
Praying for a resilient recovery and that Jamie doesn’t get Covid too.
old4eyes - June 8, 2022 12:03 pm
Give Jamie a Wonder Woman costume for her next birthday (or a nurse’s uniform). Hope you feel better soon and don’t share that crud with her.
old4eyes - June 8, 2022 12:04 pm
be well
Dale Parsons - June 8, 2022 12:07 pm
“Father in Heaven, please touch my friend whom I’ve never met, Sean. He’s not done yet. We need him. Please raise him up with new strength, encouragement and wisdom. Touch His wife, Jamie. Renew them in every way possible. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.”
Thank you for sharing your love for Jamie. I love your writing, but this is the first time I’ve been teary. I feel the same about Mary. She saved me, and still does. Next year will be 50.
I can’t stand preachers, and I was one for 31 years. Still am, really. The ones I care about are on a very short list. Wise choice not to have one at your homegoing.
I love When We All Get to Heaven. I played it on the piano at church just a few weeks ago.
Bless you, Sean. You are a gift if there ever was one.
Penny Lozon - June 8, 2022 3:08 pm
Thank you Dale. Love what you had to say. Thank you for praying for Sean and Jamie and giving me the words to pray as well.
Sally Ann Sisson - June 8, 2022 12:12 pm
The key to men getting better is to do what your wife tells you! I hope you feel better soon!
joinerscorner - June 8, 2022 12:13 pm
Sean, if you don’t make it could I have your guitar? Hope that funeral is decades away. Your’re the closest thing to a national treasure we have.
Rhonda - June 8, 2022 12:13 pm
DO NOT TAKE ANY KIND OF HORSE WORMER!!!! SOME PEOPLE ARE DIP MANURES! We need you. Don’t go anywhere.
Linda Lewis - June 8, 2022 12:19 pm
Oh, I’m so sorry. I hope you feel better soon. Take care and get lots of rest.
Patricia A Schmaltz - June 8, 2022 12:20 pm
STRONG prayers for your full and speedy recovery, Sean. If Jamie needs some backup chicken soup, I make some amazing biblical liquid. Tasty too. Let me know… I’ll dive up from FWB… which mean the soup will actually cost $500… but you’re worth it. Big hugs.
Martha - June 8, 2022 12:27 pm
So sorry that you are sick. I will pray for you.
Diane - June 8, 2022 12:29 pm
♥️♥️♥️
Suellen - June 8, 2022 12:29 pm
Sorry to hear you’ve been struck down by this nasty virus. Vitamins C & D and Zinc. Musinex is a miracle. And Quercetin because my taste buds are still screwed up 8 months post Covid. Praying for a swift recovery for you. I know Jamie will take good care of you.
C - June 8, 2022 12:32 pm
At 52, I think about death a good deal too.
My therapist encouraged me to read Staring at the Sun. Huge help.
Like you, I understand we cannot control when and how we go but we can do some things (like you’ve done here), expressing our wishes for what we want that good-bye to look like.
I’ve made a playlist for the service. Everyone will recess from the service to the reception, to the Allman Brothers’ Revival.
Yes to cremation. No need to spend any more money.
And lastly, I have assigned the destruction of my phones/laptops to my BFF. Nobody needs to see all those pics. LOL
Keela - June 8, 2022 12:35 pm
I have COVID too. But I’m stuck in Sweden due to the US making us test to get back home :(. It’s helping me not be so homesick to read you 🙂
Judy - June 8, 2022 12:35 pm
Bless! Feel better soon! 🌻
Willie Agans - June 8, 2022 12:43 pm
I was asked to bring my ice creams truck to a lady’s visitation. I agreed , but would not be paid. Didn’t want folks to say Wille is selling ice cream at funerals. Two visitations at that funeral home. Donated over 150.
Pat D. - June 8, 2022 6:33 pm
How sweet
Lois Evans - June 8, 2022 12:43 pm
Hope you feel better soon!
Linda Brannon - June 8, 2022 12:43 pm
So sorry you got the crud! Take some time for yourself, rest, hang out in your pjs, and know that we are sending you lots of well wishes!
Helen De Prima - June 8, 2022 12:47 pm
So sorry, Sean! We’ve had friends and kin suffer from the evil bug but survive — I pray your bout will be brief. We can’t afford to lose you! And I love your funeral plans, a real Viking send-off.
