This beautiful citrus swallowtail butterfly has taken up residency in the lavender outside our Pietermaritzburg office. Working in our industry can be incredibly tough, and we always need to look for the joy around us, as recalled in this story from owner, Dallas Gilbert, about funeral directing being a calling:
“I have often heard people refer to certain professions as a calling, and I wholeheartedly believe that being a funeral director is one of them. When asked why I chose this career, my answer has always been simple: it chose me. Allow me to elaborate.
Growing up and starting out in life, I was completely unaware of what happened when someone passed away, let alone that there were people who made a profession out of helping and caring for those in grief. Initially, the thought of working in an environment that dealt with death and grief seemed completely abnormal and macabre to me. In fact, during my first week in the funeral home, I remember feeling that this was not the career path for me.
However, as I walked through the funeral home one day, I came across a beautiful spray of flowers resting on a coffin. The vibrant colours and fragrant aroma were a stark contrast to the somber surroundings. In that moment, I heard an inner voice that said "you can't, but I can." This experience steadied me and allowed me to see the beauty that can arise from ashes.
Given another chance at life and any occupation of my choosing, I would still choose to be a funeral director. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve and help those in need during some of life's most difficult moments.
With much love,
Dallas Gilbert”