Why Would You Want To Do That?!?
By Emerald Anderson
First and foremost, let me begin by saying that I have never written a blog, or even really read a blog, so bear with me!
I can distinctly recall the day that I walked into my grandma's small apartment, sat down at her tiny kitchen table and said, "Grandma, I'm going to start working at a funeral home." Her eyes grew big and she exclaimed, "What in the world would you want to do that for?!? That sounds awful!"
This is fairly common reaction in our industry, and it makes sense. From a very early age many of us are taught that death is something to be feared, avoided, and not to be talked about. It is an unknown, surrounded by mystery and rumor. The fact is, unfortunately, that each of us will experience deaths of family and friends, and inevitably we will face it ourselves, although we like to believe we are invincible.
So, back to the question at hand, why in the world would I want to do something like this? Frankly, my interest in mortuary science began as a sort of curious inquiry. I had been very fortunate in that I had never lost a loved one prior to my interest in mortuary science. I can't pinpoint when it began, where the interest came from, or even why, but as I dove deeper I was fascinated by the inner workings of the funeral home.
Today, as a licensed funeral director, my answer is much simpler. I love helping the families that we serve. I love the feeling of helping a wife have the chance to see her husband look better than he has in months. I love helping children honor their beloved father exactly how he would like to be remembered. I love sharing a family's tears, receiving their hugs, and offering support as they face one of the hardest times of their lives. I find myself in the most rewarding position that I could ever imagine, and am so honored to serve our families each and every day.
There is absolutely no career in the world like funeral directing, and I couldn't picture myself anywhere else.
Emerald could be the same as my fascination with cemeteries. There is history to share, same as with the funeral industry. Look at all the picture boards that are present at a funeral and visitation-history of the life of the one who has passed. History is our future
ReplyDeleteI agree. I always think that it's amazing to look through everyone's photos at a visitation or funeral service and see all of the moments of a life captured on film.
DeleteI have always wanted to work at a funeral home. My uncle was an undertaker and my aunt's in-laws owned the funeral home in Estelline. I grew up not afraid if them. Death is fascinating. I was with my mother and grandmother when they passed. It's very special. I feel the same about cemeteries. I'm actually trying to start up a little headstones cleaning and care business. I've done my relatives stones. I'd like to take on more. It would be awesome to do the really old stones that are neglect neglected by families.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is definitely a comfort that comes along with being able to be present in a loved ones final moments. Especially to know that they were surrounded by those who cared the most about them.
Delete