Is there a Value in Viewing?
Shun Newbern, CFSP

Good information is the basis of good solid decision making.  When a loved one dies, we all know, intellectually, that they really have died. But people, regardless of how bright or sophisticated - have strong feelings which are not logical when a powerful emotional issue is involved. Seeing the body as the focal point of a ritual (the funeral service) is a powerful form of reality testing.  When one is dead, they are dead.

Social scientists who study grief and the serious psychological problems it can cause consistently find value in viewing and the funeral. We all know instinctively how bad not seeing the body would be when a person goes missing, soldier dies overseas, plane crashes or a bombing occurs. Thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent searching for lost bodies, and we all understand why.

Most of us was taught from childhood that the polite and proper thing to do was to say "Hello" when we meet someone and "Good-Bye" when we departed their presence. In the Western Culture we acknowledge contact with another person with a hand shake, hug, high five, smile or a nod of the head.  And finally, when we leave the presence of another person we shake hands, give hugs but most importantly we say "Good-Bye" - this was all taught from childhood.  Thus, when someone suddenly dies the family and friends has the basic, and very distinctive human need to say "good-bye". 

Embalmers are professional, skilled, knowledgeable and well trained to restore decedents after a febrile disease, long-term disease or trauma of any kind.  Shun Newbern & Associates also offer training for embalmers who lack those skills or who would like to improve their standard of care.  Reconstructive surgery performed is a unique professional expertise that cannot be provided by discipline and provides an enormous value for families.

The Great Values of Viewing :

Ø  Provides the family and friends with the confrontation that death has in fact occurred to test the reality - seeing is believing.

Ø  Without viewing it can be difficult for the family and friends to persuade their own mind that their loved one or close friend is gone.  Denial can cause a person to continually expect their deceased loved one to someday "just walk through the door."

Ø  Viewing the body is a very special time that allows the family and friends to begin the transition into their new life.  That new life is continuing to live onward without the presence of their loved.

Ø  Viewing provides comfort and a time for everyone to say goodbye to the deceased in their own personal way.

Ø  Viewing provides a means of social support. Regardless of the method chosen for final disposition of the body a public visitation can be of great help to family and friends in dealing with the grieving and mourning process.

Ø  Viewing of the body should always be considered before final disposition.

Ø  The open casket viewing is the most personalized part of any funeral ritual or ceremony. Not having the body present at a funeral ceremony or ritual is like having a wedding ceremony without the bride or groom being present. 

For current embalming, restorative art presentations please use click on the "Seminar" page above.

References:
Adams, Jack (September 2002). The Key to a Successful Viewing, The Dodge Magazine

Fountain, Vernie (June 2008) Fountain National Academy of Professional Services, Springfield, MO, Retrieved July 10, 2009 from: http://www.fnacademy.com

Steele, Dr. Donald W. Steele Consulting and Publications, Mansfield, MA, http://www.steelepublication.com