Coffee with Kari- Live Chat with a Funeral Director and Embalmer

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Dear Kari, Since I found you, weeks ago, I have appreciated everything you did. And I appreciate that you have been gracious about my replies. But today it was special when you talked about babies and the options a family may have. I consider us fortunate that we lost our baby months before my wife died suddenly. She was 41 and serving at church camp. Both have been hard but I think it was God's mercy that these two losses were not at the same time. These losses were more than 20 years ago. But it touched sonething in me when you spoke about these things. Recently you spoke of ongoing relationships relevant to mortuary work. My story is that I had recently returned to the town I live in, after a 12 year absence. I did a hospital removal for an infant that lived less than an hour after birth. The call was late in the evening so the baby was in the maternity office while the mother slept. At the end of several arrangement visits for this infant, which I had been tracking, I asked the grandfather if I could ask about their church. (They are in one of the conservative Anabaptist church groups.) For the next hour all I had to do was listen. He was delighted to talk with me! I also accepted their invitation to attend at their church. Inasmuch as my old church had closed, and these folks were SO welcoming, I have stayed with them. It's been over 10 years now. I really feel that the Lord sent them my way. You just never know what the Lord will send your way!

[@shelbycorey6785]

I have learned so much . My daughter passed and I have wondered about a lot things that happened with her after the funeral home came to get her. Thank you so much. knowing has helped me so much . Keep doing what you are doing . I know you have helped a lot of people not just me.

[@grandpastellingyou]

Kari, i recently lost my mom and the funeral home that cared for her my family did such a great job. The owner has taken care of many of my family members (only funeral home in north Saint Paul) . I want to thank them above just saying thank you. What could I do? What would really mean a lot to you as a funeral director in terms of showing appreciation? She really went above and beyond for my family and I think about how much she helped us on a daily basis and want to show my thanks. -Jesse

[@KaritheMortician]

Saying the words verbally or in person...you could bring muffins, donuts or lunch. Always nice.

[@juliefreeman4993]

Hi kari, I’m Julie from England, Thank you for the excellent knowledge you have. This was my dream job...but at 61 I’m too old to start training. But I’ve learnt so much from you. Great show

[@8359563]

every funeral home I ever been in has a distinct order.

[@riemolinarix0]

I literally have the same issue as the lady you spoke of in the beginning of this live chat. I lost my father when I was 9 and it was very traumatic. Through watching your videos it has made it a lot easier to deal with in terms of attending funerals in present day.

[@judithjohnson2598]

Hi, Kari from Northern California. Love your series and your caring personality. I am a retired RN of over 40 years. Thank You.

[@robertganley313]

Very early morning therapeutic video, thank you, Kari!

[@TheSarahelizabeth81]

Kari- I never thought I could be scared and interested in something at the same time. I feel like your channel has helped take some of that fear away. Thank you.

[@KaritheMortician]

thank you :)

[@Debdiencal]

First posted this the other day on your Jan 13 video. Today you are asking if you have made a difference to anyone or helped in any way so I have copied and pasted it here instead because in this situation you truly gave my heart a peace. Thank you. Copied 1/23 20 post I first started following you in 2013 when I lost my dad. It was the hardest loss for me so far in my life. Even though I had family who would be taking care of my dad, his brother in law and nephews also in Michigan still all I could picture in my mind was my dad laying naked alone on this cold hard metal table. I know my family loved Dad and I’m sure it pained them terribly to have to ready him for his casket. But still until I found your videos and the one on embalming and casketing I was not able to picture the love and compassion that also went on when preparing someone. That is what I needed to see for myself to ease my heart. I wish I could have been in there for Dad. I know that may sound goofy. But he was kinda needy he would have liked me by his side 😂 I still follow you today. If I was younger this is what I would be in school for. Thank you Kari for all you share. You teach and help people more than you know. ❤️

[@eveelliott1755]

My cousin's three ,five &seven yrs old died in a house New year's Eve 40 yrs ago I just remembered three little white coffins at the front of the church. I still remember it... I'm a nurse but work as a funeral director for two years went to two years of college worked in the field for two years and then went back to nursing but really loved the pathology part of it.

