 ARENAC COUNTY - One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in life is to enjoy your life’s work. So, it’s reasonable to wonder how it is that people in the funeral business can possibly like their jobs. I usually find myself in a quandary when broached with the question. After all, it’s not like we get up in the morning with jubilation and joy in our step, knowing what the day’s duties will entail. On the contrary, on funeral day, it’s usually something more like a gob of tar in the gut about the size of a football that takes occupancy rent –free up until the point that only a glimmer of taillight is seen from the last family vehicle, exiting the cemetery where their loved one will rest for eternity. It is most often only then that there is a sigh expelled from the depths of the lungs, allowing the knot in the bellows of the abdomen to dissipate. A relief; a time for reflection; and the mechanics of the job begin again. There’s no glamour to burying the dearly departed, but it can be rewarding, far more, than meets the eye. At our small firm, acquaintances become friends; and what used to be simple waves to strangers on the morning streets now become longer chats; hugs; and sometimes tears outside the post office doors. And the family stories, challenges, lessons and laughs shared, learned and cherished – all moments of inspiration and reward. Just recently a widower, let’s call him Henry for this blog’s sake, came into our chapel to pay his respects for a neighbor who also suffered a loss. It was great to see Henry and even more of a relief when he appeared to be healthy, peaceful and sincerely chipper, since the loss of his lovely wife months prior. He seemed to be progressing quite well. When asked what he had been up to, he discussed the normal ever-exhausting estate work, but added excitedly that he had also recently purchased a new loveseat for his home. I suppose it’s not that unusual of an act for someone to be excited about a piece of furniture, but I really can’t remember a time when my late husband ever yanked about a couch. Maybe, a recliner chair, television or stereo system, but never a couch. But, hey, if Henry was excited about a loveseat it was a good enough reason to share in his enthusiasm. … What type of couch did you buy Henry? Well, it’s a blue Harley Davidson two-seater ... It’s sittin’ in my living room, he says, adding he’s pretty sure he can still ride and will swing by the funeral chapel in the spring to show it off. Yes Henry, God-willing, we know you will be droppin’ in because we know you have the spirit and the spunk to achieve whatever you set your heart on. God bless you and all of our families who reward us with the gift of friendship and teach us daily about character, strength, courage and so much more. The blessings go to you. ~Roberta |
 |
|||||||
 
|
|
 |
|||||
    |
|||||||
