Dianne Odell

Below are photos of Dianne Odell's iron lung displayed at her end of life ceremonies.

What are your opinions views and feelings of having our assistive devices displayed during last rite ceremonies when we have passed on?

Member adaptdan/johnny crescendo recently posted candidly about end life last wishes akin to this discussion as well.

I mean no disrepect to Miss Odell and family but I personally have a hard time with the way Dianne Odell's photo is at the headreast of the iron lung that she had to spend her life in, appearing very much like a casket display itself.

Why not wake Dianne herself in a casket or display her photo alone? To me the iron lung was not Dianne. It was equipment she had to rely but failed during a power outage and contributed to her death.

We don't see mangled cars displayed up front, first thing, for the services of people who die in car wrecks. Or other assistive devices of the departed like canes, toupee's, false teeth, artificial joints limbs, organ transplants, etc, displayed with the person's picture on top of it, so why the iron lung display?

Just my opinion. Varying opinions welcomed and encouraged here.

=====press photos of Dianne Odells funeral services below======

Jason Howell, right, looks at awards and photos of Dianne Odell during the visitation Friday at Campbell Street Church of Christ.

Josephine Murphy looks at Dianne's photos, awards and honors, including an honorary member certificate from the Red Hat Society and a 'Duchess of Paducah' plaque from Paducah, Ky.

Guests pass Dianne Odell's iron lung as they enter visitation on Friday at Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson.

-----------------------------------------

My response:

I do not think it would be inappropriate in any way. For Dianne Odell's picture to be displayed I think is a normal process. People were used to seeing her in the iron lung, and that's what people knew. I have a lot of friends who use iron lungs, wheelchairs, and respirators, and they would not be bothered one bit by having their technology displayed at their memorial service. I think people fail to communicate that people with disabilities are very grateful for the assistive technology. I know one thing: I want my wheelchair buried with me when I go. I oftentimes look at my chair that I use as my legs and I think about how many miles my wheels have gone, and how invaluable this technology is that allows me to drive with my chin, just as Dianne Odell's iron lung allowed her to breathe. This is an issue of dignity, and what really should be the focus is the soul of the person. Is anyone afraid of the iron lung? I'm confused.

Nick