[@countrytxrose]

Thank You for explaining the water cremation like you did. You made it very easy to understand. And now after hearing what you said I love that idea even more then fire. Not sure if it's done where I live in South Tx. But it's something I need to look into.

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kurtbiedlingmaier4960]

Hi Kari. I've never heard you address this - how do you clean your embalming instruments after use? Do you have to sterilize them like surgical instruments?

[@KaritheMortician]

Some people use a special machine but most people soak them in a water and sanitizing solution.

[@lorirobinson6858]

You are great . I love watching you. Sending you good vibes from Texas!

[@joemelvyn2588]

your personality is truly soul searching....

[@Whitey2716]

What does that mean?

[@whitneyhughes7301]

You absolutely make the " death conversation" more easy and Normal. I have recommended you multiple times ❤️ you are amazing

[@debbied1249]

thank you. Im enjoying every post.

[@larryclark6212]

Love your videos. Did you ever know David Wren here in Hastings Michigan, Funeral Director at Wren Funeral Home. He passed away about a month or so ago. Dave Wren took care of my father and all of my grandparents and 2 of my uncle's. He was a great funeral director. 🌹

[@KaritheMortician]

I do not know if I have met him in person but spoke to him a few times.

[@spiritmediumclaytonsilva649]

Love these super informative videos!! Love u Kari and Lauren!! Y’all are thesbb

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@snoopy1965]

Kari, thanks for educating us lv lv.

[@squalli1297]

For those who've watched the doc "A Certain Kind Of Death-" It is a 19 y/o video covering 3 middle aged males who each were found dead of apparent natural causes in their secured residences in L.A. County and were coroner and Public Administrator (PA cases). There were no Dr's. in attendance making them coroner's cases. The video documents the efforts taken at collecting medical histories and whatever info is available to locate any living family members. After coroner finds there were none, the PA's office would make an assessment of their estate and arrive at the type disposition for each decedent. The examinations of the bodies by doctors were not covered, only external exams at scenes by investigators. Bodies were probably autopsied but not cut up in pieces for cremation. 1 body was buried, I believe the others were cremated by L.A. county with ashes eventually buried in a community grave after 1 year or so. It is a better account of what happens to folks who die with no living NOK or Will. This is a must see documentary for those whom are curious about what happens to those whom die with no family and intestate.

[@32dras]

Oh...that "cry girl" bring tear to my eye for rememering my mom, grief if something that come and go, certain dates, tastes or pleasant smell of food bring back memories...oh that taste like mom cook that, and bring joy or tear to eye. Joe Biden said that well on John McCain eulogy.... When image of your loved one crosses your mind and a smile comes to your lips before a tear to your eye. That day will come.

[@faithinhumanity3390]

I missed your live I’m so sorry I have not been getting notifications

[@jwmarlowe4456]

How to Embalm a Pet. When a pet dies, there are many things to consider. The animal could be cremated, buried or taken to a local taxidermist. In rare cases, an owner may even want to embalm their pet. Usually embalming occurs when an owner wishes their pet to join them in the casket. Learn about the embalming process by reading the steps below. Place the pet on an embalming table. Set the features. For dogs this could be done by placing a rubber band around the snout for mouth closure and/or closing the eyes with glue. Performing such a task after embalming would be difficult (or impossible) due to the formaldehyde causing the pet's skin to harden. Raise the subclavian or carotid artery of the pet. Raising an artery means cutting the body, finding the artery and securing it for injecting formaldehyde. Inject the embalming fluid into the artery and drain from the corresponding vein using an embalming machine. Such a device injects formaldehyde into the animal while forcing the blood out. Puncture and aspirate all of the major organs thoroughly in the torso by using a trocar. A trocar is a long needle attached to a hydro aspirator that is inserted into abdomen or belly area. Next saturate the chest cavity with a highly concentrated formaldehyde solution. Shampoo, blow dry and seal the incisions by stitching and applying adhesive to the area. For pets this is tricky due to the fact that there are no clothes to hide the evidence of embalming. Place the pet in a casket with the deceased for showing or burial. Found this info on a pet website.. In alot of states this is legal animals.mom.me/how-to-embalm-a-pet-8490028.html

