Mourning and moving on are hard enough. Why add to the burden? If someone wants to arrange a balloon launch of the deceased's ashes into inner space, that's fine. But if it's burdensome or troubling for any reason, then perhaps they shouldn't have to. McCabe's policy is to honor the wishes of the family over the wishes of the dead. Willed body program coordinator's feel similarly. 'I've had kids object to their dad's wishes {to donate},' says Ronn Wade, director of the Anatomical Services Division of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 'I tell them, Do what's best for you. You're the one who has to live with it.
Grieving and the process of letting go can be incredibly challenging, and adding extra obligations can intensify this struggle. Individuals should feel free to commemorate their loved ones in ways that resonate with them personally, such as launching balloons with ashes. However, if such acts feel burdensome, it is important to respect that hesitation. In this context, McCabe emphasizes prioritizing the family’s needs over the deceased’s preferences.
This perspective is echoed by Ronn Wade, who oversees the Willed Body Program at the University of Maryland. He acknowledges the conflict that can arise when family members disagree with the deceased's wishes, especially regarding organ donation. By encouraging families to prioritize their own emotional requirements, he emphasizes the importance of doing what feels right for the living as they navigate their loss.
