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It is such a personal decision for most people when it comes to, for lack of a better word, the disposal of their body after death. There are so many options and so many considerations.

Many peoples' religious beliefs dictate the ceremony that surrounds their death. The wishes of their family is also a factor. A lot of people just do not have the information about all their options.

I have recently been discussing with my parents their wishes when they pass on. My father wants a large funeral here where we live now in Virginia. Then have his body transported back to his family's birthplace in New Hampshire where his body is to be buried in his family's plot. We will, of course, abide by his wishes due to the respect and love that we have for him. But, on a purely unemotional, financial, and logical level, this request is so overwhelming. All I keep thinking about is the extra burden and stress that is going to be placed on my mother if my father passes away first. Not only will she be dealing with her sorrow and loss but also with the responsibility of making sure all the arrangements are carried out and covering the cost.

My mother on the other hand wants to go completely in a different direction. She has signed up to be a donor and she wants to look into what she needs to do to have her body donated to medical science. My father can not understand this and wanted her to explain. She said that there were three reasons for her decision.

1. No burden put on her family. Her loved ones could still have a memorial service. She does not think that it makes any difference if her body is there or not. She knows her spirit will always be with us because of the love we share.

2. The financial strain will be limited. She just can't see spending so much money on a funeral.

3. Religious belief. She is very spiritual and definitely believes God. She believes though that once you die you no longer need your body. God gave her this life to live the best that she could and one of the best things that she can do is to help others. Even in death, she feels that she can help others by donating her organs and body to science.

As I have said, this is a very personal decision and people make their choice for very different reasons. I personally lean towards my mother's decision and feel that I will follow in her footsteps.

It is wonderful that in recent years it has become so easy to get information and to sign up to be an organ donor. I think that this needs to happen with the subject of donating your body to medical science. People should have the opportunity to acquire in an easily accessible manner, information on this subject so that they can make an informed educated decision based on their personal feelings.

By donating your body to medical science, you could actually continue to help the living. It is definitely an option and one that should be researched.

Learn more about this author, Amy Denney.
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