BEX - June 8, 2022 12:48 pm
Praying for you and Jamie! God bless! Get well soon!
Laurie Stroud Franklin - June 8, 2022 12:54 pm
Hope you feel much better very soon! You gave an outstanding message at the Southern Christian Writers Conference.
Southern Girl - June 8, 2022 12:59 pm
Get well and feel better soon! We need you! Praying for you and Jamie – you are both special and incredible folks.
Anne Arthur - June 8, 2022 1:08 pm
Okay. Having settled the funeral plans for the year 2089 it’s time now to concentrate on your healing because until then you’ve tons of columns to write.
Covid; been there, done that, and it wasn’t fun. Get lots of rest, recycle 20 columns, and get healthy soon. In the meantime, I am praying that you don’t drive Jamie crazy but eat her soup 3x day without complaining. Hugs, my friend, get well soon.
Carol (ladybug) Leeth - June 8, 2022 1:20 pm
So sorry to learn that you are sick with the Covid. I hope you have full and quick recovery. I sure would miss you if anything happened to you.
Jill Eckenrode - June 8, 2022 1:22 pm
Ohhhh Sean! So hope yours is a mild case and you are better soon!
Carol Pilmer - June 8, 2022 1:29 pm
Wishing you a speedy recovery and a looooonnnnngggg life…Feel better soon and thanks for some fun insights even though you are Sick As A Dog…..Do Dogs get CoVid?
Patricia Gibson - June 8, 2022 1:32 pm
Sean, take a lot of vitamin C and zinc and feel better soon! Been there done that🙏🙏🙏❤️
Cathy M - June 8, 2022 1:36 pm
Praying for both you and Jamie. Caretakers are to be appreciated. You have no choice but to get well because you are a lifeline to all of us. I mean that. I love the idea of ice cream trucks. So cool , and you are cool for sure❤️🙏🏻🍨
Gwenith Norton - June 8, 2022 1:42 pm
Oh, Sean! Although your funeral sounds wonderful, I hope that you gave a full and speedy recovery!
Richard Owen - June 8, 2022 1:42 pm
Hang in ;there, Sean. I have been sick with COVID twice in the past two years, the most recent I am just getting over with the so-called “omicron variant.” And I am almost 75 years old and been living with congestive heart failure for 27 years. And remember that the death rate, while more than the seasonal flu, has still been only 2% of those infected. You have a strong constitution and will get through this.
Ruth Mitchell - June 8, 2022 1:46 pm
Get well soon! Funeral plans are great, but don’t rush into using them.
Harold Lenz - June 8, 2022 1:50 pm
Chicken soup will cure you shortly. Best wishes to you.
Sue Ann Holmes - June 8, 2022 1:54 pm
Hopefully you will be back to normal soon! I hope Jamie doesn’t get Covid too. Your funeral sounds perfect! ♥️
Evelyn Mann-Wilder - June 8, 2022 1:54 pm
Shawn, when I had COVID several months ago, I took my positive test to the tent at our local hospital and had the monoclonal infusion that is offered free. It needs to be done within the first 10 days of symptoms. I had symptoms for 3 days and, I kid you not, I was well the next morning. Why suffer any longer than necessary.
I love your love for Jamie. Everyone should be loved that way. I have been very blessed to have had two husbands who have made me feel very loved.
Trudy - June 8, 2022 1:56 pm
Prayers for healing. I’m so sorry you are sick but glad you have such a wonderful wife to take care of you. Your life has not been a bed of roses, but you do have a love that few get to experience. You and Jamie are very fortunate to have that love.
Paul McCutchen - June 8, 2022 2:15 pm
This is what happens when you don’t breathe salty air. You moved to the big city where it is humid and germs grow. I have always lived in the hot house of the south. Born and raised in Arkansas then moved to Georgia but you moved from the salt air of the ocean. Anyway don’t worry you will live it is just Birmingham’s way of welcoming you.
Rhonda - June 8, 2022 2:15 pm
So sorry that you are sick! Feel better soon!! Virtual Hugs!!
Carol ROTHWELL - June 8, 2022 2:18 pm
Hi Sean. Don’t go yet. I paid my money for the book and a meet and greet in Thomasville,Ga. But Covid the real bad one , you just have the other one they sent out , this one you got doesn’t kill you. They had to stop that one , it was killing to many voters!!So I’m still waiting for my hugs. We discussed this one time , you know, how we’re both huggers !!
