The Final Journey - E-book - ePub

   I am an ordinary girl from a small town in Alabama, preparing to graduate with my associate's degree and pursue my bachelor's degree. It's a significant achievement for me, considering my previous dislike for school. Writing has always been my passion and I even wrote my first book of poetry when I was just six years old, although it reads like the work of a three-year-old. I'm also a substitute teacher and a dog lover.
I have dedicated a great deal of time, effort, and love to this book.      This book is the true depiction of my previous job as a mortuary transfer technician. It is not a happy-ever-after book. Be prepared to cry. This role extends far beyond the mere transportation of deceased individuals. It is a responsibility that involves providing comfort and support to grief-stricken families during one of their most vulnerable and despairing moments.
At times, the family is unprepared for this. To show respect, we often take a step outside to allow them their last moments to hold their loved ones and say their final goodbyes.  There are many times I have to compose myself as well. Then we gently take their loved ones away. Parents, who have just experienced the most devastating loss of a child, have to hand over their children or babies to us for the last time.
We are witnesses to heart-wrenching moments when couples, who have spent a lifetime inseparable must now watch us drive off with their one and only true soul mate in the back of our van. We are strangers to them. Imagine that for a moment.    This occupation is unlike any other. It involves witnessing heart-wrenching moments that most people can't even imagine. There are many days this job feels particularly heavy or the physical demands, extreme emotional pain, and severe lack of sleep, make me want to throw my work phone in the ocean and sleep for a week.
Our dedication, patience, and compassion is unwavering. We are on call for a grueling 96 hours straight. If we get a call, we have 10 minutes to get dressed and out the door, it does not matter if you have been up for 24 hours, or if you have your struggles to deal with. You have to show up and give 100% of yourself to these families because they deserve nothing less. It may seem like an average job to you, but I am here to tell you from firsthand experience, that it is anything but that.
What you're going to read in this book will shock you, sadden you, and probably make you question everything you thought you knew about dying.    The topic of death is often seen as taboo in our society. We forget it is a universal experience that connects each of us. Everyone should be comfortable when discussing it. The more we understand, the better equipped we are to navigate through it.  I also believe that much of the fear surrounding death diminishes as we acquire more knowledge about it.
Researchers have concluded that the people who embrace and accept death live more meaningful lives. Which makes complete sense. We appreciate people and precious moments more when we know neither is going to last forever. It has been said that the ones who are afraid of death don't live at all. Both of these are some of the truest statements I have heard.     My aim with this book is to ease some of your fears concerning death.
By incorporating humor whenever possible, I aim to counter the sadness often associated with the subject. It is my firm belief that nobody should fear something that ultimately has the potential to be a beautiful and profound experience.