What Do Funeral Directors Do?

Matt Schichtel • December 13, 2024

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Someone in our town died away from home, the funeral director is traveling many miles to bring him home and into the funeral home’s care. The light is on in anticipation of his safe return.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Hospice called. The teacher who taught the funeral director -- and you -- in the third grade isn’t expected to make it through the night. He’s catching up on paperwork while he keeps vigil. Soon he’ll be called to the home and it will be his turn to take care of the teacher.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There are computer problems. The video tribute file a family sent won’t work. We’re staying late to make it right for their service.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


It was a busy day today and we still need to notify Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration of Mr. Smith’s death.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There’s been a terrible accident. We’re doing our best to make a loved one presentable so that they can say goodbye with dignity.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The obituary the Jones’s gave us for their father is full of misspellings. We need to correct them and get it to the paper.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re reviewing all of the details for tomorrow’s service. When will the celebrant arrive? Do we have drivers for the cars? Who will be the pallbearers?


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re checking tomorrow’s weather in case we need the umbrellas.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The light is on because your neighbor, the funeral director, is pacing the floor. He can’t sleep. Tomorrow, he will oversee the service for his daughter’s classmate.


Sometimes death is just too close, even for him.



www.heathfuneralchapel.com


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Since 1959, Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory has proudly provided Lakeland, FL, and surrounding communities with personalized care and meaningful, lasting tributes. They offer funeral, burial, memorial, and cremation services, focusing on providing families with comfort and support during life’s most challenging moments and planning a service that truly honors their loved one’s life. Their Lakeland location features spacious, accessible facilities that allow families to take comfort in knowing that their guests can gather with ease. Their privately owned crematory in Lakeland enables families to rest assured that their loved one is always in the care of their empathetic, professional staff. Visit heathfuneralchapel.com to learn more.

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