Credit: Associated Press and photographer Sal Veder

This is Thanksgiving weekend — a time to reflect and give thanks for the lives we are living.  Those of you who are old enough will remember back in 1973 a time when our nation gave “Thanks” for our prisoners being returned home, some following years of captivity, from the Vietnam War.

And, there was probably no image of that thankfulness more ingrained on Americans than the thankfulness expressed in the photo “Burst of Joy”.  “Burst of Joy” captured the family of returning U.S. pilot Col. Robert Stirm on the tarmac of Travis Air Force Base in California upon his return.

We also learned last week that Col. Stirm died on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2025, in Farifield, California, at the age of 92 years.

Here’s what was said of this photo in this recent article from Military.com:

“Burst of Joy,” the iconic black-and-white image capturing the Stirm family at Travis Air Force Base in California, was published in newspapers throughout the nation. Taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder, it won a Pulitzer Prize and has continued to resonate through the years, a symbol of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

The same article reported the following about Col. Strim:

“Stirm, a decorated pilot, was serving with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron based in Thailand in 1967. During a bombing mission over North Vietnam that Oct. 27, his F-105 Thunderchief was hit and he was shot three times while parachuting. He was captured immediately upon landing.

He was held captive for 1,966 days in five different POW camps in Hanoi and North Vietnam, including the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” known for torturing and starving its captives, primarily American pilots shot down during bombing raids. Its most famous prisoner was the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, who also was shot down in 1967.”

Another article featuring Col. Stirm and announcing his death appeared in Stars & Stripes and you can access that article here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

In what I would term an “Honorable” press release from Death Care consolidator and operator Foundation Partners Group, the company is using this day to not only honor all American military veterans but to illustrate some of the military veterans who continue to “serve” in the realm of Death Care.

According to the press release, “Foundation Partners employs veterans in locations across the country, many of whom continue their mission of service by helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.”

John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group, had this to say in prepared remarks from the press release, “Veterans Day is a perfect time to demonstrate our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by our team members who are military veterans and to recognize the value they bring to our business.  The dedication, discipline and spirit of service fostered during their years of military service continue guide the work they do every day—providing comfort, care and respect to the families who depend on us. . . . . . We celebrate these veterans and hundreds of others who we are proud to call members of our Foundation Partners family, today and every day.”

Here are profiles of four veterans that Foundation Partners Group highlighted:

Cedricjuan (C.J.) Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps veteran C.J. Wilson was born into a family of funeral directors and set his sights on the profession long before joining the military. His 16 years in the Marine Corps included deployments to Africa, Iraq and Australia. His primary role was motor transportation operator, but it was his service as a casualty assistance calls officer that reignited his passion for funeral service. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson joined Foundation Partners in 2024 and now leads the decedent care center at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“Veterans Day is a day that I reflect on all those who give the United States a blank check that says, ‘I will defend you at all costs,’” Wilson said. “I continue to carry that military spirit and mindset every day.”

Chris Nickelson, U.S. Army

A U.S. Army aviation officer, Chris held distinguished leadership positions both stateside and in combat, which prepared him well for his current role as vice president in Foundation Partners ‘ Acceleration Office. Over nine years of service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. During his last deployment, he assumed his second command as leader of the task force maintenance company where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance program for all helicopters in Eastern Afghanistan and led the downed aircraft recovery team. In addition, he is a qualified pilot in command and air mission commander on the AH-64E Apache Helicopter and flew numerous combat missions.

“After the military and a short stint in the private sector, I found myself looking for a new job,” Nickelson said. “In my search, I wanted to prioritize service to community. Prior to coming across the Foundation Partners job posting, I never thought of a career in funeral service. After my initial conversations with Foundation Partners, however, I knew this was the perfect place to continue service to the community, albeit in a different capacity than that of an Army officer.“ 

Savannah Googins, U.S. Air Force 

A career with meaning, a steady paycheck and the opportunity to see the world led Savannah Googins to the Air Force, where she served four years and rose to senior airman before being honorably discharged in 2011. She attended college with the help of GI Bill education benefits and later took a sales job at a cemetery. Today she serves as general manager at Edwards Memorial Center Funeral Home and Crematory in Lakewood, Washington.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and being able to guide families through placement at a national cemetery and explain their benefits is always a highlight of my day,” Googins said. “I also take great pride in assisting with active-duty funerals. Picking decedents up from the flight line with their families is always a great honor because I can make sure they get the send-off they deserve for serving our country.”

