On Teeth

Sometimes when I have completed embalming, I hang around and help the other funeral workers to dress and 'coffin up' the deceased.   Today, I did that and discovered teeth when opening the bag containing clothes.

You wouldnt think that was so bad, after all, Granny needs her dentures doesnt she?  The frustrating thing about this is that her features have already been set and its one helluva task to change them.  If you find a special hair band, or rollers, lipstick or nail polish, its easy enough to apply.  Teeth?  Not so.


I enjoyed embalming a Hindu gentleman today.  It is a far more subtle job, and I didnt pack or suture the mouth as some Hindu families have a tradition of feeding rice to their loved one before washing, dressing and carrying out their death rituals.  He looked so sweet, I felt very happy knowing that his loved ones will have a pleasant experience in carrying out their final tasks for him.

I also transformed an elderly lady from a dishevelled, bunched up little thing by washing and setting her hair and giving her a jolly good top to toe during the embalming treatment.  This is all usual practise, but sometimes I notice it makes much more of a difference than at other times.   Someone who is very poorly before they pass, may not have the strength to ensure their nails and hair are clean and embalmers can return that dignity to them.