The Final Journey: Sending Off a Loved One | Hidden Hustles

What happens to our loved ones after they pass on? Every day, Nicole and her all-female team have to take on the emotionally challenging job of embalming the deceased - and sometimes, even their very own loved ones.
Granted a rare glimpse into the embalming room, Amrit works alongside Nicole for a night.
📍 Serenity Casket
www.serenitycasket.com.sg/our...
══ Content ══
0:00 Stepping into the embalming room
0:35 Revealing the body for the first time
2:35 Replacing the blood in the body with chemicals
3:50 Nicole's first embalming experience at 20 years old
5:20 Falling out with a friend because of a job
5:55 The mental toll of facing death every day
6:30 Why the deceased needs to wear a diaper
7:38 Being a hero to her three-year-old daughter
8:46 Embalming a father figure
10:46 Nicole's turning point in life as an embalmer and a mum
11:58 Amrit's reflection on life and death
Host:
Amrit ( / amritkaurjastol )
Crew:
Pei Fang ( / pfdolala )
Ben ( / benjamin_neo )
Jia Ling ( / jialinng )
Koon How
Syabil ( / sy.riz )
Editor:
Jeremie ( / endswithanie )
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[@OGS.Official]

Interested in seeing some behind-the-scenes content? Watch us chat with the producers and hosts of Hidden Hustles here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmW4XqOfaMeIsJI

[@ksanurse]

I am dying of heart failure. I hope someone handles my deceased body with the respect, kindness and dignity that you showed the deceased. I am a retired nurse.

[@kepajoy]

God bless you and your loved ones.

[@jordanbryant5259]

I am at stage 3 heart failure at only 25 years old . I’m sending my love and prayers to you at this time

[@jesusreturning3003]

Praying Ur OK, pray to Jesus He will look after you through this and Ur body after this life. He is the only way to eternal life, call on his name, and Ur soul will be saved. God Bless you heart ❤️

[@cindynew4013]

You will live and not die and declare the works of our Lord❤❤❤

[@summerbreeze8774]

😔🙏😘

[@OGS.Official]

Hi everyone, this is Pei Fang, the producer of this episode of Hidden Hustles. Thank you for all the nice comments. Just want to share some thoughts about producing this episode, apart from the ones that Amrit has shared in the video. Prior to seeing the embalming process in person, I have always thought of death as something fearful given the various superstitions surrounding the afterlife in the Chinese culture. When I saw the body for the first time, I teared up as well - seeing how someone who was once full of life, now lying lifelessly on the table. However, the fear towards the dead wasn't as overwhelming as I thought it would be. It was quite a peaceful moment because I knew that we were all here to make sure that they are properly taken care of on their last journey. In fact, shortly two week after the shoot, my grandmother passed away. Despite the grief, I was relieved to know that there is a group of kind folks who is there to take care of her. Also when I saw her again during the wake, I realised how their job is all the more so important for people like me to say my last goodbye and properly grief - to let the reality sink in that she was finally gone. I hope this episode will provide a form of consolation to everyone out there who has once lost their loved ones. Know that your loved ones are in the good hands of these individuals who are dedicated to whatever they are doing ❤

[@tayjinghui6944]

thank you so much for sharing Pei Fang :”

[@clairechew307]

❤️❤️❤️

[@ThePaechannel]

Appreciate your sharing ♥️

[@carinetan1026]

[@ameliachen-chua7671]

My sincere condolences for your loss! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@x0539p]

We lost a daughter-in-law during childbirth. It was almost the hardest thing I had to go through. So young and full of life and happy about birthing their first child and then she had a heart attack and a brain bleed from full Eclampsia. She was put on life support and the child was born by C-section and also had to be brought back to life. We are grateful for our grandchild and to still have a piece of our daughter-in-law. Life is not fair so live every moment like it will be your last because you never know when your time will come. Thank you for sharing.

[@adelerodriguez2432]

I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter-in-law.

[@mistybehave4886]

I’m so sorry for your loss x

[@alexandralantz9508]

Thinking of you 🙏🏽♥️

[@bpe9578]

My deepest condolences to you and your family and to your son and grandchild. May she rest in peace.🌸🌸

[@karenspence6721]

I'm so very sorry for your loss

[@jojoleong1]

Her last sentence you’ll appreciate life when you have understood death really got me emotional. Good documentary and thank you for sharing.

