The Funeral Business

I think you have to be a different type of person to work in the Funeral Industry. The first thing people ask me when they find out where I work is "Isn't it sooo depressing?" Funny thing is I don't find it that depressing. I can say that the people I work with are very UP Beat funny people.

In order to be able to face grieving people all day you need to be able to shake it off at the end of the day. This is for sure a LEAVE YOUR WORK AT WORK kind of place. If you were to start bringing home all the things that we experience throughout the day we WOULD be really depressed.

There are certain defining moments though that make you question whether or not you can hack it. I remember within my first month of working in the funeral home we had a sixteen year old boy commit suicide in a very (for lack of a better word) different way. I will never forget the feeling in the office that day. No one laughing or joking, no stopping by others desks on your way somewhere just to chat, just sitting staring mindlessly into my computer.

I remember driving home bawling wondering okay can I do this...do I want to do this....wondering why God takes people so young..wondering why does dying need to be a part of life and then it hit me dying IS a part of life. We don't often know why it happens the way it does or why it happens so early for some but it is the one thing that all humans have in common. We all live to die and see others around us die.

This all sounds pretty depressing but really its not it has actually given me a bright outlook on life. Everyday I am reminded that I need to live life to the fullest not complaining about the little things or even the big things. Of course I still do but God kinda seems to give me a kick in the butt everyday I come into work with a sour attitude. Things can ALWAYS be worse.

I often get to put together video tributes of peoples lives. I have to say what an honour it is that families trust me with this responsibility. I really enjoy looking at the pictures people are so interesting and to be able to relive their journey and create a tribute to them is the reason I still work in the funeral industry.

Grieving people sure teach me a lot. Through them I have learned the importance of having a support group, being honest about everything and forgiveness. You can sure tell the difference when families are at peace when their loved one passes compared to if families have left things unsaid between each other.

Remember that life is so short. We never know what tomorrow brings us but as long as we go to sleep at night at peace with everyone, with yourself and knowing that you have done everything in your power to bless the people around you that day whatever happens tomorrow will be easier to handle.

And NEVER forget to tell those you love how much they mean to you! EVERYDAY!

So LOVE YOU ALL!!

Until next time.