Things Funeral Directors Don’t Tell You
- We tear up every now and then
As sentient beings, there are bound to be certain moments that stir strong feelings within either because it resounded with us or evoked certain memories. Do not be surprised to see tears welling up in our eyes.
2. We have learnt to take things one day at a time
Seeing death up close and almost daily has taught us that life is as fleeting as it can be. Why worry so much when death can technically happen anytime? Just live each moment to the fullest!
3. Like most caregivers, we are prone to compassion fatigue too.
Most family members are nice but like most service lines, it’s not unusual to meet nasty customers once in a while. Moreover, given the circumstance of the meeting where the bereaved family might not be in the best emotional state, negative emotions like guilt and anger might be redirected at us as we serve them.
4. We have to think on the spot most of the time and be flexible enough to come up with solutions
Different families have different needs and wants. Being able to improvise our existing resources to produce what families want is the magic we add into the equation.
5. Behind the smart suits we wear, is sweat and hard work
It is not all glamour with the suits we wear, especially when we become drenched in sweat at the end of the day with all the hard manual labour of carrying cadavers and coffins. The humid weather in Singapore does not help with this.. AT ALL!
6. Cadavers do have a smell and it gets worse by the hour
Decomposition happens after death and of course the longer the duration, the more waste products would have been produced, leading to these not so pleasant smells emitted by the deceased. Regardless, our very dedicated workers still transport the bodies in the most dignified manner because hey, that’s our job!
7. We 包山包海 including carrying the paper products for burning to the metal cage
Conducting funerals requires teamwork and thankfully, the females on our team are strong and hardworking in carrying out their duties.
