Vicki and her husband, Frank live in northern Michigan. She’s a member of CI and IS. We asked her a few questions for this e-mail interview.
How did you first hear about cryonics?
My entire life since I can remember, understanding death was always a problem for me. I would tell my friends and family, " I hope they come up with something new by the time I go." The thought of being buried or cremated wasn’t for me. The thought of death and dying was always something I wanted to avoid.
In the mid-seventies I was watching the Donahue Show and they had a guest who was a man with a little dog. The dog had been suspended and re-animated. The little guy was just bouncing around all over the stage. I thought, "THAT’S IT!" They will one day be able to cheat death. You know sometime after that show I saw a middle aged couple that were involved in cryonics. The man had a brain tumor and wanted to be suspended before the damage was too great. With the current laws he was unable to. The only other memories I have are the cost. I recall thinking I could never afford this program. It was only for the rich.
Are you a member of CI? IS?
After the death of my first husband, and the unexpected way it happened, I realized I had no plan whatsoever. I had a long talk with my insurance salesman about cryonics. He was also under the impression it was unaffordable for an average Jane like me. Still, I wanted to be responsible. I spent almost a year at my local cemetery every day. I would ride my bike and read the headstones. I at last decided I would buy a set of 12 plots with wonderful green trees looking toward Lake Huron in the center. I would place a huge stone that would bare our family name. The individual headstones would say, for instance, Vicki mother of, and I wanted to put concrete benches in so that folks who came to visit could have a place to sit. Thinking I had it all worked out I approached my middle child and told her of my plans. She said, "12 PLOTS? Thirty years after you’re gone no ones going to be visiting." I thought about what she said and her response and she was right. I was just looking for a shrine. A way that I could stay here, with my loved ones, and keep us alive. I know that’s impossible.
Vicki and Frank attended the annual meeting in 2003
One day, feeling unsettled about my hereafter, I typed in the word cryonics on my computer. I gave Andy a call and it seems like we spoke for days. It was affordable with insurance after all. My final choice was cryonics. After all it was my first choice and it made more since then the cemetery plot plan. I have a great peace and feel responsible.
I know in the here and now, dead is dead but I also understand this is my best chance to a life after death, as they say. Of course, I have so many loved ones buried; it breaks my heart to believe that they are forever gone. They will always live in my memory and I can share their memories as long as I have mine, in that way they still live.
In my mind, cryonics, if it ever works as intended, will save a lot of us because they are still with me. I have been a CI IS member since 1999.
How do your friends and family feel about cryonics?
As to the question of friends and family, wow, that’s so hard (and why is that). Especially with the Christians. I even try to say things like, " wouldn’t god want you to do the best you can for yourself?" When I made my choice to be a cryonicist, I felt so wonderfully responsible. I believe I’m doing the best I can to combat death and dying. I wanted to share this program with everyone. I found out quick my choice was one that most circles want to keep private.
I spoke to my kids about cryonics. I have one minor, who if anything occurred, he would be placed into the program. I have two grown girls who have families that I give information to. They don’t seem interested whatsoever and that’s a personal choice for them. I encourage them to learn more about the hope of cryonics and I of course shared my signed copy of Man into Superman with them. I know whatever beliefs they have, they believe I love them and want to always keep them safe, healthy and us together for eternity.
My husband, who I have been to CI with a couple of times, says very little about my interest. About 6 months ago, while driving home from his father’s funeral, I asked him again what he would want. He said cremation. I cried, heartbroken, knowing that in death we would be separated. I do understand that these are his wishes for whatever reason as hard as it would be for me. I will see them through just as I trust him to see mine, as different as they may be. The yearly meeting is interesting, it’s amazing the amount of intelligent members I’ve met. People from all over the place.
"Vicki at home with her shakers"
What are your hobbies, favorite pastimes etc?
I have a couple different aliases. The first is the salt and pepper lady. My aunt passed away and she collected salt and peppershakers. The type from the 1950’s. She had 6 children and none of them wanted them so I bought them from her estate, she had about 80 sets. I decided I would buy her a new set each year on her birthday in memory. Well, it’s gone amuck. I now have over 11,000 sets of salt and peppershakers. I belong to a local and national club. I even know the folks that write the books. I adore my collection and you wouldn’t believe how happy I get over a fifty cent shaker at a yard sale or find a new set I don’t have or haven’t seen.
I’m also known as the popcorn lady. Love it. Each Tuesday is popcorn day at the local theatre and I get a huge bucket for $.50. I’ve seen every movie going. This year I loved "Ray," and "The Aviator" let me down. Gosh, did you see "Million Dollar Baby?" Euthanasia was the topic, just heartbreaking. A true chic flick as they say.
What are your thoughts about the future?
You know the wonderful thing about life is you never know what the future holds. Life is a roller coaster and things change on a dime. I am a bit concerned however. You know if everyone thought like me (haha), the world would be a much better place. I do know whatever the future holds; I do want to be around to see how it turns out.
In closing, through CI I’ve gained control over my inevitable future and with IS I keep learning and growing. I am so very happy I was able to take part in this publication. In fact, all of my cryonicist family members seem to be overachievers, speaking multiple languages and inventing and designing. Shucks, I’m so very average the only thing that sets me apart is my cryonics membership. The most creative thing I do is scrap booking I am a sort of humanitarian but it’s through trying to be a good mother, wife, daughter, and nana and family member. I do contribute to my community and charities. Frank and I are so blue-collar. We own a small home improvements business and operate that the best way we can, with integrity to deal with life on life’s terms. To accept changes, loss and struggles. I certainly try to keep up with new things, take classes, but at my age I struggle there too. I’m so very proud to be a cryonicist. As bumpy as my life has been, I don’t want to go, and if I do, I hope not to be gone long. The thing we all share is our wonderful zest for living.