I am extremely blessed to be able to do what I do. The ability to work with some of the most amazing people in the world during such intense times helps put things in perspective everyday. I think it is the Peace Corps. that claims the statement: "The Hardest Job You Will Ever Love." I fully believe that statement about my career in service to greiving families. It is physically, but moreso emotionally exhausting, but I would not want to be anywhere else, doing anything else.
A truly safe and non-judging environment, honest respect, a hug, an ear, a warm smile. These are some of the most important gifts people have given me in my life, and I truly beleive they are among the most important I can give to others. Being gentle with those who are fragile due to greif is just so important as well as being available to needs and responsive to concerns.
We don't simply count on our years of experience to help families. We are continualy striving to improve our services by staying current with technology, state and federal rules and regulations, along with truly hearing what our families tell us they need.
Having a passion for funeral service and how truly important it is in helping families through greif and honoring lives causes us to work harder everyday to improve how we can help families.
My father used to say: "God gave you one mouth and two ears for a reason, you are supposed to listen twice as much as you talk." He was an excellent listener. He didn't just nod his head, he really heard you. Each time we are called on to help a family, I strive to listen and truly hear them. After all, each family and person within a family is unique and has their own needs in the situation at hand. If I am to help them, I must first find out from them what their needs are. Some find comfort in being busy, others want as few decisions as possible. Some want to celebrate lives and some don't feel at all like celebrating. I have never met two people or families alike, and put everything I have into serving each family in a way that truly fits their needs.
People count on us to be knowledgable. Our passion for helping causes us to strive always higher in our abilities. The best way to help is to be willing and able. We are constantly working to expand upon our knowledge base and offerings to exceed the expectations of the families who honor us with the priviledge of helping them through such an important time. To feel confident in your professional, is to feel at ease, and that is one of the important things we can give families.
The best thing I have found to help people is to look to the sky and say "Help me to help them"
Whether you have a hug to give, or need one, don't be stingy! When you give one, you get one and vice versa. Hugs are a way of expressing that you care, when there are just no words to say.
Thank you for allowing me to be a funeral director and I wholeheartedly and sincerely thank those who have allowed me to help them.
Marnie