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Ask a mortician

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  • Posts: 2,163 Member
    edited January 2018
    Oh my gawd I have so many questions.... that I didn't even I had!

    Is it weird being around dead people?
    What actually is embalming?
    Does it smell funny?

    ETA: I'm totally about to go read from the beginning, so don't feel obligated to answer these if you already did on the thread.
  • Posts: 299 Member
    So this is just how my brain is wired, but...
    Do you peak under the sheet to see how big the guys parts are? I would have to know but also feel really guilty afterwards for looking when they're helpless to defend themselves in that state :grimace:
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    So this is just how my brain is wired, but...
    Do you peak under the sheet to see how big the guys parts are? I would have to know but also feel really guilty afterwards for looking when they're helpless to defend themselves in that state :grimace:

    Nope, once you see a thousand of them it becomes just like any other body part. I don't think anything of it.
  • Posts: 11,962 Member
    How do people react when they ask you what you do?
  • Posts: 1,831 Member
    caco_ethes wrote: »
    How do people react when they ask you what you do?

    I can answer this one - they probably get real stiff
  • Posts: 2,163 Member
    If a person isn't embalmed but are cremated, does the blood go into the retort? Does it evaporate?
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    caco_ethes wrote: »
    How do people react when they ask you what you do?

    They either think its fascinating or weird. I've been told several times I don't look like the type.
    aeloine wrote: »
    If a person isn't embalmed but are cremated, does the blood go into the retort? Does it evaporate?

    We don't remove any body fluids before the cremation.It isn't necessary. The heat evaporates all of the fluids.
  • Posts: 33,711 Member
    Have you ever had a picnic in a grave yard? If so, why?
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    cee134 wrote: »
    Have you ever had a picnic in a grave yard? If so, why?

    No, but there great places to go for a walk and unwind.
  • Posts: 3,866 Member
    You seem very content with what you do. Maybe you already are involved, but do you have aspirations to do other things in the same field? Do you find that work invades your dreams?
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  • Posts: 405 Member
    edited January 2018
    Are you the same lady with the Youtube CHannel titled the same?
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    csbnga wrote: »
    You seem very content with what you do. Maybe you already are involved, but do you have aspirations to do other things in the same field? Do you find that work invades your dreams?

    Being a medical examiner seems interesting, but I don't think its worth the hassle of getting my doctorates.

    When I get really stressed I go through periods when I have nightmares about loved ones dying or someone trying to murder me.
    Is there really someone who does your hair and makeup? Would they be willing to do face paint?

    I do the make-up and the deceased's hairdresser or barber usually comes to do their hair. I could do face paint, but my artistic skills are lacking :tongue:
    Are you the same lady with the Youtube CHannel titled the same?

    No, that isn't me.. I've watched many of her videos.
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    Yesterday, we had a funeral for a man who shot himself. His wife gave us a list of songs to play during the visitation and service, one of the songs was 45 by Shinedown. I'd never heard it before and I was horrified when it started playing. "Staring down the barrel of a .45" aren't the lyrics anyone wants to hear at the funeral for someone who shot himself.

    It was a crappy situation enough as it is, but to add that to it.... that was like adding salt to a wound. I conveniently "forgot" to play the song during the service.
  • Posts: 3,866 Member
    Yesterday, we had a funeral for a man who shot himself. His wife gave us a list of songs to play during the visitation and service, one of the songs was 45 by Shinedown. I'd never heard it before and I was horrified when it started playing. "Staring down the barrel of a .45" aren't the lyrics anyone wants to hear at the funeral for someone who shot himself.

    It was a crappy situation enough as it is, but to add that to it.... that was like adding salt to a wound. I conveniently "forgot" to play the song during the service.

    That's awful. Makes you wonder if she wanted it played out of hurt or anger, or what. Good thing someone with sense and caring was there <3
  • Posts: 299 Member
    Yesterday, we had a funeral for a man who shot himself. His wife gave us a list of songs to play during the visitation and service, one of the songs was 45 by Shinedown. I'd never heard it before and I was horrified when it started playing. "Staring down the barrel of a .45" aren't the lyrics anyone wants to hear at the funeral for someone who shot himself.

    It was a crappy situation enough as it is, but to add that to it.... that was like adding salt to a wound. I conveniently "forgot" to play the song during the service.

    That is messed up :neutral:

    Random story that's similar-
    When my son's father over dosed, we hadn't been together for years, but because we were still married I had to put together a lot of the funeral. I was asked to choose a couple songs, but I was lost with what to pick. I was like, "oh hey, maybe our graduating class song would be good!"
    Turns out, Good Riddance by Green Day wasn't the best choice :grimace: But if the songs fits....
  • Posts: 1,831 Member
    As a dead person, what can I do to make your job easier?
  • Posts: 2,677 Member
    eccomi_qui wrote: »
    As a dead person, what can I do to make your job easier?

    I'm glad you asked :smile:

    Leave behind written instructions of what you want when you die :burial or cremation, service or no service, music preferences, clothes you want to wear, where your family can find important documents, or a letter to those left behind would be comforting.

    Please don't die with a beard if you don't normally have one. One of the most aggravating things to do while embalming is trying to shave off a big ole beard. They're such a pain.

    That's all I've got for now.
  • Posts: 1,831 Member

    I'm glad you asked :smile:

    Leave behind written instructions of what you want when you die :burial or cremation, service or no service, music preferences, clothes you want to wear, where your family can find important documents, or a letter to those left behind would be comforting.

    Please don't die with a beard if you don't normally have one. One of the most aggravating things to do while embalming is trying to shave off a big ole beard. They're such a pain.

    That's all I've got for now.

    Thank you, I am now prepared for my eventual death
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