[@gracepassion77]

I used Serenity Casket when my mum passed away 7 months ago. I have nothing but praise for them. Elson (funeral director) was always 1 step ahead of me and ensured everything ran smoothly. Nicole came to the funeral parlour everyday to touch up my mum and her makeup. Due to peritoneal cancer, bubbles would form at her mouth and without complaints, Nicole would come over when that happened. I’d also like to add that they were very sensitive, and sent an invoice a week later - in comparison to some funeral directors who send the invoice on Day 1.

[@adelerodriguez2432]

One of my aunts died in the 1990's. I got annoyed bc one of the funeral directors kept calling my uncle into the office. I have no idea as to what transpired though. When he died 10 yrs later, my cousins used a different funeral home.

[@frankferrandiz7697]

In 2000 i was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 46 years old. I went through 9 brain surgeries, I was in a COMA on my 7th surgery. As i was told i was near brain dead. During that time i was in the coma, I felt as if i was in a room. I was drawn into this room deeper. i did not walk as i can remember, i floated. (if you close your eyes really tight, you will see speckles of flashing light.) The further i went into this room, I became more at peace. I though about my 4 kids who were very young. But I was at peace knowing they will be fine and i would see them soon. As i went deeper into this room the speckles of like faded away, and it was very very peaceful. When I was in this room I had no worries at all. Nothing bothered me at all. Its very hard to explain.,,,, Then my father who passed away 20 years ago, stepped in front of me. We had a very long talk, at the end of this talk, he said to me, "Sonny you have to turn around, this is not your time." I said to him "yes dad." and i turned away from him and floated, as I went back the speckles of light came back slowly. I woke up to see my sister holding my hand, I had a oxygen tube in my mouth. I pulled the tube from my mouth and said to my sister, "I just got done talking to daddy", she looked at me as if I had 2 heads. she was in disbelief. I know what I saw and experienced. It was real. I tell my experience to people but no one believes me. People think it was the drugs.

[@Amazing.Aries_416___]

I believe you Frankie, I've heard similar stories of people who've were clinically dead and none of them know each other or have any type of connection with one another, and they all literally say the same thing they feel gravitated or a floating sensation towards a light and they see long ago deceased loved ones, they also feel very peaceful happy and comfortable, some of them even have claimed to see Jesus but that's another story, frankly I definitely believe you wholeheartedly, but I'm glad to have you back your kids need you.

[@susanbeane2795]

I believe you ! I also believe in Angels, I’ve met an Angel not once BUT twice! In my moments of despair a person out of nowhere came and an overwhelming feeling of warmth surrounded me with an unexplainable calm, this person KNEW my name! he/ she told me it would be ok and IT WAS! It really is an amazing experience it’s to long to tell you about the two times but please please BELIEVE me

[@nota7660]

You were in heaven ❤

[@wahitsoctavia]

A lot of people have experiences like this in comas- it isnt the medicine, it is actually the comas. People who have been briefly dead and resuscitated have similar experiences to share, they are real! ❤

[@saraoconnor6169]

You had an NDE (near death experience). How wonderful 😊

[@janethollman7894]

I have washed and dressed people who died. We always talked to them explaining what we were doing. This was before the undertaker arrived but ready for the relatives. It was a privilege to do this final task for someone we had cared for.

[@lindarock4526]

I agree. It's a privilege as it's the last thing you can do for someone

[@Lion4Judah]

Are you a latter day saint.

[@lindarock4526]

@Lion4Judah if it's me you are asking no I am a Welsh Baptist

[@janethollman7894]

If you are asking me I’m a baptist

[@Lion4Judah]

@@janethollman7894 Thank you

[@Lostenso]

Amrit was so brave to do this but mad respect for professionals like Nicole to do this as a career. love the mood set for this!

[@nicekit]

She (Amrit) so brave to face that for the first time....

[@albatrosone]

Total respect for these people who do their job with care and devotion. A job we hardly hear of but one we will all be clients. Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@butskiiueepp1625]

So true! Crazy to think at whatever point we are destined to leave this earth, our bodies shall meet an embalmer. No matter how rich, famous, poor, handsome or ugly- we all undergo the same process in the end.

[@maverick_Going-About-Life]

​@@butskiiueepp1625 No that's not always true. Some people choose an eco friendly/green funeral and burial. No embalming fluid is used, they maybe buired without a casket, no burial vault, ect. This is becoming a more increasing choice in North America.

[@oiuuumeao]

"i think you can only appreciate life, when you have understood death" one wise sentence that represents this vid.

