Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

My day began early, as it always does. I’m a morning person, and I’ve found that the hours between 5:00 and 7:00 AM are an ideal time for writing, especially with my busy and often intense days at the funeral home. During these early hours, my mind is fresh, and there are typically no incoming calls. This morning, I also needed to prepare for a continuing a education law seminar presented by our state’s executive director. The seminar was held in a reception room at one of our local cemeteries, a setting filled with tranquility and history.

I arrived at the cemetery ahead of schedule, intending to visit the graves of people whose funerals I had the honor of arranging and directing. My usual practice is to leave a stone—one of the colorful ones I collect from the beach in the summer—at each grave after saying a brief prayer. However, the snow cover made that impossible today.

Despite the frigid temperatures, I took a short walk through the cemetery, pausing to photograph some of the more striking monuments that were visible. These images serve multiple purposes: they enrich my files, provide content for my cemetery blog and Instagram account, and inspire future article ideas. Each monument encapsulates a piece of history, telling a narrative waiting to be shared.

After my contemplative stroll, I joined my colleagues for the seminar. Most of the faces were familiar, but a few were new to me. I enjoyed making acquaintances and chatting with everyone.

The session was both informative and engaging, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of funeral law and practice. The crux of the seminar focused on funeral preplanning and the laws designed to safeguard people’s funds. The speaker emphasized the importance of understanding both revocable and irrevocable funding plans, ensuring that clients have a clear grasp of their options and the security of their prepayments. The knowledge gained is essential for staying updated on legal requirements and ensuring that we serve our communities with the utmost professionalism.

 After the seminar, I drove through the cemetery, enjoying the picturesque sights covered in snow. On my way home, I checked in with the funeral home, then called a lifelong friend to wish him a happy birthday. There’s nothing quite like a stroll through a cemetery to make you cherish longevity—in both friendship and life.

The remainder of my day was spent writing and planning. I sifted through my photographs and notes, organizing them for future posts and articles. My dual roles as a funeral director and writer allow me to blend my professional experiences with my passion for storytelling, creating a unique combination of vocation and avocation.

As the day wound down, I reflected on the significance of my work—sharing stories with colleagues helps with that. Each funeral I direct and every story I write serves to honor the lives lived and the memories cherished. This delicate balance of honoring the past while educating and engaging the present makes my dual careers deeply rewarding.

In the calm of the evening, I felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I have contributed to the legacy of those who have passed and provided comfort and insight to those who visit my blog. Tomorrow will bring new challenges and stories to tell, and I am ready to embrace them with dedication and respect.