My own grave goods

 If I were to die today, what would I want my family and closest friends put into my grave? What a weird thing to think about. I suppose that when someone dies, they want their loved ones want to remember only the good things about them, and all the positive and happy moments in their life. So that eliminates a lot. But I've had a very happy and exciting life, so it will be hard to pick! Ok, top three things that I would want with me six feet under:
1. A memento from my trips to Africa - Altogether, I have spent almost 5 months on the continent, and it has truly changed me to be a more confident and caring person. It also helped me direct my life, inspiring my goals to work in international aid. Those people who know me well know what I never stop babbling about how much I love Africa and how much I want to go back! They also know that who I am now, after my travels, is better than who I was before I left. So I would want something to reflect this positive change and the adventurous, compassionate and always-looking-for-a-challenge side of myself!
2. Books that have been compiled for both sides of my family by my siblings, cousins and myself for our grandparents and families. I am far too close with my family for my own good. They are a major part of my life and they got me to where I am today (dead, in this case...). My family is where I've had some of the best times of my life and spent some of my happiest days. Seeing as being dead will be a new experience for me, I think it would be nice to have some of this comfort down there with me.
3. Last, but not least, I would want to be buried with various gifts I have received from my friends over the years. These all show a positive and loved side of myself and the good times I have had with some fabulous people. The people you associate with are a reflection of yourself, and I would be proud to be remembered as one of them!
All of these things reflect the positive side of me. I would want to be remembered for the things I did right, and the people I have loved, and not for anything else. They also let me toot my own horn right down to the last - and why not go down singing?