11 Comments
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Hilary Shepherd's avatar

Squeeeee!!! I had a great time doing the interview! I love this.

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LA Bourgeois's avatar

Yay! I enjoyed our time together, too! So glad you like the piece. ♥️

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Kathryn Gray's avatar

What a wonderful piece you've shared with us! Excellent information to know. I know everyone has their own personal wishes and desires, and I respect that. I decided to give my body to the State of Colorado upon my death where it can be used by the Medical School for education purposes if so needed or could go to a body farm again for research purposes. After going through planning my mother's funeral, even though we wanted her cremated because we're going to also do an open casket service - what you do in Kansas & for some relatives who wanted a last good bye - we still had to buy a particular kind of coffin that was silly expensive. When we did the same thing for my father in 1999 they sold very-very inexpensive caskets for just such purposes. For me the cost for my mother was rather silly, but again that is just me. I filled out the paperwork with the State about 8 years ago and a copy is with my will, so when my time comes my Personal Representative and family don't have to deal with the body & make all those heart breaking decisions while consumed by grief and loss.

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LA Bourgeois's avatar

I have to say, I LOVE THAT! I hadn't even thought of body donation until I read Stiff by Mary Roach. The whole idea of it is fascinating and bodies are so needed for research and education. Once we've settled down, I think this might be the way for me as well.

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Beth Barany's avatar

I loved the body donation too. My grandfather did that. The teaching hospital took what they needed and I think we were still able to cremate him which was weird and Grandpa would have thought it was hilarious.

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LA Bourgeois's avatar

I think I remember from Stiff that after the body has served its purpose, any remaining remains are usually cremated. But I could be remembering something wrong. It does make sense for any "leftovers" to be returned to the family, and cremation seems the best option at that point.

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Joanne Palmer's avatar

Thanks for this impt reminder. And, as always, admire your willingness to help others. 💜

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Beth Barany's avatar

So wonderful to learn of all these details for post-death arrangements and making your wishes known to your loved ones. Love the interview with the funeral director. She was so funny and real.

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LA Bourgeois's avatar

Hilary is an awesome lady! She's definitely someone you want involved with your funeral plans. Or should I say, she puts the "fun" in funeral? HA!

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SLR LuckyChix's avatar

It's always good to be in the right hands

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LA Bourgeois's avatar

Too true!

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