ConnectingDirectors.com - Funeral Industry Articles By: Kathy Jackson

The first draft of my thesis has taken flight. It will spend several months going back and forth between the faculty committee which acts as my advisors and editors and me before it will be sent to the two outside readers for their comments. The completed thesis is 350 pages long and represents four years of participation observation research which was spent primarily at one funeral home. It has been a long learning curve , one which is not over because I have submitted my thesis.

Read more: The First Draft Of My Thesis Has Taken Flight

Houston, do you know where my community is located on the map? Can you tell me who lives and works in my community? Have you considered our ethnic and religious diversity or our economic status? Did you spend time speaking to the owners of local businesses? Have you taken the time to reflect on the history of our funeral home and its commitment to service?

I suggest that the answer to all these questions is NO.

Read more: Funeral Industry: “Come in Houston. Houston we have a problem.”

Recently I considered applying for a pre-need position when it became available. I considered it very briefly before deciding that I could not sell a funeral today for some tomorrow. I thought about the facts – I know a lot about funeral and memorial services. I know about personalization and how to create a funeral that reflects the person who died as well as the people who are left behind, the bereaved. I am aware of the legal ramifications of pre-planning as it applies to the executor’s decision to carry out the wishes of the now deceased as they are specified in the arrangement. I know the laws concerning embalming and disposal. I am even able to explain the procedure of embalming as well as cremation. In my mind I do not see a difference between going to the cemetery for a committal service and going to the crematorium to perform the very same ritual for the deceased. I have taken the time to learn about not only my own cultural response to death but that of many other cultures. As well, I am tuned into the social changes which are impacting on our decisions concerning funerary ritual and disposal. So, why didn’t I jump at the opportunity to become a pre-planner, to sell funerals and memorials to people with the insight to look ahead and recognize the stressors placed on every family? Clearly it would be an opportunity in which I could educate any number of people about our deathways and the choices which are currently available to them.

Read more: No, I Cannot Sell You a Funeral Today For Some Tomorrow