Scott LePage, U.S. Navy

A naval aviator deployed two times to the Gulf, Scott LePage knows a thing or two about leadership. He served 10 years leading technical and operational teams to achieve high levels of readiness for squadron operations during essential missions. The son of a military veteran and proud father of a current Army combat medic, LePage has led teams across multiple industries and currently serves as Foundation Partners’ chief operating officer.

“In the military, I was surrounded by people who put ‘others before self’ and were willing to focus on what they could do to improve the world around them, despite the personal challenges it might create for them. I find that our team at Foundation Partners shares many of those qualities and I am proud to serve alongside team members as we make a difference for the communities and families we serve,” LePage said. “I appreciate that we recognize our veterans throughout the U.S. in many meaningful ways. I like to keep in mind that, when one member of a family serves, the whole family serves. For our friends and neighbors who are in that situation, it can be simple things like an offer to help, a quick check-in or a small expression of appreciation that gets them through the day. Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to recognize all who have served and continue to serve.”

More news from Foundation Partners Group —  Here is a couple of recent press releases from Foundation Partners Group

Related — Here is the Journey to Serve website.  Journey to Serve is a unique Death Care campaign to get military veterans to look for careers in Death Care upon discharge.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Foundation Partners Group Honors Military Heroes on Veterans Day

Team Members Reflect on Continued Service

WINTER PARK, Fla. (November 4, 2025) –This Veterans Day, Foundation Partners Group proudly honors the courage, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces — including the many veterans who are part of the Foundation Partners team.

“Veterans Day is a perfect time to demonstrate our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by our team members who are military veterans and to recognize the value they bring to our business,” said John D. Smith, Foundation Partners CEO. “The dedication, discipline and spirit of service fostered during their years of military service continue guide the work they do every day—providing comfort, care and respect to the families who depend on us.”

Foundation Partners employs veterans in locations across the country, many of whom continue their mission of service by helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. Their leadership, teamwork and commitment to others exemplify the company’s core values and elevate the level of care provided in every community Foundation Partners

Four of those veteran team members shared their thoughts on Veterans Day and how they continue to serve as funeral industry professionals.

Cedricjuan (C.J.) Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps veteran C.J. Wilson was born into a family of funeral directors and set his sights on the profession long before joining the military. His 16 years in the Marine Corps included deployments to Africa, Iraq and Australia. His primary role was motor transportation operator, but it was his service as a casualty assistance calls officer that reignited his passion for funeral service. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson joined Foundation Partners in 2024 and now leads the decedent care center at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

“Veterans Day is a day that I reflect on all those who give the United States a blank check that says, ‘I will defend you at all costs,’” Wilson said. “I continue to carry that military spirit and mindset every day.”

Chris Nickelson, U.S. Army (pictured above, left)

A U.S. Army aviation officer, Chris held distinguished leadership positions both stateside and in combat, which prepared him well for his current role as vice president in Foundation Partners ‘ Acceleration Office. Over nine years of service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. During his last deployment, he assumed his second command as leader of the task force maintenance company where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance program for all helicopters in Eastern Afghanistan and led the downed aircraft recovery team. In addition, he is a qualified pilot in command and air mission commander on the AH-64E Apache Helicopter and flew numerous combat missions. 

“After the military and a short stint in the private sector, I found myself looking for a new job,” Nickelson said. “In my search, I wanted to prioritize service to community. Prior to coming across the Foundation Partners job posting, I never thought of a career in funeral service. After my initial conversations with Foundation Partners, however, I knew this was the perfect place to continue service to the community, albeit in a different capacity than that of an Army officer.“ 

Savannah Googins, U.S. Air Force 

A career with meaning, a steady paycheck and the opportunity to see the world led Savannah Googins to the Air Force, where she served four years and rose to senior airman before being honorably discharged in 2011. She attended college with the help of GI Bill education benefits and later took a sales job at a cemetery. Today she serves as general manager at Edwards Memorial Center Funeral Home and Crematory in Lakewood, Washington.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and being able to guide families through placement at a national cemetery and explain their benefits is always a highlight of my day,” Googins said. “I also take great pride in assisting with active-duty funerals. Picking decedents up from the flight line with their families is always a great honor because I can make sure they get the send-off they deserve for serving our country.”

Scott LePage, U.S. Navy (pictured above, right)

A naval aviator deployed two times to the Gulf, Scott LePage knows a thing or two about leadership. He served 10 years leading technical and operational teams to achieve high levels of readiness for squadron operations during essential missions. The son of a military veteran and proud father of a current Army combat medic, LePage has led teams across multiple industries and currently serves as Foundation Partners’ chief operating officer.

