The Kind, Compassionate Staff

Barbara Falowski, Seated. Standing, (Left to Right) Chuck Lamont, Cindy Dietiker, Rene Alonso (Funeral Director), Elaine Smith, Frank Osiecki

The Funeral Director
God gave us hands to use for Him, to use in different ways.

Doctors use their hands to bring life into the world and to maintain life as long as possible.

Artists use their hands to capture life on canvas.

Authors write of life with its joys and heartaches.

Sculptors use their hands to give shape to their creative ideas.

But you, the funeral director, take that from which life has gone and attempt to work miracles, and you do. You have no life which to work, but you are expected to make your masterpiece lifelike.

Family and friends pass by and inspect your work, not knowing how many hours were spent, nor understanding the agonizing of the heart that went into the masterpiece you created.

You know that in a few short hours your masterpiece will return to Mother Earth, never again to be viewed by mortal eyes. Yet, you must go on, another day, another masterpiece.

You cannot arise in the morning and say, "I think I'll write another chapter in my book today" or "I think I'll work on my picture today."

When you arise you can say, "God gave me hands and a job to do-a job that is different from my friends. God gave me a special job to do. Today I am going to that which authors write about, artists paint, and doctors work hard to keep alive. I am going to create another masterpiece today. Together, God and I.

Yes, my masterpiece will return to Mother Earth, but God's masterpiece, man's soul, can live forever. I am a funeral director, using my hands for God.

-Ellie Bryant-