I’ve got my husband ashes and my mothers and one of the dogs. Max. So if I could I’d love to send them off with you on your raft. My daughter and son in law has a condo on the lagoon at MBeach and one at PC. So it wouldn’t be to much trouble to bring them down , and if anything happens to me befor you. I’ll tell them I asked you if we could all go to Heaven on your raft.
Looking foward to your response. Just ask Janie , she and I have sent messages back and forth. Im Carol Houston Rothwell on FB so you can PM me on messenger and let me know if there will be enough room for us all on THE RAFT TO HEAVEN 🙏❤️
Thanks !!
,
!!
Carol ROTHWELL - June 8, 2022 2:20 pm
Get well soon ! I forgot to say that
Lori - June 8, 2022 2:21 pm
Ohhh no-o-o! Covid – ugh. I was scared to learn I had it last year. Recovered just fine, even at age 69. Lot of other old codgers I know have beat it too. Keep in mind that it’s fine to take a few days off work…! You’ll feel better pretty soon, though it’s miserable for a bit. We’re all pulling for you and Jamie.
Kandi Simpson - June 8, 2022 2:35 pm
Feel better soon and enjoy reading everything you write ✍️ Jamie will have feeling better in no time.
Audrice - June 8, 2022 2:36 pm
I’m so sorry you are sick. Praying for your healing. ❤️❤️❤️
Pat - June 8, 2022 2:36 pm
Don’t buy your “bus ticket” to heaven just yet. At least hold off until Mardi Gras 2023! Looking forward to meeting you and Jamie then. Sorry you are sick, hope you get well soon!
JonDragonfly - June 8, 2022 2:37 pm
OH NO!! I’ve read about these here computer viruses. I hope I didn’t download yours this morning!
sharonjmondragon - June 8, 2022 2:43 pm
Dear Sean,
Hang in there. You must not die, at least not yet. You bring so much of what is good and loving and kind and funny into a world that sorely needs it all. Praying you recover soon.
Brenda Turner-Griffin - June 8, 2022 2:47 pm
Praying for a full and speedy recovery! I read your column every day and feel blessed and fortunate to have discovered you. I have chosen cremation also for the economic reason and because I want to be a smoking hot woman one more time!
Tracy Zeigler - June 8, 2022 2:50 pm
Hope you feel better soon and we should all be able to go out like we want, I so love the way you want people to celebrate you, you deserve it!!! Enjoy your chicken soup!!!
Cynthia Russell - June 8, 2022 2:50 pm
SO BEAUTIFULLY SAID!! NOW GET WELL!! WE NEED YOUR POSITIVITY IN THIS WORLD!!! Thank You! Cynthia Russell
Steve - June 8, 2022 2:51 pm
Get well soon, Sean! What a trooper you are to continue to write even though you are so sick! And God bless your wife for taking such good care of you!
Beverly T - June 8, 2022 2:57 pm
Please rest and get better soon! I also start my day reading your column everyday. We had an out break of vivid in my family. My niece got married last month after waiting two years for the location. And the grooms family and a bunch of the bridesmaids all came down with Covid after the big event. Everyone is okay now thank goodness.
Debbie T - June 8, 2022 3:00 pm
You can’t die yet, Sean; I just recently discovered you! Try Paxlovid if your doctor will prescribe it. My husband and I believe it helped us recover sooner, Sleep!!!
HT - June 8, 2022 3:01 pm
Consider having this singing too…seems to fit; https://www.google.com/search?q=song+title+of+john+prines+throw+my+brains+in+a+hurricane&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f34fbdf5,vid:gM9FQIvX8l0,st:0
“Burn one down”! Hoping you feel better,
Ellen Cameron - June 8, 2022 3:14 pm
Praying for a rapid and complete recovery from this nasty stuff!!! I don’t like funerals so KEEP LIVING AND KEEP WRITING!!! 🙏🏻💙🐾🙏🏻
Melanie - June 8, 2022 3:18 pm
Sean I still can’t believe you left your home. I know. I get it. I’ve been a wife for 20-odd years. But still makes me sad you left. Long as I get enough notice I’ll come the 3,000 miles to the funeral. Please be sure the doggies are there. ❤️
Melanie - June 8, 2022 3:20 pm
oops I meant 30-odd years. Where does the time go.
