This sponsored press release is paid advertising by Christman’s Funeral Home.

People often ask me about the role I play with families and other clients as their Funeral Director.

As the name implies, my job is to direct the service so that the wishes for the service are carried out specifically as requested. No two services are alike, and it’s up to me and my staff to apply our background and experience to every situation that arises. If you study industry trends, there is a variety of ways the details can be worked out, starting with the decision to hold a variation of a traditional or cremation service.

When a death in the family occurs, it usually hits like an explosion. It may be expected, but the reality of the moment always hits hard. It’s then that we realize there is a new reality to deal with. Life must go on without someone who has always been there.

That’s when the Director takes a leadership role. Ideally a pre-planning session has worked out the details, but even if that is not the case, the Director asks the right questions, learns about the life of the deceased, and orchestrates the service according to his or her wishes. As much as possible, this becomes a celebration of a life well lived. It becomes, in reality, the perfect farewell.

A Director is also sensitive and empathetic toward the people left behind. If grief counseling is appropriate, the Director has professional resources to refer to the family. In all cases, this is not just a service that is performed and forgotten. There is always follow up with families and clients.

We are proud to say that Christman’s Funeral Home has been a resource for local families over many generations. Part of that reason is our complete understanding of the role of the Funeral Director, including the importance of continuing.