It takes a remarkable person to work in a funeral home. The last time I was at a funeral home was two weeks before Christmas in 2009 for my 27-year-old cousin. John lived in New York and he fell down the subway stairs; it was freezing that night and the stairs were icy. He was in a coma and died a week later in the hospital of pneumonia. During my cousin's wake, I wandered off from the crowd that had gathered to mourn. I happened to speak to a woman who worked at the funeral home, I think she was one of the directors. I asked her, "How does she do it?" At the end of last month, I got my answer.

Originally, I was writing a story how funeral homes were, if at all, being effected by the economic recession. As I knew I would, I got more than that and ended up writing a story about working in a funeral home. John Thomas, CEO of Forest Meadows, invited me to a tour of the work and care that goes into running a funeral home, and helping the families on their journey dealing with death.

I got to see the crematory that was in the back! They had fans blowing air circulation in the room because it was so hot. When Mr. Thomas brought me back there, the machine was in the process of doing its job. He explained to me how the workers monitor the crematory, the weight of the person, and to be sure there is no smoke from the smoke stack. Also, I had the chance to see ashes. I'm not sure how to describe how I felt.

I was scared, but at the same time I wasn't. My family is very open talking about death; just the way it is. Seeing the ashes of someone reminded me that this happens to everyone. We will face this one day and it is scary to think about, but at the same time it isn't. Personally, I think about my death every day and I think it is healthy to do that. I don't think about it in a negative way merely just putting my life in perspective. It helps me come to terms with death for myself and dealing with deaths of loved ones. I am lucky that I still have two grandparents left, but I know they will not be with me forever. They have lived long, happy lives. When it is there turn, I will be sad, but it will not be a tragedy. John's death was a tragedy.

Everything the employees of Forest Meadows do and all the people who work in funeral homes is amazing. They love to help families and they love people. They enjoy the work they do. Helping families on the journey of dealing with deceased loved ones is a task that is not always easy, but they have big hearts. Mr. Thomas said that is takes special people to work in a funeral home and that it isn't for everyone.

They're up late in the middle of the night working long, hard hours, and on call. It is recommended that anyone thinking about a career in the business should work as an apprentice at a max of three years before going to school. In the state of Florida, it is legal to be an apprentice before or during your time at school while others states like Ohio require you to go to school first and then be an apprentice. Mr. Thomas said that being an apprentice before school is better since it gives hands on experience if this is something that you can do or...even handle. Dealing with the death of child is always hard no matter who you are and that includes the funeral directors as well.

Thomas worked at a funeral home in high school. After 8 years in the Army, he knew he wanted to go back to working in a funeral home. When he was young, he watched the funeral director and the care given to families. As another man I spoke to, Frank Washington of Washington Funeral Home, he said it was a calling. Mr. Washington also worked at a funeral home when he was young. He saw the care, compassion, and strength needed for the job.

It wasn't until my cousin's death that I really wondered how funeral directors do what they do. I didn't understand it or how anyone of them could stay sane. After talking to Thomas and Washington, the tour of a funeral home, and writing the story, I felt better. I knew that you had to be a special person to have a job like that, but I did not know how special. How much strength and compassion. I admire it so much.