Yesterday an aggrieved audience member tossed a handful of his deceased friend's ashes into the orchestra pit at the Metropolitan Opera during the second intermission of William Tell. Of course, no one knew at the time what this white powdery substance was, so the final act of the opera was canceled, as was the evening performance of L'italiana in Algeri. Refunds were issued all around. Police are looking for a way to charge the patron in question (apparently there's no law against throwing ashes on tympani).
There is no doubt that this person is terribly grief-stricken by the loss of his friend. But the best case scenario for these ashes was that they get vacuumed up and thrown in a landfill with the rest of New York's trash. As it was, some of the ashes ended up in a crime lab. I'm not sure that's what would have been desired by the deceased, but who am I to say?
I have a rule that I've adopted for myself: never make any kind of important decision while in emotional distress. I've made note to include the scattering of anyone's ashes in the "important decision" category. Also in that category: quitting jobs, relocating, starting or ending significant relationships, and making large purchases.
UPDATE: It was an opera fan's dying wish to have his ashes scattered at opera houses across the world.
There is no doubt that this person is terribly grief-stricken by the loss of his friend. But the best case scenario for these ashes was that they get vacuumed up and thrown in a landfill with the rest of New York's trash. As it was, some of the ashes ended up in a crime lab. I'm not sure that's what would have been desired by the deceased, but who am I to say?
I have a rule that I've adopted for myself: never make any kind of important decision while in emotional distress. I've made note to include the scattering of anyone's ashes in the "important decision" category. Also in that category: quitting jobs, relocating, starting or ending significant relationships, and making large purchases.
UPDATE: It was an opera fan's dying wish to have his ashes scattered at opera houses across the world.
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