Krista - June 8, 2022 3:20 pm
Here’s hoping you feel better very soon!
Connie Pearson - June 8, 2022 3:23 pm
I’m right there with ya. You described Covid accurately and your future funeral graphically. I’m on Day 5 and believe I might just live after all. Hang in there.
Becky - June 8, 2022 3:31 pm
I’m in Navarre, my husband and I just recovered, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Well, that was a lie, but just a handful of people. And yes, we hurt everywhere for two weeks. Feel better soon from another Panhandle native.
Diane Freeman - June 8, 2022 3:39 pm
Prayers for a full and speedy recovery. We need you so don’t plan on going anywhere!
Holly Decherd - June 8, 2022 3:42 pm
Of course, you will receive jillions of get well soon messages, our included! But the soft serve struck such a chord, I had to write. I’m not an expert on many things even though a very “mature” person (think old). And, I’ve informed my husband that while Chik-Fil-A had the best soft serve I knew of, there’s a new game in town with the construction of a QT here in central Texas. QT soft serve may have barely edged out the forerunner, and if it were possible, I run some over for your wife to spread on your forehead and all the suffering places with your virus that it might alleviate. There is no doubt it would speed the healing process. Hang in there and be well soon, and thanks always for your special insights.
betty kelly - June 8, 2022 3:47 pm
Your friendly beard puller here. So sorry you are sick with Covid. You’ve had some good advice in comments, and I’m sure Jamie reads every one! But here’s the thing. I know you grew up a Baptist as I did. Now I am being serious here, I just need to check to see if you gave your heart to Jesus at some age. This is important because when we all get to Heaven I Want To See You There! Much love and Get Well Real Soon!!! Betty Kelly
Sandra Jones - June 8, 2022 4:02 pm
Sounds like a fun funeral. My kind of celebration.
Covid stinks… Killed so many friends and made others deathly sick. Yet, others barely felt it. Go figure. All were pretty nice folks, so kind .
Katie Jefferson Waters - June 8, 2022 4:11 pm
God LOVE YOU! You are precious and a joy to know through your writings. I have lifted you up in prayer for healing. You are such a blessing to soooo many!
BTW, LOVE that you wanted to use the LONG LEAF PINE…A GREAT OF NC.
Martha Young - June 8, 2022 4:28 pm
You Know you’re asking a lot for the funeral for a small town boy but we’ll do the best we can to honor your wishes.By the way, doubt you are going to die, just be miserable for a while and then maybe some long term after effects, but buck up, big guy, lots of writing material can come out of this. Jamie will pull you through as she needs more rocking chairs and ferns hung. Get well soon and so sorry you got the plague !
Becky Comer - June 8, 2022 4:42 pm
Sean, you are special to all of us. We think your heart is so full of love for all mankind, but especially your dear wife. I love what you have written about your funeral, should you die. We share your sentiments about keeping the funeral service light and meaningful, with fun thrown in for all the participants. We want our spouse to remarry if either one of us should pass on, even after being married for 51+ years. Thank you, Sean, for just being you. We love you more than you will ever know.
Becky Comer - June 8, 2022 4:43 pm
P.S. Sorry that you’re dealing with being positive for COVID, Sean. Please know you will get through this with all of our prayers, love and support.
Karen - June 8, 2022 5:08 pm
Sean, I hope you feel better soon with no long term effects from the COVID virus. You would be greatly missed if you left this earth. 😷
Chasity Davis Ritter - June 8, 2022 5:14 pm
I may have written about the boy my daughter went to high school that died at the first of summer right before senior year. It was an accident and really hit his classmates and teammates hard. You never expect it and he had such an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Most of the senior year right up through graduation was dedicated to him and neither he nor his mother was left out of anything including the senior night during baseball season. His funeral itself was held at the ballpark with his number listed at Bat. We sang Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Amazing Grace my chains are gone. They retired his jersey number and gave it to his mom. His birthday was a few weeks later and the kids went back and played a ball game and then all went fishing together in the park next to the field (breaking the law as they were over age lol but it was forgiven for the day). He is still remembered by all those that loved him and each member of his graduating class even though he’s been gone 6 years now. My daughter was so proud when she got his number playing in Dream League last year. Anyway if you do go before me I don’t think I’ll make it to your service but I’ll light a candle and eat a soft serve ice cream for you. I promise.
