cemeteries
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Celebrating Friendship and Career Journeys: Our StoryCorps Interview
Last month, my best girlfriend, Doris, and I were interviewed by StoryCorps about our lengthy careers as funeral directors. The interview was posted today and is also being aired throughout the day on NPR. It was truly enjoyable to share stories, reminisce about our careers, and discuss our friendship with listeners. These moments of reflection…
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Solemnity, Shopping and Studio 54
This morning’s funeral was a particularly sad one, as no one came to support the next of kin at the graveside. It was marked by profound loneliness and sorrow, where the absence of friends and loved ones was deeply felt. The weather matched the somber mood perfectly, with gray, cold, overcast skies as if the…
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A Day in my life —A Cemetery in the Snow, a Law Seminar and Stories to Tell
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…
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The Spritz Cookie Recipe
Soft and buttery, Spritz cookies originated as a Scandinavian Christmas tradition involving a unique preparation process. The dough is pressed through a special tool with patterned holes, creating intricate shapes. Once baked, these cookies are often coated in chocolate or other flavorings. Nowadays, this tradition is celebrated across various countries and cultures, with countless home…
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How I Became the “Cemetery Writer”
Today seems like the ideal day to explain how I became known as a cemetery writer. Early on in my career as a funeral director, I learned some essential lessons: the value of rituals, the deep need to say goodbye, the illusion of closure, and the importance of a lasting memorial. In my interactions with…
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Exploring the Final Resting Places of 10 Retail Legends
There’s a reason why New York City is one of the world’s shopping capitals – so many of America’s best-known shopping destinations got their start there. Stores like Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany’s, and F.A.O. Schwarz are all synonymous with high-end shopping, and the final resting places of their founders can be found in some of the city’s…