“In the military, I was surrounded by people who put ‘others before self’ and were willing to focus on what they could do to improve the world around them, despite the personal challenges it might create for them. I find that our team at Foundation Partners shares many of those qualities and I am proud to serve alongside team members as we make a difference for the communities and families we serve,” LePage said. “I appreciate that we recognize our veterans throughout the U.S. in many meaningful ways. I like to keep in mind that, when one member of a family serves, the whole family serves. For our friends and neighbors who are in that situation, it can be simple things like an offer to help, a quick check-in or a small expression of appreciation that gets them through the day. Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to recognize all who have served and continue to serve.”

Smith added, “We celebrate these veterans and hundreds of others who we are proud to call members of our Foundation Partners family, today and every day.”

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.  

Loop Biotech launches the first mushroom urn for pets on World Animal Day: “A Positive Pawprint” 

DELFT, The Netherlands, October 2 – For millions of people worldwide, pets are beloved family members. Saying goodbye is always painful, yet it can also be meaningful. On World Animal Day, Loop Biotech unveils the Loop FurEver™, the world’s first urn grown entirely from mushrooms, offering a sustainable and loving way to honor pets while giving back to the earth. 

“Our pets give us unconditional love. Yet farewells too often end in urns made of metal, ceramic, or plastic – products that pollute the planet. That must change. With Loop FurEver™, farewell transforms into new life: memories live on while nature is restored,” says Bob Hendrikx, founder of Loop Biotech. 

The urn comes in two sizes: 0.5 liters (for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, parakeets, and small dogs) and 1.5 liters (for larger dogs). Families can keep it at home as a soft remembrance or bury it outdoors. Within 45 days, the urn completely returns to the soil, enriching biodiversity and nourishing new life. 

A Positive Pawprint 

Each urn is grown in only seven days from mycelium – the root network of mushrooms and nature’s most powerful recycler – combined with upcycled hemp fibers. Like the Loop Living Cocoon™ (mushroom coffin) and the Loop EarthRise™

(urn for people), the new product reflects Loop Biotech’s mission: to turn every farewell into an opportunity to enrich the earth. 

A global and growing need 

The pet funeral industry is expanding rapidly. Worldwide, tens of millions of dogs and cats are buried or cremated every year, with cremation accounting for the majority. According to Grand View Research (2023), the global market for pet funeral services is growing by an average of 11% annually, driven by stronger emotional bonds between people and their pets, and the growing demand for sustainable choices. 

“We see a clear shift: more families are looking for sustainable, 

nature-friendly ways to say goodbye to their pets. The Loop FurEver™ offers comfort while directly giving back to the planet,” says Amaryl van Ravenhorst, Pet Funeral Care Netherlands. 

“Loop’s mushroom urn is a groundbreaking innovation that fits perfectly with the global movement toward sustainable funeral products. It makes farewells more natural, personal, and meaningful,” says Peter Biemans, Funeral Products. 

Available now worldwide 

Through partnerships with funeral care providers and distributors, the Loop FurEver™ is already available in Europe and North America. It can be purchased via crematoria, pet funeral homes, selected retailers, and the Loop Biotech webshop. 

About Loop Biotech 

Founded in 2020 by Bob and Lonneke Hendrikx, Loop Biotech is the creator of the world’s first mushroom coffin and urn. From its base in the Netherlands, the company develops funeral products that enrich nature. Since 2021, thousands of families in Europe have chosen Loop Biotech for sustainable farewells. With the launch of Loop FurEver™, the company extends its mission to pets: restoring balance with nature and creating new life from every goodbye. 

Source 

Grand View Research (2023). Pet Funeral Services Market Size, Share & Trends Report, 2023–2030. Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com 

Today is the holiday Americans celebrate as Labor Day.  And while many of us reflect on the ceremonial “End of Summer” others in the Death Care profession are busy tending to the needs of the bereaved.

It’s a day when Funeral Director Daily does not want to bore you with some long story but it is also a day to pay homage to the American worker.  As you are well aware of there are all kinds of American workers that make this country move forward.  As you read this article some are on duty as funeral directors, some are on duty as truck drivers, some are on duty on the American farm helping to put food in our grocery stores and on our tables, and some are on duty protecting our country from those that would want to do us harm.

Whatever your occupation. . . Thank you for making the sacrifice to make this country work and move forward.  And, if you are an employee or one who manages employees we have a couple of employment related articles articles that we think might make for good reading on this day.  Here they are:

From our friends at CLA:  “The new overtime tax deduction:  What employers need to know”. 

From Michael Page:  “What to do if you don’t get the salary increment you want”.

