Every year thousands of people say goodbye to the deceased in the funeral hall with large glass windows and a view of Vienna’s central cemetery. One floor below, the house staff are making preparations for the cremation. Cornelia Lacina, operational manager of the crematorium, is primarily responsible for this.
Behind curtains lies a glass room, which Lacina reveals at the push of a button. There are sofas and armchairs in it, it looks like a living room.
Reactions from family members are very different
When the coffin goes up and is moved into the 850 degree oven via a rail built into the floor, the reactions of the relatives are very different, says Lacina: “There are people who stay very close to the window because they cannot wait for everything If you want to miss something. Then there are some who turn away because they can’t bear to actually see it. Some immediately leave the room, others hug each other and cry. Still others bring food and toast the deceased with champagne.”
Distance is important
Witnessing this sadness day in and day out is anything but easy. “You have to be empathetic, otherwise you can’t do this work,” says Lacina. But you must also learn to create a personal distance between yourself and the grief of your family members.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
