I have had a lovely week so far. This included having tea and cake with some girlfriends I haven't seen in years. As usual, with people I don't see often, I was asked a few questions about my profession. The women are all intelligent and modern so they didn't ask stupid questions but it reminded me of how many myths and untruths are out there. I am glad to be given the opportunity to clear things up and change opinions. Also, I was pleased to be able to offer comfort where an unanswered question had been whizzing around her brain for a few years.
Not everyone is embalmed, it depends on the Funeral Directors.
The cremated remains of someone are only theirs and are not part of someone else.
The coffin is burned with the deceased.
Mouths are gently closed using a suture.
Eye caps are to ensure the eyes stay a natural shape.
Normal embalming is to promote a peaceful final goodbye in chapel. Not to keep the deceased forever.
It is different to mummification.
Every organ is placed back in the deceased after a post mortem. Those organs which have tissue samples kept by the pathologist for further investigation are also returned. Usually within a few days.
Obviously there are going to be scenarios where the parameters above are moved, but generally correct.
There has been something awful in the press the last couple of days, I'm not posting the link as it is not something I want to promote. I do want to say however, that in all my years of working in this profession, I have NEVER EVER EVER met anyone who doesn't treat with respect, each dead human body. If someone has suffered a traumatic death, it leaves everyone within the company sad. No one I have ever met or worked with has taken any joy or mirth from it. If you read this awful story in the press, please don't believe for one second there are many people like him. Truthfully, there really are not.
I have an embalming meeting on Sunday with my division of the British Institute of Embalmers. It is lovely to get together with my friends and colleagues from three or more counties and chat about work and their families. We meet three or four times a year and sometimes have lectures from relevant professionals such as Coroners or Forensic Odontologists. Sometimes we meet in hospital labs for tours or, on occasion, breweries!
Until next time, my friends, you could do worse than to watch Departures. A lovely Japanese film showing the dignity and care they offer the deceased.
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