Matters of Life and Death
Infinity: Without end.
The precise origin of the infinity symbol is unclear. It’s possible that it is inspired by older religious/alchemical symbolism. For instance, it has been found in Tibetan rock carvings, and the infinity snake, is often depicted in this shape.
In Chinese culture, today is one of the luckiest days ever: 8-8-8.
The timeless symbol can be found in our Infinity Urn Necklace, and is our most popular selling style of cremation urn jewelry.
Funeral Report from PA:
The flowers were beautiful and the service was very nice..Nelda had asked the minister to do the service when Pauline’s mother died , she had picked the Legion and the caterer so most of it was done….there were 75 or more there and they stayed for the lunch and for about 3 hours after.. I have discovered an upside to cremation …you can bring the person home with you and that seems to make it easier somehow…Matt (Nelda’s grandson) gave a short eulogy and there was not a dry eye in the house as they say…he turned out to be the perfect choice…Nelda would have been so proud of the turnout….she always worried that she had no friends…..love to all in MO…..d
To my knowledge, Nelda is the first member of our family to be cremated. And for sure the first one to reside in the home AFTER the funeral. The plan is to scatter her ashes at a later date.
Nelda T. Dierwechter Ward, 86, of North Manheim Township, PA., died Thursday evening upon arrival at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, PA she was a daughter of the late William H. and Florence M. Hummel Dierwechter.
She was a maintenance worker for Boscov’s Department Store, Pottsville.
Surviving are a son, Lendal D. Neil, Fair Grove, Mo.; a daughter, Delphine O. Dierwechter Bohn, West Brunswick Township; a brother, Vernon L. Dierwechter, North Manheim Township; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., Hamburg, is in charge of arrangements.
What a week! And Friday topped it!
I had an appointment with a local client who wanted to see some items for her pet. On the way to the meeting, the phone rang and a friend of the client introduced herself as “J” and stated that she would be acting as a representative for the client. Long story short: the client had passed away the night before. She was 46.
Well, that was kind of odd.
Frankly I was a wee bit nervous, the client had special ordered several styles of our pet urns.
J was only interested in one item.
The day before she died, client told J about our meeting and how special the necklace was and that when she died she could be buried with her “baby” close to her heart.
J found my number on her friend’s cell phone noted as “urn lady”.
Next: We pack up the urn for my grandmother.
Dad sat in my living area used the laptop to pick out the urn.
Very courageous. As a retired firefighter from one of the busiest firehouses in the nation, he’s not exactly an advocate of cremation.In the car on the way to lunch, I asked my dad how he would eulogize his mother.
Silence.
Music UP: “I Did It My Way”.
Tim had an interesting post on Final Embrace regarding internet shoppers and how they’ve affected the funeral industry. The internet has made a dent in the funeral director’s world. But the funeral director needs to look in the mirror.
Cue up Cher, “If I Could Turn Back Time”. On the local scene I’ve interviewed funeral directors that left me shaking my head. Several years ago, we (me, myself and I) surveyed the local market to determine what the cremation landscape was like. The numbers reflected growth, but were low compared to other parts of the country.
Frankly, what I saw was a market not being properly served. Insert disclaimer here: “We do not actively pursue sales in the state of Missouri.”
I was looking at the big picture, reading the trades, looking at the projections. I knew that the growth was there.
So the conversation on the local scene was a surprise, when these middle aged men admitted that:
While discussing sales numbers with an experienced gentleman who retired from the highest volume operation in SW MO, he was surprised at the number of urns I sold per month. Waaaay more then he imagined.
Another operator who morally despises cremation, admits that cremation is now 30% of his business, and continues to climb said, “If I was 20 years younger, I’d do things a lot different.”
Right. What are you doing today?
And the real kicker? The one that still makes me smile: “Buying an urn on the internet is undignified.”
Why? Is it because I’m not wearing a suit while I run the client’s credit card?
Some funeral directors have told me they have “exclusive” arrangements with their vendors and only carry what said vendor doles out. This usually comes from the director that just said the families aren’t buying an urn.
I understand about relationships with your vendors and I’m all about the service. But if the product is not working for you or your families… then maybe it’s time to look at options that DO serve your interests. I have years of experience dealing with sales weasels representatives and trust me, if you are a good customer, your “friend” will do what is necessary to keep your business.
Most of my clients are Boomers and X’rs. Most know what they want, many have been to the funeral home and didn’t find what they were looking for. And some, well, I’m doing the funeral directors a favor by shielding them from the frustration of the family that googles “cheap urn”.
Note to self: Add category for cheap urns.
As a consumer, I don’t want to spend a great deal for funeral goods. Most people I know feel the same way. Certain members of my family prefer burial and that wish will be honored with services likely to be held at the funeral home. Personally, I like one stop shopping. I don’t see myself shopping online for a casket. But if $5000 is the national average for a burial, it’s still more than I want to spend.
Today’s Thought for the Day: Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Dali Lama