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

A gift from a friend

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Recently I received a gift from a friend.  It was unexpected but it meant so much.  A simple gesture, an act of kindness, a show of love and friendship. I met Miranda via Instagram based on a recommendation from my buddy Mark.  Like most things, he recommends I seriously consider and highly respect his suggestions.  This was true to form.  I began following Miranda on Instagram, Facebook and even viewing her website.  I stuck up a few online conversations and got the nerve to ask her for an interview.  I wrote about that here . Eventually, text and online correspondence led to a few phone calls.  I admired her work and even discussed creating a book of my own and she admitted wanting to do one as well.  Specifically, I saw two pictures that I loved.  My passion for nature, especially trees is well known.  When I saw this photo (single tree) I was floored.  I even asked her if I could buy a copy.  Nothing really came of that.  I then saw another photo ...
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

Halloween scare

Photo by: Tim Bindner Saturday morning, I headed out for a short hike at Mt. Saint Francis. My legs were recovering from the previous day’s walk around Cave Hill Cemetery, so I went somewhere close. I made the 4.02 hike, but learned some things along the way. It was still dark when I arrived in the parking lot. My car was the only one there, and I liked the thought of being completely alone. As I walked a familiar route down toward the lake, the 38 degree weather invigorated me. My lungs filled with the cool air and boosted my energy. As I got closer to the lake, I could see steam rising from the lake, and quickly captured this shot above. I again chose color to shoot today, due to the beautiful leaves that provided me with a perfect canvas upon which to shoot. Today I brought my older model Fuji XT-1 camera with my $25 vintage lens. I felt it was appropriate and hoped this older camera and lens would provide me a fresh look to one of my favorite trails. The trails weren’t...
Post a Comment
Read more