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

Kevin Mullins

I finally was able to get one of my favorite (if not my favorite) professional photographer to answer a few questions as part of my interview series.  I am honored he took the time to answer a few questions for me. I discovered Kevin’s work via research on YouTube and happening upon his channel.  He is a professional wedding photographer (and some street) but emphasizes documentary photography.  Most weddings especially here in the United States are portrait driven or posed, Kevin’s is not.  He captures candid moments from various views and none are staged or posed.  He also shoots predominantly monochrome which is my favorite. Kevin is a Fujifilm ambassador, which means he gets to try out various Fuji cameras, provides feedback to Fuji and helps to promote the brand.  Unlike other camera companies (to my knowledge) he is free to like or dislike cameras, lenses or even functions of those cameras without repercussion.   Also unlike other companies, though he gets to try vario...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nova Scotia - Day 5

Day 5. September 29, 2022. Today would be a bit of a longer day of travel, but we saw sights that surprised me. I guess I now know why Nova Scotia means New Scotland. The morning began as normal, but this time packing up our stuff to head to the next location. We had a Merci chocolate bar, and our receipt was left for us by our host. Our first stop was breakfast. We heard about a place that served breakfast, so we backtracked to Portside Lounge and I had the best pumpkin spice French toast I have ever eaten. Marcie got the same but couldn’t finish her portion, so extra for me. Our first destination was Cape Forchu Light House . It is a lighthouse like no other. The light house sat high on a rocky hill and is at the bottom of Nova Scotia. I remember looking out at sea and thinking that if a boat went straight, it would not hit land until the Bahamas. There was a visitor center (closed) and walking paths around the place. There was even a pole with destination markers on it. Everywhere ...
Post a Comment
Read more