Page A14 September 2024 It’s September! My last few columns have been tackling some uncomfy things. They needed to be addressed. I’m going to keep having tough conversations, but this month is my birthday month and the beginning of fall. This change in season and month of celebration deserves a break from the storm clouds and a little bit of sweetness. There is still so much sweetness in this profession, little moments of pure humanity that shine through. I’ve been reminiscing about some of mine recently and thought I would share. Nearly 100°, humid, and I’m covered head to toe in a black suit, standing at the entrance of the cemetery. I’m waiting for the family to arrive and staring longingly at the sprinkler spraying cool drops all over the grass nearby. When was the last time I ran through the sprinklers? As I wait, melting, a woman in a big SUV is driving out of the cemetery. Her white hair is pulled up in a pretty ribbon. She pulls over nearby and hops out of the vehicle leaving the door open. She bounces and skips through the sprinklers. She’s giggling and spinning and not giving one care about her meticulously created outfit. Then she waves at me with the biggest smile on her face and drives away. Another day, the family has left and I’m standing next to the casket, waiting for the cemetery staff to arrive and assist in getting the casket placed in the crypt of the outside mausoleum wall. It’s lunch time and I’m the last service before break. The whole staff starts gathering, even though it’s a two-man job. As the wall is getting sealed, one of the guys has placed himself in the dirt of the garden. He’s stacking sticks and leaves, making a little house. “Whatcha doing?” “I’m making a fairy house.” The men start laughing but in a joyful way, not mockingly. One gives a suggestion for decorations. Another picks up a rock and throws it at the house. “Hey! Stop! You’re gonna ruin my creation and hurt the fairies.” “Oh, it’s fine, they haven’t moved in yet.” “I bet they don’t even like manmade houses.” This group of men was, they gave our whole table breakfast courtesy. I cried, they cried. Everyone cried into their pancakes. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Our jobs can be so sad and stressful. This is just a little reminder to pay attention to the tiny moments of light that happen throughout. They really do all string together to weave such a beautiful life of service. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at Marika McMeans is a first-generation Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, born and raised in the Midwest. She began her career in the industry at the age of fifteen and was managing a firm by age twenty-two. In 2015, she relocated to Rochester, New York. She is a graduate of the New York State Funeral Directors Association Leadership Academy, a member of their Bridge Commission and a past member of several Task Forces and Committees. She is the current President and Continuing Education Coordinator of Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association. Her goal, now and always, is to help support and guide the next generation of funeral directors. really gave me faith in humans that day. This week I received two thank you cards from families I had served. My coworker had a family bring her flowers and a card to arrangements because they were so appreciative of everything she’d already done. Some families invite me into their lives long after the funeral takes place. I recently had coffee with the granddaughter of a woman I cared for a few years ago. It was incredible to see her healthy and thriving. Her family all added me on Facebook and regularly send sweet messages reminding me that they hold a place in their heart for me. I’m not sure they will ever understand how much those reminders mean to me. It is a blessing to see them move through life, celebrating proud moments while honoring their loss. Humans are so resilient and I’m grateful to bear witness. I will be “mad” for the rest of my life that I missed this and none of my coworkers took photos. We had a penguin in the funeral home! The person that died was the penguin guy at our local zoo, so they brought his cute little buddy in to say goodbye. Oof my heart. I love when they bring in the fuzzy family members. Bring on all the puppies! Have you ever gone and played trivia with your coworkers? You should probably do that. Our entire staff went out to celebrate that we survived the holidays. It’s like a Christmas party but for a bunch of staff who all have different religious backgrounds and work through the holidays. It started with food and drinks and ended with unexpected Trivia. You’re not really a family until you hear your coworker yell out the wrong answer during a tense game of (quiet, write down the answer) trivia. I also really thought the retired principle that works with us would have more answers. I think he was just having too much fun laughing at us. I went to a local restaurant with a group of friends after a morning hike. Turns out our funeral home had cared for the family that owned the restaurant. When they realized who I By Marika McMeans Musings with Marika 720-583-1886 info@duncanstuarttodd.com www.duncanstuarttodd.com SINCE 1991 the 21st century, their funeral customs serve as enduring testaments to the resilience of their Viking ancestors. These traditions not only honor the past but also unite communities in shared grief and remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations. In exploring these traditions, one discovers not just rituals of farewell, but a profound connection to the ancient Viking spirit—a spirit that continues to shape the identities of Icelanders and Faroese alike in the modern era. Conclusion: Connecting Past and Present Funeral and burial traditions in Iceland and the Faroe Islands offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Viking culture in the North Atlantic. From Iceland’s embrace of fire through cremation to the Faroe Islands’ reverence for the earth in burial, these traditions reflect a deep-seated respect for nature and community. The blend of ancient Norse beliefs with contemporary practices underscores the resilience of cultural heritage in these remote island nations. As Icelanders and Faroese continue to navigate the challenges of modernity, their funeral traditions serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of the Viking era on their collective identity and sense of belonging. Glenn H. Gould III is the co-founder of MKJ Marketing and consultant to Tribute Technology. Glenn is routinely sought out by owners and managers in end-of-life care for his research and strategic planning. His books Deathcare Marketing, 25 FAQ’s and Funeral Home Marketing: Moving the Bottom Line serve as textbooks in mortuary schools throughout the U.S. Glenn’s articles appear regularly in all of the major industry publications, and he is a frequent presenter on funeral service marketing at seminars and conferences. Funeral and Burial Traditions of Iceland and the Faroe Islands supervised an accounting of his achievements prior to his death March 9, 1202. Bridging Past and Present Funeral and burial traditions in Iceland and the Faroe Islands serve as poignant reflections of their Viking heritage and cultural resilience. From Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to the Faroe Islands’ rugged seascapes, these ceremonies honor the interconnectedness of life, nature, and history. While modern influences have shaped these traditions, the echoes of Viking beliefs in honoring the deceased with simplicity, dignity, and communal support endure. As Iceland and the Faroe Islands navigate the complexities of Continued from Page A12 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Send Us Your News! info@NomisPublications.com • www.NomisPublications.com • 1-800-321-7479
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