• According to the National Constitution Center, Labor Day is not only the ceremonial end of Summer but it is the unofficial end of Hot Dog season. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans will eat 7 billion hot dogs.

• In 1950, according to the United States Department of Labor, 65.4% of men worked full-time and 36.8% of women worked full-time.  In 2022 those percentages had increased to 75.8% of men and 65.7% of women.

Enjoy the Day!!!

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

I bring you this Memorial Day thought and tell you that it is a slight reprise from an Easter message of thanks that Funeral Director Daily produced during the days of the pandemic lock down. . . . The crux of the message, with a little editing to bring it up to date, seems to still ring true today and for Memorial Day. . .Enjoy and may God Bless the memories of our loved ones and may God Bless the United States of America.

I’ve thought of Oscar Bergner this week.  I first started working in my home community as a funeral director in 1980.  Like so many small communities, the military veterans in those communities volunteer as Honor Guards and rifle squad members when another veteran has passed away.  Oscar, a widower, but in his perfectly pressed white shirt, tie, veteran’s cap, and still pretty dapper at 84 years of age, was at all of the services in those days as one of our county’s last World War I veterans.  He was always kind, courteous, and loved to talk to me about my generation and what was going on in my life.  I’ve thought back this week and thought of Oscar who was willing to go to battle for his country against the Kaiser’s uprising — and be across the Atlantic even amid the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1917.

I’ve thought of Darrel Flaig this week.  Darrel was hired as a funeral director by my grandfather in 1929 and delayed his retirement after my father died so I would have the chance to work with him in 1980 as the third generation of my family to do so.  He was an incredible servant to the families he took care of and much of that servant attitude rubbed off on me.  He was also pretty practical, but a little blunt with his advice, “Don’t drive the hearse so fast!  People will think you just can’t wait to get the next one.  . drive with dignity.”  Darrel never thought it was any thing more than his duty, but he talked about having to care for a community that suffered at different times from diphtheria and polio epidemics. . . it was just his duty as a funeral director to safely take care of the deceased for the community’s sake.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

And, I’ve thought of my dad this week.  I’ll be at the cemetery today to visit his grave along with my mother’s grave as well as other members of my extended family.  I’ll notice a death date of April 9, 1977, on my dad’s monument. . . .signifying 48 years since his death.  I now look at that date and realize it was the day that my childhood ended.  April 9 was Easter Saturday in 1977 and Dad had given the entire staff the Easter weekend off in spite of having two funerals that Saturday.  He had a sudden heart attack that day and left a 50-year old widow and this 19-year old son . . . . and the viability of a small town funeral home was uncertain.

What my dad and mom (who died in 2011) did leave me, however, was a faith in God and values to place the comforts of others before my own.  And, I now believe those kinds of values are just what it takes to be a funeral director and serve your community – like Darrel Flaig did for 51 years.  So, today at the cemetery, I’ll thank my mom and dad for giving me those values.  I continue to believe that the best funeral directors still have those values and also believe that great businesses lay their foundations with great values.

Memorial Day —–  remember those you loved. . . and those who gave you your values.  And, forever remember those who died for our country . . . not a perfect country, but one which was built on the values that many of us still hold dear.

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

When I served my community as a funeral director I had a couple of expressions that I absolutely lived by:

1. “Underpromise and overdeliver”
2. “Have a low ego and high output”

I worked very hard to deliver on everything I promised and to do so in a personal way where nothing was more important than the families I was serving.  I found out that once you live with that thought it simply becomes a mindset and way of life.

It’s why I get disappointed at times with my service at Funeral Director Daily.  My aim is not to deluge you with thousands of emails in your inbox but to simply put one article out every weekday morning and hope that you anticipate getting it and get some practical knowledge that you can put to use from the short daily article.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Like needing a police escort to a cemetery or trusting a far away funeral firm or trade service to bring a client’s deceased relative to your funeral home I have to rely on some things that are out of my control to accomplish this task.

And, like the police that get called away to a crime or accident scene, or the trade service that cannot get death certificates signed in time, or an airline flight cancellation, sometimes the situation is out of your control – and you feel absolutely helpless.

With Funeral Director Daily it is technology.  I count on the website in which I write my articles to have them designed and ready for dissemination to my readers at a certain time. . . . .I also count on a company to then pick up those articles and distribute via email  at a certain time every day.

I’m certainly not perfect and have had my share of mistakes — such as putting P.M. instead of A.M. on a publish time at times or putting the wrong publish day down.  I do, however, work hard to keep that to a minimum. . . .and double, triple, and quadruple check most of my articles.

However, there are times where I’ve got everything right and I get up at 6 am and check the 4 am distribution email — I get the FDD article email in three different accounts just to be sure it is not the account that is down — and the article is not in my inbox.

