Anatomical Gifts and the
Impact on Funeral Tributes
By RICK ALLEN
We have all heard the saying , “ It ’ s better to give than to receive .” Giving with a generous heart often warms the soul of the grantor far beyond the recipient . I cannot begin to imagine how difficult the thought process is for family members who have lost a loved one , and within minutes , are asked to make a quick decision on organ / tissue donation . “ Giving the gift of life ” sounds like an easy decision until it involves one of your own . I have not been in the situation of deciding on donation , but my brother was the recipient of a transplanted lung and I can speak firsthand of the joy felt by a family whose loved one gets that second chance at life . Although we were so happy his long wait was over , our hearts ached for the family who had lost someone close to them . Their sadness was just beginning and it is important to realize they need a great deal of care and attention .
In no way would I try to encourage someone to be a donor , nor would I discourage someone who is considering it . It is very important to realize , however , what is being agreed upon and how those decisions will impact other wishes you may have . Typically , donating corneas and certain tissue will have minimal impact , if any , on the ability to have viewing of a person ’ s body . Larger organ donation , such as heart , lungs and kidneys also do little to impact one ’ s ability to view the body , although this does create a more difficult embalming process . You may encounter extra cost related to such from the funeral home
Occasionally , a person chooses to donate their whole body to a school or research facility . While the receiving institution will file the required paperwork with the state on behalf of the family , they do nothing to help a family create a meaningful and appropriate tribute , nor do they help a family find ways to say “ good-bye .” This is where family members can get stuck in the middle . There are numerous details that must be addressed , decisions made , and items tended to of which a funeral director is uniquely qualified to help . Families have come to realize this , oftentimes in the 11th hour , when they want register books , service folders , a flag , an honor guard , flowers , and a reception following their memorial service at their church . Unfortunately , no plan to accomplish these things is thought of until the day before the service .
Funeral directors bring “ life ” to events that are necessary as a result of a death . While this may sound strange , funeral directors have the knowledge and experience to not only help a family arrange for things they want , but also suggest things a family might never think of doing that will add much to a memorial service . Funeral directors arrange for , carry out , and coordinate a number of details the general public never knows about . These behind-the-scene duties mostly go unnoticed because things are present where expected , previously arranged to be carried out , and available when needed . On the other hand , a memorial service without proper attention to detail will be lacking organization , direction , and a unique and personal tone .
Funeral homes today must prepare for changing needs from our client families . The traditional , cookie-cutter funeral does not meet the needs of the majority of the people any longer . While religious rites may change slightly , if at all , numerous other aspects surrounding death and the many options people demand are constantly changing . The successful funeral home of today listens to the needs of the consumer . The truly exceptional funeral homes of today anticipate those needs ahead of the consumer and have choices and solutions readily available to help families in a variety of different situations .
When you talk about your final wishes , if those plans include donation , involve a funeral director in those discussions . If your funeral director does not include service offerings for families who choose donation , find one who does .
DENTON COUNTY • 29