[@jellybeanwithwings]

Amrit really held herself well. Kudos to her. And this whole video was very humbling to watch. It really shows that at the end of our lives, we are going to be limp and lifeless, and will need people to put us to our final resting places, regardless of our status in society.

[@SchismSphinx]

"Have you ever had to embalm a loved one?" Really one of the questions I always wanted answered. Really insightful stuff!

[@Pantherking916]

Both these ladies are the definition of literal Angels.

[@wayne9028]

Honestly it’s quite sad that there is stigma because of the work they do. I think its a very niche industry that not only doesn’t deserve the stigma, but instead should be better appreciated. Not to the point where you need to glorify them or anything, but a thank you will be more than enough. One day when our time comes, everyone would wish that their bodies are properly handled right

[@TheCalendarfish]

The love and respect that Nicole brings to her work is so important and really moving

[@Rakel6784]

I love how gentle she was in cleaning and dressing the body...with dignity and respect

[@adhiantos]

In 2018, I watched my aunt and grandma breathed their last breath (6 months apart). It was my first time witnessing death and it was rather a… surprisingly serene moment (although we panicked to the nurses). When I saw their chest stopped moving, a lifetime feels so short but yet that moment feels like an eternity. Really made me think a lot about life. Kudos to Amrit for taking on this task. I salute people who are in the funeral service a lot. They are doing a noble job for the deceased before the deceased leave their body behind on this planet. Great video as always, OGS!

[@denisekenny6241]

If I ever had to be embalmed I would love this lady to be my embalmer. Such respect for the deceased and keeping total dignity. ❤

[@gideonding01]

a powerful documentary. reminds us that one day, ALL of us will go thru this. alone and we'll need someone to prepare us. yeah, be humble people.

[@924MUSIC]

The respect shown and given to the descendent was beautiful and full of grace

[@viceice]

This is some next level content making right here. Your stories are so personal and so we'll told. Your channel is totally underrated.

[@jiajingong6740]

I enjoyed watching this so much :’) I used to be very afraid of death/ funerals because it seemed so foreign and taboo, but as I grew older I realised that the real scary factor is if you live your days with regret and resentment instead, not cherishing each moment or being grateful for what you have until it’s gone. Thank you OGS for such heartwarming content ❤️

[@crosbyong]

Hidden, and often forgotten and unappreciated. Thank you for this little peek into such a rare vocation.

[@audreywoon7612]

This is such a beautiful piece - tasteful, respectful and so raw, all at the same time. ❤️

[@janessakoh860]

I was already tearing up by just watching the video, cannot imagine how hard it must be on you guys who are there physically… we are all curious yet scare about this line. Thank you for showing us what’s it’s like…

[@zipperdeedoodah8616]

Big props to the team and to Amrit for creating this for us, must've been challenging to manage emotions while soldiering on to complete the episode.

[@tngchinghwa]

as someone who has had older relatives move on, embalming is a very important profession, the last look before coffin closing is what we will remember till the end

[@kevjumbaz]

OGS hits it out of the park again with another heartwarming episode on an under-appreciated and misunderstood industry. Very apt for this episode to be uploaded on the 7th month as well.

[@susanbeane2795]

Your so compassionate and respectful of the deceased…Thank you for what you do 😢

[@SMB131R]

Thanks for sharing such great insight, especially during this 7-month period. It’s never easy to take on this job, fighting with personal emotions to keep a professionalism image to both the deceased and the family members. Can say is “used to it” but I think everyone has their limit, and May break down to tears eventually. Not everyone can handle it. Really appreciate the tough front that these people have shown to ensure family members do not need to worry anything and just focus on sending off their love ones. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@hengjohn]

Kudos to Amrit and her team for producing a video on a very thought provoking topic. Very brave.

[@eugenekhoo8133]

I know that feeling. It happened on Feb 2015. It was in the early morning. Suddenly my father wanted to drink some milk as he was thirsty. My mother went to prepared a warm milk for him. All of the sudden after drinking a sip of milk, he was not feeling that well. He was shaking and lifting his 2 arms in the air as if the Angels was pulling him and after a few moments, I felt his soul was gone. He was lifeless. My mind went blank. That was my first time being so helpless. I tried cpr but no response.

[@jazzoff]

This is really moving and well-filmed, good job OGS

[@stefaniemil]

The storytelling, directing, etc was perfect.

[@Fate025]

Excellent video and story, I had always wondered about embalming since my father's passing, and like Armit wisely said, we can only appreciate life, if we have understood death....

