INDUSTRY INSIGHT
I
FUNERAL SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
What’s the story of your life?
t’s really a simple question, one that if I asked most people, they
would easily be able to answer for different parts. At different
stages of our lives that story would be different. Really, for some it
is chapter after chapter; others are very simple. When we look at
that story we are so good at writing out the beginning and the middle.
Oftentimes we neglect the end. For many it is neglected because we
are afraid of the ending. You see, we have no control over that ending.
The ending of a story is always a challenge. In my observations of
life, I see so many people with short- and long-term goals — people
always striving for a finish line and often looking to win the race.
What’s in teresting is that winning and endings are always defined
differently for everyone. Because we often focus on the beginnings,
goals, and aspirations, it always baffles me that we don’t or are just
afraid to focus on the end of our stories and how they will be told. I
really believe it stems from two things. First and obviously, we do not
know the ending. Second is we are afraid to talk about what an ending
means, afraid that we will not have anymore chapters to write at some
point in our lives. So the challenge
really becomes, “How
do I want people to
remember my story?”
Although we
might not be able to
physically write or see
our last chapter, others
will see it and write it.
The question is who will
be the one to do that
for you and what will
they say? Interestingly,
most of us can control
how people will tell that
story. That story is repeated and told
when family, friends and community
come to say goodbye at a funeral.
About 10 years ago a gentleman
who had lost his wife came to me
and asked me to make sure we told
his story. He left that storytelling
to me. It was an honor. Simply, he
wanted a service in the church he
attended and to be buried with his
wife. You see, he had limited family who really didn’t have much to do
with him. We would talk every couple of months and he would update
me on his life. On a Monday morning my son, the pastor and I told
his last paragraph. We remembered his story and honored his life and
made sure he was buried next to his love. The smallest goodbyes are
sometimes the most meaningful to me.
Recently I received a call from our local hospital. The staff had a
person who had died and had no family; they were not sure what to
do. I gave them the directions of what to do and the county was able
to handle the rest of the arrangements. It bothered me that no one
would be able to tell his story. If only he had reached out beforehand...
So really the question is, who will you let tell your story and last
paragraph? Who will you let talk about crossing the finishing line? Will
it be a combination of people or a single person? Will it be someone
you choose or maybe a person you’re not sure will tell your story
correctly?
Our family is more than funeral directors. We are storytellers.
We help people through that fear and loss of control. Although
we don’t know when or how, we can help people make sure
their final chapter is told the way they want it to be told. My
question is always the same: Do you want someone else
deciding how to tell your final chapter or do you want to make
sure it is being told your way?
At Sperling Funeral Home we can help you in a relaxed
and comfortable atmosphere to put that story together. We
make that planning simple to start — in person, by phone,
or through our website. Most importantly we just start by
listening; listening to your story and how you want it to be
told. Because we all have a beginning, middle, and end.
If you have questions about us or our
services, please feel free to call or find us
on Facebook. You can also learn more
about our family and services by visiting:
www.sperlingfuneral.com
Sperling Funeral Home, Inc.
700 Blazier Dr. • Wexford, PA 15090
Jarett D. Sperling, Supervisor
724.933.9200
NORTH ALLEGHENY
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FALL 2018
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