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Saturday, April 19, 2008DYING IN THE UAE As many readers of my drivel know, I recently had a death in my family.......a death that has left an enormous void in my life. My motherbylaw - a.k.a. Grandma or the LGHOL died recently. I was so wrapped up in caring for her that I didn't really pay any attention to the fact that she was terminally ill. I think I assumed that she would remain terminally ill for much longer than she actually was. My fatherbylaw died at home almost 18yrs ago, ironically from the same hateful disease of cancer. At the time & from his initial diagnosis, the doctor gave us an estimated time scale of what would happen. As his condition worsened, we understood that as heartbreaking as it was, arrangements would have to be made for his funeral. Death is big business in South Africa. Funeral services compete with each other & an average funeral can set you back a considerable chunk of dosh, which isn't always available when it comes time to exit this planet. Hence funeral saving schemes are very, very popular at home. Grandad (my fatherbylaw) never had one, so grandma took it upon herself to start getting quotes in. She actually got quite good at haggling over prices & even asked one popular funeral director if there'd be any extra charge if she wanted to put grandads dog in the coffin with him. (The dog had issues, trust me!) Eventually, a funeral director from a neighbouring town was 'assigned' & when grandad died, all necessary arrangements were in place. It might appear cold & calculating, but it definitely was the right thing to do. Fast forward nearly 18yrs & I'm in a way different country, with a very special person who is dying & I haven't got the first clue about what to do regarding funeral services. Grandma wasn't a great 'believer' in any religion, although she was a Christian. I was getting quite concerned about what to do when she was ready to give up her fight. One morning, I ran a search on Google for 'funeral services UAE'. The initial results weren't much help, but then I came across a reference for an article published in a local business journal, about a new funeral service that started in 2007, specifically for expats. I clicked on the link, read the article & then clicked on the webpage link to the site of this service. I phoned Middle East Funeral Services & spoke to Vivian Albertyn, who is a co-owner & the founder. I explained our situation & he assured me that I could phone him at anytime, day or night. Should we wish to use his service, he would take care of everything. I looked through the website, told Hubs about it & we agreed Vivian was the right man to help us. The following paragraph is on the webpage : - "The company is completely A-religious and we use local PRO's to fast-track documentation and educated staff to assist in the logistics of these delicate procedures; making this difficult time for the relatives just a little easier." You have no idea just how big an understatement that is honestly! From the moment I notified Vivian that grandma had died, he put the 'wheels in motion' & started making all the arrangements. He organised all the necessary paperwork, including the death certificate & cancellation of passport, a special permit to transport grandma from one emirate to another, the whole process of cremation - including a very nice reverend for a small service - everything in fact, right up to personally bringing the ashes back to us. I understand that like any other commerce, funeral services are a business. But having said that, personal touches will always take precedence over the cost. Vivian gave myself & Lilly - my granddaughter - a beautifully scented rose each & then gave my grieving husband one to place on his mother. He acted in a professional yet compassionate manner, from beginning to end. I cannot thank Vivian & Middle East Funeral Services enough.  
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