Skip to main content

Upon my death

Today’s post may be a bit morbid to some but I made what I feel is an honorable decision. It was my choice and I am proud I made it.

As I get older I have often thought of my mortality and how I want my life to be celebrated. Part of that stems from my good friend’s loss of his father recently. I read the obituary for his father and decided at that moment I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

After some soul searching and research, I spoke to my wife and decided to donate my body to the University of Indiana Anatomical Education Program, which is part of the Indiana University Medical School. The program authorizes “the acquisition and distribution of donated human remains as well as the formulation of standards for the use of donated human remains.”

After filling out a small form, getting it signed by two witnesses and mailing it back, then I will be approved. Upon death, Marcie or Gavin will call a number, answer two medical questions and IU will arrange transportation, embalming, notify Social Security and assist in filing paperwork (death certificate, etc.). After they are through with me they will cremate me and per my request send my ashes back to Marcie or Gavin.

My body will be used for the education of young doctors, and I cannot think of anything more honorable. However, there is a religious conflict I have to take into account.

Growing up Catholic, I have tried to follow the ways of the religion but have often strayed from some of them for various personal beliefs and reasons. Researching this topic again, I found out as a Catholic I can only have one mass, and that ashes must be buried not scattered unless approved by the church.

I will work out the intimate details with my wife but have decided to forego a Catholic mass after my death, and indeed do want my ashes scattered not buried (still deciding on a location but likely one of 3 places). I would like a small marker placed somewhere, but no formal burial or grand ceremonial process to go with it. I also want to decline the reading of a eulogy. Writing one is okay with me. If Marcie or Gavin does have a gathering (I don’t see the necessity), I must insist people come dressed casually. No ties, or suits. I do however want my pictures to be displayed. Not pictures of me, but of the ones I have taken. An electronic display of my work can scroll in a loop, but I would also like 25 of my best pictures printed as 8×10, framed, hung and then given away after the celebration (if there is one).

My decisions and my wishes are in writing. As I put more thought into this I may change my mind on certain aspects, but not donating my body to science. If you never thought about donating your body, at least consider it. To me, it is an honor to help educate others after I am gone.

Until next time

Tim

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Love to get your feedback on what you read!

Popular posts from this blog

Rocky Ridge/Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Today I met my buddy Mark at O’ Bannon Woods State Park for a hike.  In this Coronavirus terrifying world, I needed to get out. My week had not been going so well.  I got some surprises at work that changed how future projects will go for me and I was bombarded by daily messages of doom about the Corona Virus.  I was looking forward to the weekend because I had two hikes planned.  This is the only one that happened. After a two day headache (Friday and Saturday) I was able to get out and hike.  I met Mark at the campground in O’ Bannon Woods and we set off on the Rocky Ridge Trail.  This is the trail we had planned on hiking a few weekends ago but it ended quickly when the forecasted 30% of rain became 100% sleet. The trail this time was still muddy but as I could tell by the campground area we would be alone.  As my boots slushed through the mud I watched from behind as Mark often caught a tree root or rock with the toe of his boot, sending...
Post a Comment
Read more

I almost died - Adventure Hiking Trail.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography (https://www.instagram.com/timothybme/) This morning I was able to cross off a mini-bucket list item.  I have always wanted to hike on the Adventure Hiking Trail (AHT) and today I achieved that with my good friend Mark. We met in the parking lot by the guard shack at the entrance to the park.  We took a moment to greet each other and both of us tried to decide to wear a jacket or not.  Mark loves to drive and since he has a Jeep I was okay with him hauling us to our starting point.  I loaded my gear in his Jeep, climbed in and we headed off. As Mark turned onto Cold Friday Road I felt my excitement level begin to rise as I had been looking forward to this hike for a long time.  The road, though paved was very bumpy and curvy.  It was littered with debris.  Not man-made debris but the kind only Mother Nature could provide.  The Jeep crushed branches, it road over leaves and small rocks, and we seemed to feel every puddle and pothole as we descended the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography This week I rode an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt like I had no safety belt to keep my securely locked in place.  The week began with yet another bill that seems for the last month we have been hemorrhaging money for state taxes, many home repairs, and car repairs.  My son’s truck had work being done and the price ended up $200+ more than expected.  After dropping my car off for a simple oil leak and picking his truck up I was soon informed that my simple oil leak also involved a radiator leak and a bill of $1700+.  I needed an outlet and the best place for that is the trails. Friday started well.  I met a friend for lunch.  This friend recently retired from my employer and though I didn’t know him that well I always enjoyed talking to him and felt we had some things in common with music.  I tend to gravitate toward older people (especially men), always welcoming their knowledge and experience of life.  This was no exception.  Our lunch meeting c...
Post a Comment
Read more