Ever Touch A Dead Body?

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I don't mean a body killed in war, just your average, home-grown corpse. I did, once, out of curiosity. It was my grandfather, & he was lying in his coffin in my grandmother's living room. I don't know if folks hold wakes any longer, as traditions seem to be dying in all quarters, but when I was about 16, they did. The house was noisy with people, mostly in the kitchen, where my grandmother sat, crying. I hadn't ever seen my tough little grandmother, whom I called "Mama," as her daughters did. It was disturbing, yet completely understandable, of course. Since she was surrounded by comforters, I wandered into the living room to look at Granddaddy. He had make-up on--at least powder, & I just had this sudden urge... I looked at him. This wasn't my grandfather, just a husk that used to hold him, so I thought he might understand my curiosity. He was an adventurous sort. I touched a finger to his cheek. I even pressed down just a little. To me, it felt much like a ripe avocado. There was a soft give, even though his face looked lean & hardened by the years of farming & other strenuous work. I learned later that it left a bruise, but of course I wasn't about to admit I'd left it! Mama was upset enough. So, I just want to know: were you ever this curious? Did you give into it? What was your experience like? Did you regret it (I never have)? Share, please! Maggiepie "Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted." ~ Jules Renard, author 1864-1910