The Final Choice

The topic of one's own death is unsettling to say the least, yet it's interesting to consider. When the question was first posed as a topic, I admit I was at a loss as to an answer. What do I want done with my body after I'm gone? I tried to break it down into three factors: what will be done with my body, what type of funeral, and what kind of grave marker?

It would be great if I could donate my organs to those in medical need, yet preferably I'll live a very long life which would mean my organs may not be in the best condition for such a thing. So in that case, how about donating my body for science? (Insert 'For Science' meme here.)

Upon completing the required paperwork, you can agree to a full body donation, or a partial one, but not both. You can also specifically donate your brain to facilities that study mental health. There is a nice little article that describes the medical uses of donating ones body found here, it's not the most scientific but it's an easy read and gives a general overview. However, you can also donate your body to other scientific purposes, such as Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds. I personally would prefer to donate my body specifically for education in medical training. For reasons that I find hard to explain, I would not wish to have my body 'posed' for public display. I recognize the educational value, but I still find it rather impersonal and I still would like to be considered a person instead of a 'specimen'.

So what then are my other options? How about a traditional Western burial, one of the most, if not the most common practice: interment. There is something very connected about burial within a cemetery, especially when you know that you will be surrounded by your closest family. Then again, I find being dolled up, placed in a sealed coffin, then placed into the ground a bit... unnatural. Ideally, I would like to be placed in the ground without a coffin, however to human body is too toxic for this to be possible. To make up for this there is a relatively recent practice that is rising in popularity: green burials. The effort of simplifying the burial procedure to better the environment, however, is ironically rather complex.

Overall, I'm drawn to cremation, and to have my ashes cast out into the ocean. For those that know me, I have somewhat of an obsession with ships, nautical gadgets, and the feeling of being surrounded by ocean on all sides. What could be more perfect than finally becoming one with the sea? The drawback in this, for me, would be that no physical trace of my remains would be left with my family. Would it be possible to spread some of my ashes in the ocean, and bury the rest next to my family in a quiet cemetery with a little plaque?

Such a decision about what I should do with my body, I feel should not be made quickly. The choice will affect how you are remembered and seen by family and strangers. My preference right now will not necessarily be the same as in the future when I have graduated and have a job and family of my own. So the answer to my 'final choice' would be: 'Has yet to be determined.'