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by Penelope Schnake Class of 2002 October 14, 1998
If the little lady I had the opportunity of working with, or any of the other cadavers in the lab, had the chance to express themselves, I imagine this is what they would say: Oh dear child, I am so pleased to be here with you and I know our time together is nearly through. However, I have a favor to ask of you. There is some unfinished business I need you to take care of for me. When you see my loved ones, my husband, my father, my children I bore in the very womb you have learned from, tell them this for me. There is no greater joy in life-or in death-than giving. Tell them how marvelous it is to feel your hands, your probe, searching every network of my being. Just as I recall planting tiny seeds in the springtime black, rich, topsoil, working my fingers through the dirt, watering and watching and waiting to see the flowers grow and blossom-I, too, see you. Those professors of yours are giving you plenty of tools, yes. But I sense you using them. Noting every vessel, every nerve, every tendon. Looking at the direction of my muscle fibers, my unique characteristics and my battle scars, seeing how different we all are, yet still all the same. I watch you ask questions and look up answers and work together far after the sun has set. I know you see my beauty. And when you truly appreciate this rare privilege granted you, when you really understand the magnitude of this gift I freely give, and learn not only how the body works, but more importantly, the soul-Yes, I see your beauty too. So tell my beloved no need to say goodbye, merely a farewell will do. For we'll all meet again soon and everything will make perfect sense. Yes, from dust unto dust I shall return-But , oh, what a glorious dust I shall be! Amen.
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