Robert Thurlin Alexander died while undergoing heart surgery in 2018. Robert's mother, Karen Knutson arrived in Oklahoma the night before the surgery. His sister, Tawnya Musser traveled there upon hearing that he didn't survive the surgery to arrange his home funeral at Uncle Bob's farmhouse. Robert was a tissue and cornea donor, a fact that may have given some families pause when considering having his body returned to them. Their story illustrates how reclaiming after death care, even in sudden and unexpected circumstances, can provide healing for heartbreak. 

Support the show