Sandra - June 8, 2022 5:28 pm
Oh no Sean. The dreaded Covid! I pray you recover quickly! We need you here for as long as we can have you. You comfort hearts and make us smile and help us understand everyone has bad days, but we can just keep on going and looking for better days that are coming. Be sweet now and you will feel better soon pray God.
Mandy - June 8, 2022 5:30 pm
Oh No Sean!!!!! Prayers for you to feel better soon and prayers for Jamie for having to be your nurse😂😂❤️
NancyB. - June 8, 2022 5:31 pm
Sean, Adding my prayers for your quick, complete, and full recovery. Praying for Jamie’s protection from catching it as she showers you with “get well love.” May God hold you close during this time, reminding you how much He loves you and how much others love you. I echo Betty’s “Southern Baptist question” about your asking Jesus into your heart at some point in the past. I, too, want to spend eternity in Heaven with you. Blessings–
Anne - June 8, 2022 5:34 pm
I love this!!
Ann - June 8, 2022 5:36 pm
You and Jamie were meant to be Sean. That kind of love comes but once in a lifetime. You are blessed
LIN ARNOLD - June 8, 2022 6:09 pm
I’m sorry you’re sick, but I’m right there with you about a funeral and being buried.
It is in my legal “post death” paperwork that I want to be cremated. If I precede my husband, then my ashes are to be kept until he passes & is cremated. If he dies first, then I’ll save his ashes. Anyway, then both of our ashes are to be combined and then halved. One half is to be released into the gulf stream in the Gulf of Mexico at a minimum of 40 feet. (I used to love to scuba dive.) The other half is to be scattered in the woods in Pennsylvania where he hunts deer every year with his best friend. Then if anyone wants to pay their respects afterwards, they can go to the beach or the woods of their choosing and contemplate the universe. And, of course, they can talk to me anytime they want, because I’ll always be listening. As for a funeral, NOPE! Just NOPE! Just a Bon Voyage party to send me on my way to meet my Maker. I want music and good food and laughter and, yes, alcoholic refreshments to be available in abundance. I want my family and friends to remember me as happy and smiling, not dead & rotting in the ground.
So, here’s my prayers for a quick recovery. I sincerely doubt they’ll be heating up that oven at the crematorium any time soon.
AlaRedClayGirl - June 8, 2022 6:10 pm
Been there and done that with Covid. All six of us had it together, a real “family bonding time.” Prayers for your healing.
Ramona - June 8, 2022 6:17 pm
Sending good karma and healing prayers your way!
Rhonda - June 8, 2022 6:23 pm
Take an aspirin every day for a couple of weeks to ward off covid clots. ( my personal Doctors advice)
Pat D - June 8, 2022 6:38 pm
Oh No, that’s terrible news….you can’t go anywhere…you are a lot of people’s lifeline in this crazy world we are living in!
Susan - June 8, 2022 6:43 pm
Thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I love Willie Nelson too, I’m also being cremated so I told my kids to just roll me up and smoke me!!!
Noa - June 8, 2022 7:43 pm
Praying you feel better very soon.
Judy - June 8, 2022 7:54 pm
Wow! I love the ice cream idea but am concerned about your comment about your childhood Sunday School teacher. I doubt if she really thought you would burn. That is awful!
Susie - June 10, 2022 7:24 pm
Judy, Sean was probably saying that about his Sunday School teacher with tongue-in-cheek about Sean burning…..but, then, again, maybe not. Some people actually believe that hocus locus.
Karen - June 8, 2022 8:03 pm
Sean, I pray you have a quick recovery. You are a man after my own heart. There will be no funeral. I came into this world without a preacher and will leave without one. My pastors are wonderful. I just believe the only one I need is God when I depart this world. My children can have a celebration with music, laughter and good food. Now, I want an ice cream truck too. My ashes will spread into my favorite place on earth, the mountains of southwest Virginia. Feel better soon.💖
Mike+Bone - June 8, 2022 8:04 pm
Paxlovid is your friend.
MAM - June 8, 2022 8:22 pm
I know this column is not a laughing matter, but I did laugh. Because when Covid first reared its ugly head, I wrote my obit for the family to find on my computer. I hope I get to make changes to it. 🙂 Feel better soon, Sean! And get some ivermectin! Plus zinc and vitamin D. I’m to the point of almost overdosing on them all in an attempt to stay WELL.
