AN Irish American doctor wrote
his own obituary days before he passed away – and it's a remarkable display of
a man facing his mortality with a herculean sense of humour.
Thomas Lee Flanigan a US Army
veteran of two tours, died at 48 years of age, on 27 April 2021.
Flanigan, also a respected
surgeon and doctor, rose to become Lieutenant Colonel during his time in the
forces.
His obituary, which is published
at www.Legacy.com, is at once both amusing and tear jerking.
It opens with: "Well, that's
it. I have completed my shift as the great American cliché... my wild and crazy
life has again taken a new, unexpected turn with my shocking and unexpected,
yet fabulous, exit."
Thomas was renowned for his sense
of humour and rib-tickling New Year's letters, which he would pepper with wry
words of wisdom for the enjoyment of his family and friends on Facebook each
year.
Continuing his playfully stoic
farewell, he wrote to them: "What was I to this world if not a beacon of
light shining upon those who couldn't scan the internet for their own hilarious
and entertaining comic relief?
"I guess what I am trying to
say is that you're welcome and you owe me big time," Thomas jokingly
added.
The doctor is survived by his
wife Amy and their three children Joey, 14, Evelyn 13, and Sylvia, 10, and his
parting wish was that people should "please take good care of them like
the priceless treasures they are".
The obituary continues: “I will
admit that I originally got married for the husband jokes and had kids for the
dad jokes. It did not disappoint.
"The jokes I mean, but Amy
and the kids were pretty good too. Going to school events, dance competitions,
and eight zillion hockey practices at the crack of dawn really makes a man's
life worthwhile.
"I also saw some other
delightful things in my time here - Hawaiian volcanoes, Egyptian pyramids, and
even the advent of air fryers. I will say, it was magical, all of it.”
Thomas’s humour stayed with him
up to the end, as he signed off: "Due to the unknown and cosmic nature of
my next mission, this will be our last communication.
"It will self-destruct in
five minutes.
"My whereabouts are now top
secret, but let's just say I have made some new friends by the names of Elvis
and Kenny.
"The Church of Tom is closed
for business, but please continue to worship me, light candles, and send money.
You know the deal."