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

End

I don't worry about the world ending.  It has ended for me many times and always started the next morning. Until next time  Tim
Post a Comment
Read more

Mentor

  When my photography journey rekindled back in 2015 with a trip to Maine, I never knew how far I would come and how important pushing a button on a camera would be. I have come a long way, but still have so much more to learn. A mentor is described as an experienced and trusted adviser (noun) . Also, as someone who will advise or train (someone, especially a younger  colleague ) (verb). Wikipedia also states mentorship is the patronage, influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor. A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.  Since I have gotten more serious about my photography, I have been looking for a mentor that fits these categories listed above. Seeking guidance, I reached out to a handful of “professional” photographers to inquire about mentorship. I received no response from one person, another person casually mentioned that they rarely mentor, and a third person kindly explained that they ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Somewhere I Belong

  Music is so powerful. It is an integral part of my life. It often helps me express my feelings that I cannot do otherwise in any form. Yesterday this happened to me once again. I drove to Curby, Indiana for my massage. It is a nice smooth drive west on interstate 64 to exit 92. With the temperature in the upper 70s and the sun shining brightly, I had all four windows down and my sunroof open. Cruising at 78mph, my playlist on shuffle and the radio turned up. We have all done this. I arrived at my massage location and as it begun, my massage therapist referenced my latest post tiled 3am . She, however, had a different take on it. She mentioned that she had read waking up at 3am consistently was because of anxiety or anger, not creativity. The CALM app states, “ The mind has a funny way of kicking into overdrive just when you need rest the most. Stress and anxiety can activate your body’s “fight or flight” response, making it hard to stay asleep . ” For me, waking up at 3am h...
Post a Comment
Read more