Funeral Pictures

[slo]

When my dad's parents died he took photos of both of his parents in their casket. He's the first and only person I have encountered personally that has done this.

 

[froglady]

THis whole thread has reminded me of a program I saw on PBS recently. It was about a resurgence of home funerals, where the family takes care of everything.

I was so intrigued, that I sent away for more information. I could see doing this if a family member died at home, and the death was expected. Florida has a state requirement that if the body isn't embalmed, it must be refrigerated, which would create problems. Otherwise, I would consider it. I have a front "parlor" which isn't used, and would be more than large enough. I'm a retired nurse, so have seen my fair share of dead bodies, so that wouldn't be a problem. And there is a casket store in town which does 24 hour a day deliveries. Everyone in my family has requested to be cremated, so that isn't a problem. Apparently (according to the literature) despite what undertakers might say, unless a person died of a communicable disease, there is little risk of "catching" anything, as long as you use universal precautions. I think being able to spend as much time as I need with the deceased would be very comforting to me, but understand that most people wouldn't consider it.

 

[Disney Doll]

If it helps people with grieving, I have no problem wih it, although I wouldn't care to see pictures of a departed loved one in their casket. I do think it should be done discreetly though, or prior to the visiting hours starting.

 

[phamton]

For more information on the "dead ringer" and "wakes" see:
http://www.snopes.com/language/phrases/1500.htm

 

[ladydancer]

Originally posted by froglady
THis whole thread has reminded me of a program I saw on PBS recently. It was about a resurgence of home funerals, where the family takes care of everything.

I was so intrigued, that I sent away for more information. I could see doing this if a family member died at home, and the death was expected. Florida has a state requirement that if the body isn't embalmed, it must be refrigerated, which would create problems. Otherwise, I would consider it. I have a front "parlor" which isn't used, and would be more than large enough. I'm a retired nurse, so have seen my fair share of dead bodies, so that wouldn't be a problem. And there is a casket store in town which does 24 hour a day deliveries. Everyone in my family has requested to be cremated, so that isn't a problem. Apparently (according to the literature) despite what undertakers might say, unless a person died of a communicable disease, there is little risk of "catching" anything, as long as you use universal precautions. I think being able to spend as much time as I need with the deceased would be very comforting to me, but understand that most people wouldn't consider it.

I just read last week that Costco (I think) is selling coffins for $800.00 in some market areas.

As you said: I could do that too. I don't have any medical background. I did take care of my mother while dying of cancer a few years ago. She wanted to die at home. She got her wish. Since it took about 6 hrs for them to remove her body from her home she could have just stayed there. It wouldn't have bothered me. She had a 1 day viewing then cremated.

I happen to watch the new reality show on the Discovery Channel that takes place in a funeral home. I saw an episode where the mormen women came to the funeral home to dress there mother for her funeral. I never knew mormens did this but is interesting.