Silent Teachers: Unnamed Professors in Saving Lives

After death, the father became more patient. He entrusted his precious body to medical students so they could learn that death can also have a continuation: a continuation of a human mission to save the lives of those who are still alive.

Father, calm and silent, rested in the dissection room. His death certificate was issued, but he became a teacher of students who will one day take an oath to save human lives. As if his father was not done with this world yet. Years before he left, he spoke many times about his will, which makes every loved one's heart tremble when he hears it. He had received a body donation card and had a letter of appreciation for this decision. With firm insistence, he reminded his family and relatives of his wish: after his death, let's hand over his body to the University of Medical Sciences. My father was at peace with death, but not with his nothingness. In those days, even hearing this will was painful, but today I stand tall by remembering it. It took me a long time to understand why my father insisted so much on repeating his will. He was thinking of the day when he would no longer be able to defend his will, and it would be up to us to stay true to that decision. He wanted others to know, maybe if sadness makes us forget his will, someone will remind us of it. Father was afraid of our love, the love that wanted a grave, a tombstone, and an address on the day of farewell. He was afraid of our longing so that he won't win his wish. Father's will was not only about the fate of his body, it was about respecting the decision he had consciously made for after his death. On the 26th of Mehr 1403, my father, Morteza Niazi, passed away. Sorrow and shock were with us, but none of us opposed his request. With anger and tears, we left the father to his will. In medical schools, those who donate their bodies for education are called "silent teachers". Along with these teachers, students get to know the human body and prepare for a day when human life depends on their knowledge and skills. My father became one of these teachers. Quiet, silent and unhurried. Body donation is different from organ donation. Here, a human body is provided for medical education at its own will. Behind every donated body, there has been a human life, a family, memories and loved ones who must be loyal to his decision in the heart of mourning. A doctor whose knowledge was accompanied by honor and kindness. Although I am sorry to mention his name, but I cannot forget his memory and gratitude. He himself prepared my father's body for training, with dignity as if he had taken his own dear. He was by our side during the difficult days of bereavement, with unparalleled kindness and empathy. What paved this unknown path for us was not only his knowledge, but his human dignity. These days, it has been two years since the passing of my beloved, who became dear to others after his death. Therefore, the absence of his grave is an expectation that still continues... Now I know why the father insisted on his will. He wanted the last decision of his life not to be completed. His father left and stayed. My father, your grave is waiting for you. When you have finished your mission, I will lay my head on the cold stone of your grave and cry. I have never been so proud of you, great man. Your daughter, Shima.