Page 96 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
HONORING SENIORS

Restoration

vs.

Preservation by Laura Landes

he Father of Embalming. Dr. Frederick Ruysch, a Dutch “When I saw my husband, I fell in love with him all over
botanist and anatomist, developed groundbreaking again.”
Tmethods of anatomical preservation and discovered the
first successful system of arterial embalming in the early 1700’s. Among the hundreds of heartfelt expressions of thanks I
Today, even with modern advancements, few changes have have received over the years, these words whispered by one
been made to this process, and the basic principles remain the gracious widow moved me to my very core. In that moment, I
same. had a heart-stopping realization of the difference this level of
dedication can make. As a result of this experience, along with
The goal: to preserve the physical body until which time all so many others, I have come to realize how grateful I am for
services have been completed, and the interment, inurnment or the opportunity to make such a profound difference. With each
cremation has taken place. new family served, my desire to enrich the lives of the loved
ones left behind through the Art of Restoration, has continued
Mortuary students are all taught the same basic fundamentals to flourish.
of the embalming process. We are lectured and tested on how
to preserve the body properly for an extended period of time.
We receive ample instruction to determine the use of proper
chemicals, instruments and techniques necessary to complete
this task. We are also advised, briefly, on how to rebuild
noses, ears, etc. in the event of trauma. However, there is
little to no instruction given regarding the “restoration” of the
human body.

Restoration is quite different from preservation. The ability to YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND OUR
restore the physical body to a state prior to a lengthy illness
or other tragic event is a skillset few possess. Restoration is
obtained using a slightly different arsenal of equipment and
more intensive techniques. This process requires natural
Meet Your Local Experts -
talent, years of experience, and most importantly, attention “Education is not preparation for The 1 Tuesday of Every Month
life; education is life itself.”
st
to detail. Individuals possessing this expertise are referred to ~John Dewey
as “restorative artists”. In addition, this craft requires a great Our FREE 1-Hour Workshops will begin at 5:30pm
deal of time and patience, as well as a level of dedication that Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers
many capable embalmers have not yet achieved. .
Upcoming Workshops:
Tuesday, March 6, 2018 @ 5:30pm
As the Restorative Artist at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial
Designers, I am most grateful to my mentor, Santos Moreno, Nick Watts – Associate Pastor/ Bacon Heights
“The Suicide Epidemic: Awareness & Intervention”
who has shown me what a beautiful, selfless gift the “art of
restoration” is to the families we serve. Through his guidance, Tuesday, April 3, 2018 @5:30pm
I have learned that the act of restoration of the physical body Brandon Arnett, Exec. Dir. – The Isle - Raider Ranch
“Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Latest Research”
can provide a great measure of peace and comfort.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 @5:30pm
The result of the extra attention and dedication often touches Elder Law Attorney
“Will or Trust: Which Is Best For Me?”
people on a profound spiritual level, and their words of
gratitude are often humbling and unforgettable. Please RSVP For Each Workshop: 806-698-8085
Please call for information on upcoming workshops!
Refreshments will be served.
LAURA LANDES
EVENT COORDINATOR
806-698-8085
96 Lubbock Senior Link
96
Lubbock Senior Link