Josiane Cristina de Oliveira Portes has a unique understanding what happens to us after we pass away, thanks to her somewhat unconventional job.

The mum-of-two used to be a cleaner but was eager to try something else, so signed up for a course to become a mortician.

Now, her day-to-day routine at the morgue where she works includes preserving dead bodies, preparing them for the funeral, and comforting bereaved families – she’s even had a few supernatural experiences.

Josiane, 42, says she’s extremely ‘passionate’ about her new role, and she shares stories, opinions and tricks of the trade to her 718,000 followers on TikTok.

‘When I was young, I was afraid of the dark, deaths, and ghosts,’ said Josiane, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

‘But now I take care of those who cannot take care of themselves, I care for the love of someone’s life.’

Explaining how the deceased are preserved after death, she continued: ‘The procedure occurs through a pump called an injector pump that, through the circulatory system, makes this fluid circulate throughout the body, as the fluid is injected or bled and drained through the vein.

‘In thanatopraxy, it is important to slow down the progress of a body decomposing.

‘As the time passes, the bacteria will proliferate, making the body leak fluid through the nose and mouth and placing the health of others at risk.’

When Metro.co.uk spoke to Lianna Champ, 59, the UK’s first female undertaker and embalmer, she explained: ‘Families can then see and spend time with their loved ones looking more like they once were, without the risk of infection and without any unpleasantness. It’s a temporary preservation treatment we give.’

Josiane’s other tasks include assisting the family with their requests, such as putting clothing on the body ahead of the burial, painting their nails and applying makeup.

The TikToker revealed how she cleans the bodies including washing and styling their hair, saying she has the loved ones of the deceased in mind throughout.

‘I take care of [the body] in the best way so the family will be able to say goodbye as calmly as possible,’ said Josiane.

She has allegedly had some spooky and unexplainable incidents happen at work too.

Josiane explained: ‘Sometimes when I am with a body at the table doing the procedure, I am completely certain that I am being observed. I can smell them but I am not afraid.

‘One of the most impressive things that happened in my profession was one night when I was preparing the body of an 80-year-old lady.

‘I left the body on the table after treating her with fluids, which need time to work. So in that time I covered her up, turned off the light, and went on a break for 30 minutes.

‘I came back, switched on the light, and when I did it went on and off a couple of times, and I saw a body stood next to hers.

‘It was terrifying and exciting at the same time.’

Josiane also makes a point to remain impartial on how the person lived their life before death, adding: ‘If a person dies and has crimes in his life, for example, I’m not a judge. I work in an attempt to help the family.’

However, despite loving what she does, Josiane does encounter prejudice from people who don’t agree with her job, especially online, saying people refuse to enter her home or sit near her because of her work.

‘I respect them anyway,’ she says. ‘My profession, as I always say; I live by death, I respect death and I am not afraid of it.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Source: Read Full Article