It happened last Friday and again on Monday and Tuesday. . .

When that happens I have a back-up plan.  A 12:00 noon Eastern Time distribution available.  When the distribution e-mail does not go out at 4 am I notice that at 6 am when I am up and simply re-calibrate the e-mail to be sent at Noon.  That’s my back-up that I have to use once in a while. . . . However, on Friday andMonday the back-up e-mail also did not go out — for the first time in the history of my blog, the backup did not work.

That’s when a call to the distribution technology company comes in and we get them working on the issue.  As I write this on Monday, now Tuesday morning, that company is checking but still does not really know why it did not pick up my articles and disseminate them to FDD  subscribers.

We will find out, learn from it, and be better for knowing.  I apologize to my readers and sponsors and we will try to get to a fail-safe situation but I’m guessing that will never happen in the world of technology.

One consolation of this happening is that I hear from faithful readers who are Johnny-on-the-spot to let me know that they didn’t get their Funeral Director Daily article that day.  While it is no fun to know that the article did not go out as planned there is also some solace in knowing how much many of you appreciate my daily articles. . . . So thank you.

If there is anything to learn from this situation it may be a comparative with the local clientele you serve.  Maybe it is the police escort that doesn’t show up right at the proper time or some other situation that you cannot control.  My guess is, however, if you have served your community or clientele with diligence and competence for some time, it may be at that time that your clientele realizes how often you do things correct and without a hitch and how being a responsible funeral director is big a part of a community’s well being.

Sorry about last Friday, Monday, (and now this morning). . . .I will continue, even with an occaisional hiccup, to work harder and smarter to make Funeral Director Daily a product that you can count on.

Update —  After being assured by our provider that all things were back to normal on Saturday for us, our email did not go out again yesterday (Monday morning) as mentioned.  When I contacted our provider today I received this message that indicates the issue may not be on our part. . . .Hang with me, I’ll get it right eventually.

“Thank you for reaching out to Mailchimp Technical Support. We currently are experiencing an internal issue that is refraining support from being able to look into your account. You might also experience some issues with logging into Mailchimp, test email or regular emails not being sent, and the Mailchimp site running slow. If you have any technical questions over tools or Mailchimp I would be more than happy to help assist, however if you are needing assistance with your account or a specific Campaign I will be needing to convert this chat over to email so we can further assist when these issue reside. We thank you for your patience and assure you we are working promptly to resolve any errors present.”

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

It is often impossible to take care of other responsibilities when attending funerals. With the help of Henrietta, NY cremation services
, you can plan the perfect funeral service. You will have many decisions to make, including when to hold your funeral service. In addition to deciding the date of the funeral service
, a variety of other decisions need to be made. In order for such a decision to be made, a loved one must have died.

Weekdays

Funerals at funeral homes are more common on weekdays than on weekends. Churches and funeral homes rarely offer services on weekends. Weekend funerals should be possible at funeral homes and venues. As long as the funeral home has that day available, you can choose almost any day that works best for you.

Timing

Death usually occurs three days after the funeral of the deceased. As a result, grieving people should also be given more time to prepare, since they need so much time to prepare. In general, funerals should not take longer than two weeks, but waiting longer than that isn’t ideal. It’s up to you and your friends to choose what works for you and them. It is not necessary to follow any rules when it comes to holding a funeral.

Check Availability

A funeral director usually makes himself or herself available on a specific day, so you’ll know when to expect him or her. It is always a good idea to consult with your family before scheduling a funeral meeting.

Check With Family

There is only a short period of time after the death for funeral arrangements
to be made. It cannot be overstated how important it is to give guests a priority.

Even though it can never compare to the pain of losing a loved one, close family members and friends should be involved in funeral planning. Funeral arrangements should take into account the deceased’s partner, family, and friends.

Your loved one is most likely to respond if you visit them when they are most available. Typically, family members who work nine to five attend funerals on the weekend. People who are retired might find it more convenient to attend a funeral during the week. The people who are most important to you shouldn’t be left out during a time of grief.

It may be more convenient for guests who travel from far away to attend funerals on certain days of the week. Commuters are most likely to attend funerals during the weekend, on Mondays, and on Fridays.

The day of the week when Henrietta, NY cremation services
, should be selected. Funerals for loved ones who are particularly important should be arranged on a convenient day and place. Funerals mark the end of a journey of bereavement; they are just the beginning. A life well lived will be remembered when the people you love are surrounded by you on that special day. By focusing on the good things your loved one did, your family will be able to remember the good things they did.