Sheri Wentland - June 8, 2022 8:33 pm
Praying you heal quickly. We survived Covid and you can too. So….do you need me to mail you some of the ‘good’ medication? Happy to with the directions. Hugs
Susan - June 8, 2022 8:36 pm
Oh, Sean, I’m 💀! You have given me so many ideas for when I really am dead! Thank you!
Peggy M. Windham - June 8, 2022 8:54 pm
So sorry you’re ailing! Get well soon!
Robin - June 8, 2022 9:07 pm
Praying for a quick recovery my crazy friend! Stay away from Jamie for a few days!
Frances C - June 8, 2022 9:26 pm
Covid sucks. Thanks for making me smile even when you don’t feel good. You’re the best!
cekey44 - June 8, 2022 9:48 pm
Young man you are going to whip COVID. If I did it you can too. I know it makes you feel the end is near but you can’t go now. I look forward to reading your column each day and so do a few (thousand) other people.
Kathy Dunn - June 8, 2022 9:52 pm
Sean I’m adding you to my prayer list! Jamie‘s homemade chicken soup sounds like the perfect cure for this Covid mess. Take care and look forward to reading more humor from you!
Kathy Dunn
Niceville FL
Debbie Sheek - June 8, 2022 9:56 pm
Dippping seven times in the Gulf should clear it up. (Prayers for quick recovery)
Teresa Blankenship - June 8, 2022 10:09 pm
We love you. You can’t go anywhere so suck it up and get well🙏❤️
Beryl - June 8, 2022 10:30 pm
Sean, I was honored with Covid last week. I thought I had a cold. I thought it would be okay to work with a mask on. I gave the “gift” to 2 other people and I don’t know how many they gifted the VID to. Fortunately, for me, I did not have the “sick as dog” version. It’s a bad cold, with more snot and mucous than I could quantify. Let’s just say, I wish I had stock in Kleenex. I wrote a poem about Covid and I started a new song on my guitar, and I went down the rabbit hole of Taoism on YouTube. There is a silver lining, I just had to take several naps to be able to see through the slits I call eyes. And now I have immunity of my own making. No shot(s) required. I just opened my 5th Kleenex box. I “herd” immunity is inevitable. May your naps, chicken soup, and well wishers carry you through the dogged days.
Karyn Kendrick - June 8, 2022 10:49 pm
Growing up in a family that owned funeral homes, I planned my funeral like most little girls plan their wedding. The most important thing I want is for everyone to be seated in the Chapel and for the Directors to wait until everyone is starting to get fidgety before bringing me in. Why? Because my Daddy always said I would be late to my own funeral and I want to prove him right!
terric - June 8, 2022 10:53 pm
Praying for you Sean! I hope it doesn’t make all your hair fall out like it did mine. The hair is growing back, however, I look ridiculous. Love you much!
Glenda Busby-Fowler Hinkle - June 9, 2022 12:00 am
Sean, I’ve had covid twice. I am 75 years old, diabetes type 2, so that makes me high risk. Here are my suggestions to get you over this and not let it get a good grip. DO NOT let this get into your lungs. That is the danger, so take dayquil every 4 hours during the day and nyquil at night and keep the congestion at bay. Also, take mega doses of vitamin C, D and zinc. Docs won’t tell you to do any of the above because these aren’t prescription items but they worked for me. The first time I had it, the doctor gave me ivermectin and it really worked well, but it’s too cheap and big pharma can’t make a zillion dollars off you, so they banned it. However, I believe the dayquil/nyquil routine is a huge key to not letting the congestion get into your lungs and kill you. God Bless and prayers being sent for a fast recovery.
TerryLynne - June 9, 2022 12:27 am
So sorry you are feeling
sick, and I hope you’ll be better really soon! Just rest up and republish some old columns… they’re all so good and we love them. I have my “bon voyage” journey planned too… no funeral for this old gal… cremation and then right in the beautiful urn I have already bought for the occasion. Then I think my late husband’s ashes and mine will be launched from the Florida Keys where we lived for many years…
Ellie Galko - June 9, 2022 12:37 am
I too had the dreaded Covid. Overweight, diabetic, under active 73 years still not wiser, and I had pneumonia two times immediately before I was diagnosed with Covid! I survived, felt like the poster pick for you won’t make it, but I did❣️ you will, too❣️ We are all praying for you❣️You may have no energy for awhile, rest and sit and ponder the wonderfulness of life and God’s love❣️ Love your writings…
Jackie Smith - June 9, 2022 12:43 am
Sean…For the past few years I have been reading your emails. I admire your love and insights of us humans. I am just a beat up football player..playing pro for 16 years and only mention that to point out that even guys that have been hit in the head numerous times can appreciate the uniqueness of your special talent.
