Too Poor To Bury The Dead

[jynxxxedangel]

I remember my friend Lal was recalling a time when he was a student, he had left the monastery to study different religions passing through many countries, and on this particular leg he was trekking with some catholic priests in Ireland when the rain came in.

in the middle of no where seemed this deserted cottage so they approached looking for shelter, and then noticed candlelight inside. Having gone out of their way they thought they had better knock and was welcomed inside by a young lady. who welcomed them in and shared what food she had.

from the next room they heard coughing and spluttering, and without asking the lady of the house said "oh that's himself, he should have passed on 2 days past now but he's still with us"

i found that attitude to be perculier,and wonder what most americans would think of that attitude

(on a side note the lady was a very caring person, but just realistic)

This attitude toward the dying/dead is still common in rural areas of the U.S., where most folks die at home. Dying while under the care of a hospital is a rarity, as many folks are too far away from them, and cannot afford medical care. My paternal grandfolks all died at home, as the closest hospital in those days was in Huntington-- and I'm sure they didn't have the funds or insurance to see a doctor, anyway.

Also, I remember them being laid out at home, in the parlour. Some folks were laid out in the same bedroom in which they died. When I was young (not sure if it's still this way) the county coroner was called out, usually alerted by the postman, as most folks where I came from didn't have telephones. The coroner would drop in, pronounce them dead, and write a death certificate. It was left up to the family, to make the funerary/burial arrangements to their own likings.

Edited October 3, 2009 by jynxxxedangel

[AstralCrux]

I've told my parents, flat out, that if they don't have insurance or a plan to bury themselves- they are being donated to science. I know I won't have the money for it. Besides, might as well let those future doctors learn.

[pomba gira]

Don't you actually have to pay to donate a body to a medical school? I've heard that numerous times, never looked into it seriously though.

I'd like to be part of Body Works... think I actually signed up when I saw the exhibit in Chicago.

[AstralCrux]

Don't you actually have to pay to donate a body to a medical school? I've heard that numerous times, never looked into it seriously though.

I'd like to be part of Body Works... think I actually signed up when I saw the exhibit in Chicago.

Nope donating is free... Check it out.

Biogift

[Rev.Reverence]

Don't you actually have to pay to donate a body to a medical school? I've heard that numerous times, never looked into it seriously though.

I'd like to be part of Body Works... think I actually signed up when I saw the exhibit in Chicago.

Doesn't seem like it

1.

Step 1

Preregister your donation with a local medical school or university. You'll be given a registration packet that covers policies and procedures; read it very carefully.

2.

Step 2

Sign a consent form stating your desire to donate your body, and put a copy of it with your will and other personal documents. You won't be listed as a donor until a completed form has been returned and acknowledged. Cancel your decision at any time by notifying the medical school or university in writing.

3.

Step 3

Arrange for the medical school or university to be notified when you die, so that your body can be properly transported and prepared. When your corpse is delivered to the medical institution, it will be embalmed and refrigerated until it's needed for study.

4.

Step 4

Check with the school to see what its policies and procedures are regarding your body after it has been studied. Most institutions will respectfully cremate your remains at their expense and give your ashes to your loved ones. Don't expect to get paid for your donation pre- or postmortem. By law, medical schools are not permitted to purchase anyone's body.

5.

Step 5

Contact the United Network for Organ Sharing (unos.org), a national group that oversees organ transplantation procedures in this country, for more information on donating your body.

6.

Step 6

Rest in peace? Perhaps not: Your spouse, adult children, siblings, parents and guardians can arrange to have your body donated after you die by filling out an after-death donor form. In the event that your body cannot be accepted, your family needs to make alternate plans for your disposal.

Quote from googletastic site "eHow"...