In the course of planning mom's funeral we met several times with the funeral director, Mark. He knew our family well because, for one thing, it's a small community. Everybody knows everybody, especially when you have lived there for 55+ years like my dad. In addition to that, Mark handled the funeral arrangements for my grandfather (my dad's dad) 35 years ago. As well as my grandmother's funeral (my dad's mom) 18 years ago.
I accompanied my dad to the funeral planning meetings and with my detail-oriented personality I had plenty of specific questions to ask. And plenty of preferences to share as we opted to take over several services the funeral home would have provided (programs, guestbook, etc.) and tweaked some of the small details of the services to ensure it fit our family. Mark and I communicated again when it was time to dress mom. And the day of the funeral we had several short conversations confirming details, the flow & order of things, and dealing with unexpected last minute issues. He also taught me how to easily pin a boutonniere so I'm pretty stoked to now have that skill!
(candid photo captured by my sister-in-law, Becca. I had no idea she was taking this picture. But I'm super thankful for it because I'm always the one behind the camera!)
When the graveside service ended he came up to dad and I to say a few things. Then he turned and looked me straight in the eyes rather intently, and with a serious, investigative tone he said, "Now . . . I need to know what your profession is."
Caught off guard by his question, I smiled and said, "I'm a stay at home mom."
I could tell that was not the answer he was expecting as he showed an air of disbelief. He continued, "Well, I think you need to be an event planner. Or better yet, I need you to come work for me."
We all laughed and my dad commented that he loved that idea if it meant he could get me closer.
After our stay at the cabin last weekend, I remained in California for a few days with my dad while the rest of my family went home. We met with Mark again, briefly, to discuss mom's headstone. In parting, he mentioned that job offer again and to dad said, "Dan, what can you do to get her to move here and work for me?" My dad laughed and said that if he knew a way, he would do it.
It's not everyday that you get a job offer in a funeral home. Twice. :)
We super loved Mark and he was so great to work with. It makes me happy to think of all the people in our small community that he has served & lead through this tough process over the past 35 years. They were all in very good hands.
