I shared with my friends about my intention to look for a job in the Mortuary and first thing they asked was "Aren't you afraid?" Nope, I wasn't. I  think that this job is meaningful as it prepares the deceased for their final journey on Earth.

I searched online and found Direct Funeral Services. I phoned the hotline. Over the phone, I shared with the Boss, Roland, about my project. He was very much willing to let me work for a day but before that, he wanted to interview me in person.

On the interviewing day, I was asked to work right after my interview. Frankly speaking, I was not fully prepared but I accepted it anyway.

What did I do? 

Once I entered the room, I stood by the side as an observer while Mr Lobenaria, a very experienced embalmer in Singapore, started to embalm the deceased body. The process was indeed eye-opening. I learnt so much about the after-death process. Seeing how Mr Lobenaria expertly found and cut open the arteries to allow the embalming process to begin totally amazed me. Blood was then replaced by formalin to preserve the dead body. 

Once the embalming process was complete, I requested to help dress up the deceased. Mr Lobenaria agreed. I wore my gloves and proceeded. The body felt cold and hard and I felt emotional the moment I laid my hands on her. I was allowed to apply make-up for the deceased under the supervision of Mr Lobenaria.

The experience in the Mortuary changed my views on life. I learnt to better appreciate the people around me and to show care and love to everyone before it is too late.