EDUARDO INFANTE: Funerals

1. Which is the best funeral you ever visited?

That’s got to be Jaime’s, my best friend from High School, who died at the age of 24 while riding his bicycle in a rather shocking accident. Not only was Jaime my best friend, but I was very close to his family, too. So, in his funeral, and even in the days prior to his decease, my role was being a pillar for them. For some reason, even though there was sadness, there were also over 200 people showing up at the funeral, all demonstrating how much Jaime had touched them in life.

2. Which is the worst funeral you ever visited?

A high school classmate’s, who died at the age of 15. I didn’t really know the guy. But the whole funeral was impacting since it made me realize that life was not to be taken for granted.

3. Did you make any plans for your own funeral?

No, I have not. But I certainly would like joy to reign over sorrow.

4. What are your thoughts on burial in the soil versus cremation? Which is better? Which is better for you?

Like some of you, I’m also an organ donor. And I’m more for cremation than for burial. I don’t know, I guess it’s a little bit less painful for family and friends.

5. And finally: Isn't it just odd that the word funeral starts with fun...? What are your thoughts on the very word? And what is the word for funeral in your language, if your first language isn't English?

I had never actually stopped to focus on the first few letters of this word. In Spanish, it’s cepelio, and it does not have any special connotation other than a rather painful one.