10 Things I've Learned About Funeral Service...

Sorry for the long delay between posts Friends. Hopefully we are back on track now.

Well, we've closed the books on our first month in business. Jim and I are humbled and grateful beyond words for the generous outpouring of trust and support from the Charleston community. We have served so many wonderful families -- some of whom we will have a continued connection with. It's been a month of growing, learning and finding our own in the funeral business. We're a little different -- and people are starting to catch on. It's exciting to see the path that's being set out for us. I've learned so much - I couldn't begin to share it all. So, I've made a list of the TOP TEN.

10 THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT FUNERAL SERVICE:

10 - We are all flawed, fallen, mortal humans. Death is a part of life. Dealing with loss is a part of living.

9 - Waffle House is just as good after a long night of working, as it is after a long night of playing.

8 - True love is being by the bedside of your spouse of over 50 years as they let go of this life.

7 - Morgue attendants are really nice people, not creepy like on TV.

6 - Working 16 hours a day by your husband's side on YOUR business is more satisfying than working 8 for someone else's.

5 - People are buried in caskets, vampires live in coffins. You want to get under a funeral director's skin?? Ask to see his coffins. 

4 - You never know what will connect you to other people - living and passed. I've felt closer to my Dad in the last month than I have my entire 29 years. My husband says he would be proud of me -- and that's something I've waited my whole life to hear...

3 - Nurses are God's angels on earth. They've done it all, seen it all and without a lot of sleep --- and yet, they are always a joy to work with.

2 - You will get looks when driving a hearse.

1 - Life is a gift --- every minute of it. Seeing death on a daily basis helps put insignificant things like bad hair days, bad attitudes and bad traffic into perspective.

Well Friends, I hope you enjoy the rest of your week --- stay tuned for updates!!

MD

Thank you for checking out The Great Undertaking! This is going to be an exciting journey -- and I look forward to sharing it with all of you.

My husband and I started SIMPLICITY Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services in Charleston, South Carolina as an alternative to the "traditional" funeral home. A little less than a month in to business ownership - we are learning a lot about the funeral industry, our selves and our marriage.

I grew up in the funeral industry. My grandfather, father and uncle were all funeral directors. My father passed away when I was a baby -- but I imagine he is getting a good chuckle now -- watching his daughter marry a fellow funeral director -- and start a life in the death care business.

My husband has been a funeral director for over 15 years. People often ask "how did you get into that line of work"?? My answer: its a calling. You must have a heart for the hurting, the patience of Job and the ability to find joy in LIFE, while serving families who are dealing with death. My husband was truly called to serve as a funeral director. He is calm, fluid and easygoing in any situation. He puts families at ease and takes everything in stride. I, on the other hand, am better at life than I am at death. But, that's what makes this journey interesting......