Lisa W. - June 9, 2022 1:36 am
Prayers for acquick recovery! We made it through and so will you! We love you!
Connie - June 9, 2022 1:43 am
I’m so sorry you are sick. I hope you feel better soon. I’ve said this before but through the lump in my throat I have to say it again. I totally adore how you love your wife. You and Jamie are so precious. Love and hugs from Alabama.
Wendy - June 9, 2022 2:15 am
Hope you feel better soon Sean. I too wished to be cremated upon my death but have recently changed my mind. It’s Human Composting – An eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Check it out on youtube. I think it’s a one of the greatest gifts we can give back to our precious planet that our heavenly Father created. P.S. You still can have your celebration. 🥳🎉
Dee Thompson - June 9, 2022 3:51 am
I’ve had covid. Got it in 2020, before the vaccine or the mild variants. I got the yucko flu-like kind and felt like crap for a week. However, take heart. I never ran fever. I didn’t lose taste or smell. It’s important that you take extra vitamin D, twice a day. Also, 500-1000 mg of vitamin C every day. If you can find zinc, take it. The vitamin D is crucial, though. Drink lots of water or fruit juice. Don’t nap lying down for more than 30 minutes during the day. You don’t want a cough to settle in your chest. I still have a slight hacky cough but it seldom really bothers me. You will be fine. Make your wife take extra vitamin D and C also!
Jeannie - June 9, 2022 4:09 am
Lordy, I hope you feel better soon!!!!
Dolores S Fort - June 9, 2022 5:12 am
Prayers for a speedy recovery, quick and minimal pain!
Your wishes for your send off sound very much like mine and my late husband’s. His ashes are on a shelf above the washing machine,and have been joined by my son’s, who I lost this January. When I depart this mortal earth, my ashes will be joined with their’s and spread over our backyard, where we spent over 40 years of our lives. And I don’t want a somber, religious service, I want a celebration with laughter, good music and good food, where family and friends can gather together to rejoice over good memories and love for each other. God bless you, Sean, you are a true inspiration to me and to many others. God isn’t through with you yet, he has so many more plans for you! God bless always. Love you and Jamie!!
melissa - June 9, 2022 1:02 pm
Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Andy Gartman - June 9, 2022 2:18 pm
And I thought you liked me.
Get better soon.
Your preacher buddy.
Kathy - June 9, 2022 2:58 pm
I am suffering with you. My husband and I tested positive this week also. This is not fun, at all. I like your funeral plans. If I make it through this, I’ll be there.
Carye Williams - June 9, 2022 5:05 pm
I hope you feel better soon, Sean. And I hope your insane idea about putting your guitar on your funeral raft will go away when you feel well. Your guitar is your friend! You can’t burn your friend! You can’t drown your friend! You can’t take it to heaven with you (and all guitarists will be issued a Gibson Hummingbird when they get there anyway) so why not leave it to someone who will love it and use it? They can be standing on the beach playing “I’ll Fly Away” as you go out with the tide. I hope that doesn’t happen for a long, long time, though. Prayers for you & Jamie.
Robert Chiles - June 9, 2022 7:44 pm
I’m going to have a bunch of fried chicken and a keg of beer at mine
Sue - June 9, 2022 10:54 pm
Think thoughts of wellness and recovery Shawn. I’m so happy you found your other half and you two were able to live and love together. Thank you for your column even when you feel lousy. I enjoy reading your stories. Another writer, Sue
Rena Anderson - June 10, 2022 6:38 pm
Oh my! Please sit up and say I’m not going to die I’m getting over this! Take ivermectin and nebulize with chlorine dioxide and hopefully you’ll start getting better within 10 minutes!🙏🏼❣️
Loved your post today on sheep in the farmer and how God will come to us❤️🩹
Harriet White - June 11, 2022 3:27 pm
Yes ivermectin. Don’t get on a respirator. Keep writing.
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - June 11, 2022 10:33 pm
❤