[@tinajackson5450]

My granddaughter who is 8months love old town Road. My niece was murdered over the weekend, how long does it take before the funeral home get body after autopsy?

[@KaritheMortician]

I am so sorry Tina. If you are in American then possibly 3-5 days

[@MichaelWarren-st4wp]

Hi Kari, when my dad past away I helped the funeral person removed my dad. He was the only one to picked him up so I offered to help him.

[@KaritheMortician]

How did you feel about helping?

[@MichaelWarren-st4wp]

Kari Northey I hope this doesn’t sound weird but I felt it was an honor to help out with the removal of my dad.

[@carmenstephens1240]

Hi Kari! I am so facinated with the whole funeral process!! How do you deal with someone who has maggots or lots of bugs all over them? Does that gross you out?

[@thomjuiliano5123]

Follow you, Kari, and enjoy your chats. Not sure how to participate in live chats. Please advise me, I have subscribed. Thank you

[@KaritheMortician]

When they pop up you can just join them. Typically they will be Wednesdays around 9:30ish EST

[@n.holley4022]

My 4 year old son is OBSESSED with Old Town Road! Lol! Drives me nuts! 😂😂

[@janemorris2932]

Hi Akari I love your chanel. Have you ever experienced anything paranormal in your line of work?

[@lottiwilcox8109]

Was wondering if the funeral home does or could put a sign warning visitors of a loved one that they were not embalmed ? That way ppl would be aware of the situation and the family wanted it .

[@KaritheMortician]

We could but it would most likely mean we have to post an embalmed sign also.

[@anthonygriffo5338]

Amazing the amount of learning in the industry. You should be a spokesperson in the industry. You should visit the east coast...lucy the elephant

[@KaritheMortician]

I would love to do more...baby steps :)

[@keithcitizen4855]

Lye is sulphuric acid ? What happens to the spent lye after use ?

[@juliefreeman4993]

It’s me again, Julie, my dearest husband died in May 2017. I saw him in the funeral home for 14 days. He wasn’t embalmed but you could barely tell any deterioration on day 14. Even I thought how well he looked but on day 15 the funeral director phoned me to say that overnight he had gone blue all over so not to come to see him. Even she was surprised. Bless his heart I miss him so much. Bless you kari xx

[@churnetwinborne341]

Do you take Black people and bury them?

[@peppytoto]

Hi, I was just wondering why they don't open the coffin from the Torso down?

[@MaryClareVideos]

There are many people who get full length open caskets. My Grandma had one. It was my first funeral as a child, so I thought they were all like that.

[@chrisj197438]

I’m really beginning to not like my new position at work. I keep missing your live chats 😡

[@joemelvyn2588]

we are fearful of death because of the unknown....agree ?

[@KaritheMortician]

Very much

[@randyfritz8549]

I think of it as a transition. It's like going to a new friends house, you ring the doorbell and are greeted and walk through the front door. My partner passed 10 years ago, he was in hospital for about 1 month. He was in hospice for about 5 days, on Saturday, he said he see's Alice in the doorway, it was his mother. I had heard of this before, but never experienced it. This was a great comfort to me and his sister. We believe in God ( higher power, etc), Jesus and the Holy Spirit- Episcopal. That's not to say that those who believe differently or not at all are not in heaven, that is only God's call. He went peacefully.

[@ryanhulshizer8894]

There is, in fact, a chat replay in which we can see everything that was posted in real time during the live chat.

