Acknowledgments
Introduction
Prologue
The introduction highlights two coincidences that demonstrate my
gullibility concerning death and dying, and what life would be like married
to a funeral director.
CHAPTER 1-IN THE BEGINNING
Moving from the rejection of owning and living in a funeral home to
accepting that active role as a funeral director's spouse took time and
family deaths to change our life's direction.
CHAPTER 2-WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE DIES
Pick-up of the body to the finalization of arrangements for the funeral are
depicted. Information is provided concerning cremation, organ donations and
flat fees.
CHAPTER 3-VISITATIONS AND SERVICES
The need for mourners to feel a sense of peace and tranquility is
important. The 'live-in' children provide many challenges as anecdotes are
shared.
CHAPTER 4-THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL
A sequential account of what transpires on the day of the service is
recalled. Unwanted appearances of funeral home children and/or pets are
noted.
CHAPTER 5-GRIEVING THE LOSS
The acceptance of your loss, your hope for the future, and your spiritual
renewal lie in your taking the painful journey through grief.
CHAPTER 6-THE PAIN OF SUICIDE
One person's self-destruction has a 'trickle down' effect on survivors.
Suggestions to help assuage family members' grief are included.
CHAPTER 7-FAMILY LIFE STYLE
Family members share their stress of what living around death
entails-missed vacations, lack of privacy, being quiet, and how it often
affects future career plans of children.
CHAPTER 8-THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S ROLE
The qualities that are expected and demanded of a funeral director and the
effect of these specific characteristics on other family members are noted.
CHAPTER 9-A SPOUSE REMEMBERS "OOOH!
How can you have your husband touch you after he has been working on a
body?" The day-to-day life of handling such degrading remarks, parental
duties and funeral home obligations are included.
CHAPTER 10-HOW OUR CHILDREN THRIVED
Living in a home with plenty of love and a measure of normalcy help
children thrive when death surrounds their homes.
CHAPTER 11-STRESS TAKES ITS TOLL
Coping with depression, anger, health issues, worry, disappointments,
remorse and sadness are emotions that affect many members of a funeral
family and need resolution.
CHAPTER 12-GROWN CHILDREN RECALL THE PAST
As adults, our grown children reminisce concerning their lives in the
funeral home as they remember them.
CHAPTER 13-LOOKING BACK
Three people share their stories of despair followed by their painful
journeys to recovery. They offer helpful advice to others who may find
themselves in similar circumstances.
CONCLUSION
Death and dying are events that are inevitable for everyone. Viewing death
with hope of eternal life can help people enjoy life and not fear the
future.
EPILOGUE
A brief follow-up of what happened to our family and the paths each of us
chose to follow are shared.
GLOSSARY
APPENDIX A-Sample Obituary Online
APPENDIX B-Helpful Information for Family to Know