[@prolikereal2]

You can only appreciate life when you have understood death ..as said by the host ..good words

[@helenbradford2569]

Strong, caring, respectful women. God bless them.

[@huijie88]

Loving this series, thank you OGS once again for sharing deep, insightful stories! The connection from your content is really heartwarming and empathic, makes me think about different aspects of my life after watching. Full of respect for professionals working in after life work, they are unsung heroes and it was eye opening to learn what they do up close. Also kudos to Amrit for bringing the story to us!

[@andytoh3897]

Amrit, you are very brave. Thanks for doing this interview for us viewers.

[@simbeekuan4056]

I really applaud Nicole who have the courage to face a lifeless body and to give a body a good makeover

[@jareth7971]

Thank you for the work that you do. It means a lot to the families to see their loved ones looking at peace. I for one would like to thank the embalmers who helped make my grandma look great again during her wake.

[@caroljohnston4018]

You treated the loved one with care and gentleness in death as you would if he was alive You give a lot of respect and I give my respect to you

[@nas76]

kudos to the whole team and guest that was involved in this. very very well made video

[@guideyourmind]

Thank you for this beautiful documentary and taking us on this journey and giving us such a beautiful insight :)

[@ht6856]

Amazing video filled with respect and sincerity. Thank you

[@HeatherBDentureDiVa]

When I was pregnant and in labor with my son I couldn't dilate. Mid wife kept sending me home while the nurses kept saying she has pre eclampsia the doctor will want to see her. Well hours later went back do to my autoimmune diseases I can't dilate and the mid wife was so ignorant and didn't care about my son's health or mine. She was fired. We both almost died the saved both of our lives and my actual doctor and pediatric NICU did a wonderful job. Before I passed of from the emergency I signed to save my son first. Luckily they saved us both. But that mid wife ignoring my blood pressure was super high, my son's heart rate was fading. It was a scary awful experience. But I have had two c sections emergencies bc don't dilate. Pre eclampsia with both pregnancies. I'm just blessed and grateful for the great doctors and nursing staff. They saved our lives and we wouldn't be here without them.

[@shepherdgaines9100]

so nice these ladies had respect for this human being , when i die i hope people like these two ladys take care of me...

[@thacasualpoolplaya]

amazing work Amrit. keep it up!

[@JanetLeeLY]

These ladies are so brave.

[@VictoriaMarch13]

What an incredible, beautiful, inspirational woman! Wow! She's amazing! ❤️❤️ I wish I knew her personally.

[@MrsCrandon]

I truly appreciate people in this field. I know it's not an easy task

[@Xinlongsai]

So well done and insightful

[@andersonlum]

Kudos to the team! Great video and content

[@eddiensw]

Thanks OGS, Amrit and Nicole

[@petana7284]

Huge respect for those people..I could never..never do this..strong people❤

[@jled1995]

I was a nicu nurse for 25 years. I would cry so hard with the still births

[@telaga9803]

When looking upon this video, it is quite interesting, especially to know how the funeral procesess being Carried out by another culture and believes. Thank you to the producing team for this documentary. Without this, we will never know how and what are the embalming process. From malaysia

[@sassww]

Thank you producer !

[@user-ru6om1qb3q]

what a beautiful person to take care of the dead. You are amazing person.

[@harlowblackadder356]

So well filmed. Amazing story.

[@daliah8354]

Amrit ...u are such a strong and sincere person...tq

[@janethollman7894]

I have always treated the deceased as if they are alive. I chat away saying what we are doing. I think for me it was the way to cope as I knew them. Obviously we didn’t embalm them that was for the funeral directors. We got them ready for the family. It was so important to do your best combing their hair. This was our goodbye it was our last bit of care to give our client. When I applied for the job l voiced my concern about death. I had never experienced anyone dying. I was it’s not god waiting room so try not to worry. My first death was fifteen minutes into my first shift.

[@user-in5iu7sw6x]

Wow. You are such incredible, compassionate people. Thank you for sharing.

[@william3750]

I'm training to do this job. I like these videos because it brings home the reality.

[@kathycuster1714]

Thank you for what you do.

[@kingiak4931]

Thank you so much for this episode, watching with love from Zambia.

[@tonyquek6157]

RESPECT!!