[@KaritheMortician]

I have not seen it I need to dig in

[@carmenbehringer7218]

DO YOU REMOVE body FROM CASKET DOING night or COLSE it

[@bradhammond4903]

I heard that during first call the neck is broken so the head and neck can be pose I'm not trying to be disrespectful ty

[@KaritheMortician]

No way!

[@thomashill4683]

If a person had a faint pulse would the embalming fluid finish off the person.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes the loss of blood would and the chemicals

[@sarahhammond1519]

Hi it’s sarah, I met with you when you visited the UK, have I missed any videos from your visit here?

[@KaritheMortician]

Not yet. I have one sent to the funeral home for review :)

[@IrishGermanNorwegian]

My grandma was buried in slippers- due to swelling more than anything. Her mother was buried without shoes because she always found them painful.

[@Singersavannah0]

Hi I’m savannah from Kentucky. I have a question can cremains be put in a mausoleum? This question just sparked my mind today and have not been able to stop thinking about it until I ask it.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes you can inurn them in a mausoleum

[@Singersavannah0]

Kari Northey I thought so but didn’t know lol

[@eveelliott1755]

I could tell if the patient had a carcinoma because with any type of cancer the body rots inside before the patient actually is deceased even if you were cleaning their teeth you could still smell the carcinoma in them

[@frklein1]

Your hair looks nice.

[@thomashill4683]

So cute

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks

[@MaryClareVideos]

Hi lovely Kari ☕🐾👋

[@patcarrier1397]

Burping caskets real?

[@146shell]

Lol the clicking sound you make is cute.

[@kristiedigges8433]

Does is it bother you to have to embalm a pregnant woman and the baby?

[@rnagovero2044]

I'm sick with the flu - SORRY I HAVE NOT BEEN COMMENTING MUCH !!!

[@KaritheMortician]

Feel better!!

[@eddiek0507]

I don't believe in messing about with anyone's body, whether it's a post mortem or an embalming. It's the person's choice maybe, with embalming, but with a post mortem it's not. I just feel the way it's done is disrespectful and doesn't solve anything, it will not bring the person back, I just can't get my head around it..

[@carmenbehringer7218]

Had big sobing SITUATION for sister in LAW but not NORMAL been TO MANY was ok at BROTHER MOMS was a mess

[@AnthonyGitney]

hi there

[@KaritheMortician]

hello!

[@michellehenry6278]

Have you ever been asked about natural burials, or a video.

[@KaritheMortician]

There is no specific definition of that.

[@michellehenry6278]

@@KaritheMortician Ok Thanks

[@sparkle_shinetime454]

Smells in funerals... my uncle was Catholic so they had a Catholic funeral service. I’d never been in a Catholic church before so it was all new. At some point they brought out these incense things and walked around shaking them. The smell of incense filled the room and made me sneeze...it was very intense smelling & irritating to my respiratory system. So, if scents are bothersome, ask about the kind of service & what rituals will be performed before going!

[@organrick]

sparkle_shine time That is a good point, especially if you have respiratory conditions. I remember reading a book that also told about going to churches of different religions, and it talked about the basic types of services (weddings, funerals, etc.), and how they’re conducted. So, something like that might be helpful as well, especially if you’ve never been to Mass, or perhaps services of other religions.

[@8359563]

I know it lol

[@KaritheMortician]

:)

[@davidmckinney6577]

I watched the documentary you mentioned A certain kind of death. And they wheeled the bodies outside and anyway the bodies were wrapped in clear plastic and it looks like the bodies were bloated and you could see the pressure inside the bag. And the man took a long knife like a maschette and he stabbed them in the gut. It was gruesome. Thanks for the video very interesting vlog, I have wondered if a dog can be enbalmbed also.. I heard you talk a little on it..

[@anthonygriffo5338]

WhAt are you going to do at 35k sus. 35 backflips?

[@KaritheMortician]

No specials until 50, 000 :)