From the Archives:
“Does This Mean You’ll See Me Naked?” by Robert D. Webster, a Funeral Director reflecting on 30 years of “serving the living”.
This book was plucked from the pile of summer reading material because it had the word “Naked” in the title.
Webster’s personal accounts of a 30 year career in funeral service was fascinating. I respect the fact that Mr. Webster is conducting serious business. Hats off to the funeral professionals especially those that take the time to re-live and share those moments.
However, near the end of the book I grew weary of his chastising the media and public for improper use of industry jargon. The book began to feel like a vanity statement and a plea for respect.
Example: “Coffins” versus “Caskets”. According to Mr. Webster “coffin” is an outdated term used by the uninformed and says he can “almost forgive the casket buying consumer for such uninformed terminology” and “media types” should know better.
“Visitation” versus “Wake” Mr. Webster takes himself very seriously. He goes on to admit that:
“Perhaps my thoughts on this subject are much ado about nothing, but I feel that the services I perform daily should be described with the utmost correctness, if for no other reason than respect.”
Highly recommended is “Remember Me”, by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen who liberally uses the “c” word (coffins) and even put one on the cover! Cullen explores the changing world of funeral service from an outsider’s perspective. Remember Me is a winner.