[@user-ih7df4no3e]

Respect for this Lady❤

[@rhuyisia8163]

I believe in close rapport with family members when they are alive, not pretend that you care when they are dead and gone! I noticed many people at wakes or funerals when in reality they were not on good not even talking terms with the deceased! Even when the deceased was sick and bedridden for months or years on end before death! I prefer my death to be simple. Once I am dead, buy me the cheapest coffin, cremate and my ashes thrown into the sea asap or the very next day! There's no need to linger for embalming, makeup, rites, wake and all for me! After all, I come empty handed and I leave empty handed as well! Also no plaque too! Once I am gone, it's goodbye forever! My 2 cents only! However, Nicole and those in the bereavement biz are doing a great and noble job for the deceased! My respect cos it takes sheer guts and not just about anyone could do it!

[@yousufgargash25]

I don’t usually comment on KZbin but as a muslim I would have to say that I have had the experience of washing 2 of my relatives my uncle and grandfather, it is a surreal feeling and a humbling experience. Of course I was sad to loose them, but the one universal truth is that death comes to us all. Just as we are born with nothing we return with nothing. All we leave behind is our legacy, “when are we truly dead, is when we are forgotten” do good for your loved one and others. Leave your mark on the world with good deeds and kindness. Bless you all with good fortune and good health much love to you all

[@simplylux1589]

I think these kind of job is so underappreciated. I for one, can't do this for sure.

[@pokemonhacker01]

very well made!

[@yogitraderz7917]

Woman are always the strongest …” From gal, to teenager, to adult , to gal friend, to wife , to mother , to aunty , n end up grandma ..” Respect….from all man ..❤️

[@inahbaxter6964]

She is so brave ❤❤❤❤

[@myeongwol]

I always have this regret that I didn't 'clean' my late sister and grandmother...i am not embalmer, but I just want to do something for my loved one for the last time before their body is put into casket. Thank you for the great story.

[@OGS.Official]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope that you have had the time and space to properly grief after their passing. Just to share a bit more, even though embalming is not a part of the Islamic funeral rituals, muslims would actually help to shower the body of their loved ones. If you are interested, you can find out more in this video that we did previously: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzPq6pqat1sfsk - Pei Fang

[@pingteo6104]

We chose not to embalm my dad because it’s a very evasive process. So we cleaned and clothed him ourselves. It was tough because he got very heavy after he passed. But we are comforted to know we did it for him instead of having strangers fiddle with his body.

[@myeongwol]

@@pingteo6104 i wish i could do the same for my late sister and grandma 🥺

[@xNiCx1000]

Respect.

[@lindseymoore5305]

This was nice to watch. I am starting my journey of going back to school to become a mortician.

[@Sociallama]

What an amazing woman.. ❤

[@Hilltan1974]

Quality content.

[@AnthonyBrown-to2ie]

Great job ladies you nailed it. I was waiting for you to do with the TROCAR but I no about time limit.

[@martinbielby334]

A very interesting video thanks for this

[@hngchn9926]

Quality content, wayyyy better than the trash of SGAG.

[@Hoehan8222]

Excellent content and let us all treasure life's every minute because it is not forever :)

[@barbaraglover4451]

so interested to watch the embalming journey

[@bchpls24]

the host is fantastic. respect! I don't think I can stomach it...

[@n3mutta]

Love and respect.

[@jasminelee395]

To whoever that friend of hers that her mom told that friend not to mix with her. is horrible. Instead if my friend is an embalmer or a person that works with dead bodies I have my fair share of proudness for him/her. embalming is an inside job that nobody knows. Is a tough and can be emotional job. I know this having a fair share of watching forensics shows myself and watching lots of documentary about dead bodies. Is a job that is really unique to the society today.

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I wish I had gotten into this field when I was much younger.

[@blackmonday738]

Pei Danke. More needs to be shown and educated, sadly families don't know what to do, how to help, what to look for. Please take care of yr loved ones, more so the elderly. They need us! Bless us.🕊

[@wendypatrao5758]

Very emotional

[@mauveletteburchell606]

Life is surely precious. To God be the glory. Each day on earth is a blessing from God above. In death only God knows our destiny.

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😭 Not gonna lie... ... I cried ... ... 😭

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

100% appreciate this story

[@jwiheath1928]

We all will take that last step one day helpless the same day that we all was born 😇❤

[@mirindavandermerwe5574]

When the India girl started crying when they opened the body got to me even tho she doesn't know that person she still cries for them 🌹❤️🙏

[@eyecandyfactory]

Thank you for producing this video _/\_

[@c4un544n5]

My respect for Amrit... 🫡

[@eddiepaul7107]

I think these is very interesting thankyou

[@TheAceY2k]

It a very tough job. I don't have the courage to do this line of work, it'd be too heavy and emotional, as goes for many others.