I found your article very informative as I am considering a career in embalming. I have done a lot of research on this subject and so far your article has given the most information. I believe that the dead should be shown respect and the utmost care when they are laid to rest. My mother passed while living in Florida and I was living in Indiana. Due to greedy relatives her funeral and service were arranged and carried out within three days. I got to Florida a half hour before the funeral. She looked terrible. She didn’t have her teeth in or her glasses on, and her hair was not combed. She was buried in the same housecoat duster she died in. The funeral home said they recieved a dress for her, but then lost it. She was buried in such a shameful way, and that got me wondering how many people this happens to. I know that if I were in charge of someone’s loved one, I would do my very best to make them presentable and send them off with the dignity everyone deserves.