Why do we Embalm?
Death is a certainty we all possess in life and the loss of a loved one is inevitable, unfortunately at times sooner rather than later and in general, one which is rarely discussed and frequently unprepared for.
The traditional Irish funeral involves a "wake" which usually occurs in the deceased's home or a close family member's home and more recently, family may decide to have the deceased's remains resting in the Chapel of Rest attached to the nominated funeral director.
The choice of waking a loved one is entirely individual and in all circumstances avails family and friends the opportunity to pay their respects and view the body of the deceased.
The grief process which proceeds loss, cannot be bypassed or avoided and presents with no specific time frame and can be revisited at any time. On reflection of this process, which is entirely personal and individual to each circumstance, the value of viewing a loved one when they die, should in essence never be led to question or scrutiny, in maintaining dignity and respect for the deceased and assisting close family to accept that death has occurred, therefore, confirming the theory 'seeing is believing' and to enter and embrace the grief process with positivity and clothe them with pleasant lasting memories of their loved one when they have reached their final journey in this life.
The professional skills of an Embalmer is paramount in endeavouring to meet the above goal for the families whom we are called to serve.
Modern embalming is the temporary hygienic treatment and preparation of a deceased remains using a formaldehyde based fluid to sanitise and preserve the body which ultimately enables an optimal natural presentation of the deceased for their family.