Some of you read my tribute to my grandmother Grandma's Tribute Through this I received not only comments but some personal emails. For me I believe no matter what the condition you treat with respect. If the person is dieing you walk out of the room to disagree. You don't talk about their death in the same room. You don't down grade them or another family member in the room. If the person has already died you treat that body with respect, wash it better then you have before, handle better then before.
Definition on The Free Dictionary
1. The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect. 2. Inherent nobility and worth: the dignity of honest labor. 3. a. Poise and self-respect. b. Stateliness and formality in manner and appearance. 4. The respect and honor associated with an important position. 5. A high office or rank. 6. dignities The ceremonial symbols and observances attached to high office. 7. Archaic A dignitary.
In your own words what do you say is dignity?
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Comments: 17
I was watching a TV show last night where the mortician was treating the body with the highest level of respect. My Christian beliefs are that the body is an empty shell, but I so appreciated the consideration he was giving the family and the deceased.
May be empty but it deserves dignity
The body might be an empty shell, but to the family surviving it is too new of an experience, too fresh, and it's hard to see that body as an empty shell.
I agree with Renee.
The body is an empty shell but it represents the life of a person who was very real.
Renee, my wife's brother-in-law died Sunday, father's Day. In Montana.///
Now I agree with just about all anybody else, and yourself, has said about treating the dead with dignity. Goodness yes---I just beg people to not wait until death to treat your loved one, or your neighbor, etc, with dignity.
The dead can't see or smell the flowers.
The dead can't see, hear, or appreciate the tears.
Just treat the living with dignity while they're here. Then yes, when they're gone, continue that dignity.
back to my wife's brother-in-law. By his own I'm told, and his wife's wishes he was cremated and there will be a scattering at some point.
I personally hate cremations ( not sitting in Judgement) -- it's just so foreign to me.
What do you think on that subject--and I mean no disrespect to anyone, of the living, or gone, who have made that decision. Lonnie
But again--- treat the living with dignity first and foremost.
Lonnie I don't like cremation. I think people chose it for the wrong reason. For instance they always think it is cheaper when actually it isn't. If you figure all the stuff you still do. If you have a visitation you still have to embalm for instance. Here in IL it is illegal to scatter ashes which I didn't know till my first husband's father died.
I just think cremation is wrong. Maybe it's like you said. I mean no disrespect either.
I am sorry for your loss as well.
Since my mother in law passed away, I understand what you are getting at. But, it seemed that she knew she was dying before any of us, and never said a word.
You have to have respect for anyone that is being treated in a hospital and try to look at the positives and treat them as if they will come home. If not, you will never get to say, I love you or get the closure you need.
I believe all people, because of their status as human beings, deserve to be treated with dignity at all times, but especially at their most vulnerable times, such as with your grandmother. Another word for dignity is respect. Treat people the way you want to be treated, and you will be treating them with dignity.
Very true
What do I say is dignity? I've never really stopped to define it before, it just was, but let me see if I can't put it into words.
Dignity is the acknowlegment of true value. Every living thing has true value, therefore deserving of respect.
This was a good post, Renee. It will make people think.
Very good you did well describing it in words. I am hoping it makes people think.
Whether empty or not the family see's there "Grandma" or "Other family member". Since we have decided to go and say goodbye as a closing gesture in someones life, yes there should be dignity.
Sorry for your loss Renee I haven't been around much. A lot of bull crap keeping me too busy.
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Karen~
Thank you and I understand.
putting someone on a petatal
Putting others ahead of self.
Excellent post, Renee! And I agree with Lonnie in stating and even questioning why we so routinely wait untill someone's last days or their death to dignify and celebrate their importance and their life....... If we extend to each other adequate and unselfish love, appreciation and dignified them while they live, many would not be carrying the heavy burden of guilt and remorse that we so often struggle with after a person's death... "Blanket me with sweet perfumed flowers while I yet live" seems to express all that need be said and done......