The Morgan brothers' career as morticians was influenced by pivotal life moments and historical events, showcasing their dedication and resilience.
Marvin and Melvin supported each other to cope with the emotional toll of their profession, emphasizing the importance of living life fully.
Deep dives
The Morgan brothers' unique journey into becoming morticians
Marvin and Melvin Morgan, twin brothers, were influenced by pivotal moments in their lives, including being born on the same day in 1954 and witnessing the segregated burial sites in North Carolina. These experiences led them to pursue a career as morticians, starting by hanging around funeral parlors at a young age and eventually becoming mortuary technicians after overcoming initial challenges. Despite various job roles in different fields, their fascination and commitment to handling death remained constant.
Marvin and Melvin's impactful roles during major events
The Morgan brothers played significant roles during historical events such as 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Marvin worked tirelessly at Ground Zero, deeply affected by the experience of handling numerous bodies following the attack on the World Trade Center. During the peak of the pandemic, they faced the overwhelming task of handling a high volume of deceased individuals, including friends and coworkers, showcasing their resilience and compassion in such challenging circumstances.
Life reflections and lasting legacy of Marvin and Melvin
Despite the emotional toll of their work, Marvin and Melvin supported each other, discussing and processing their experiences to cope with the difficulties of their profession. Their dedication to service spanned over 60 years collectively in New York City, demonstrating a profound appreciation for life and a deeper perspective on mortality. As Marvin retired and Melvin concluded his career, they reflected on their journey, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest and defining one's purpose in the face of mortality.
There are people who help us at every stage of life –– from the moment we're born to our last breath. But at the end, who's helping us when we're gone? On the season finale of the StoryCorps Podcast, twin mortician brothers look back on a life of caring for the dead.